Dundee Medicine Interview — Format, Questions & Prep Tips
Dundee Medical School's interview is genuinely unique among UK medical schools — neither traditional panel nor pure MMI. For 2026 entry, interviews are held in person at Ninewells (with remote online options via Blackboard Collaborate for international or exceptional cases), running in January 2026.
The interview has a distinctive two-part structure. Part 1 is a group discussion: you join ~5 other applicants and discuss a given healthcare scenario for about 30 minutes. Broad bullet points are provided, and an assessor observes without interacting. This stage assesses teamwork, communication and group skills.
Part 2 is an assessor-led discussion: the group moves to a new room with a different interviewer who asks each of you to talk through aspects of the scenario, your ideas, and your reasoning, based on the bullet points you discussed. This structured conversation lets the assessor probe your personal thinking, values and professionalism. Expect ~1 hour 40 minutes total including registration. Dundee selectors love reflection — articulate not just what you learnt but how it helped and what you'll carry forward.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Applicants per year
- ~1,800
- Shortlisted for interview
- ~480
- Offers issued
- ~190 (~40% of interviewed)
- Format
- TWO-part: group discussion + assessor-led conversation
- Duration
- ~1h 40m total (incl. registration)
Interview Format
- UNIQUE 2-part interview format (neither panel nor pure MMI)
- Part 1: Group discussion of a healthcare scenario with ~5 other applicants (~30 min)
- Bullet points provided; assessor observes without interacting
- Part 2: Assessor-led structured discussion in a new room — different interviewer
- Each applicant talks through their ideas, reasoning, contributions from Part 1
- In person at Ninewells (Dundee) for UK applicants
- Online via Blackboard Collaborate for international or exceptional cases
- Total ~1h 40m including registration; optional 30-min tour and Q&A after
Sample Interview Questions
(Part 2) Why dundee specifically, and how does the integrated curriculum suit you?
Reference Dundee's integrated 5-year MBChB, the strong international reputation, the Ninewells teaching environment, and the close-knit campus community.
(Part 1 — group) Discuss this scenario about NHS workforce burnout. What do you think the priorities should be? (Group of ~5 applicants, 30 min.)
Participate actively without dominating. Listen and build on others' points. The assessor observes group dynamic — your collaboration is being scored, not whether you "win" the debate.
(Part 2) In the group discussion, what did you contribute and what did you take from others' points?
Reflect honestly. Acknowledge specific contributions from other applicants by what they said, not by name. Show you listened actively.
(Part 2) Apply medical ethics principles to the scenario you discussed in Part 1.
Use the four pillars naturally. Don't announce frameworks — apply them. Reference specific aspects of the Part 1 scenario.
(Part 2) What did you learn from your work experience that you carried into the group discussion?
Concrete connection. Avoid generic "I learned communication" — be specific about how a real experience informed your contribution to Part 1.
(Part 1 group) The scenario involves managing a patient who has missed multiple appointments. What approaches should the team take?
Engage with the substance — explore reasons for missed appointments (transport, cost, anxiety, work). Suggest team approaches. Listen to others' angles.
(Part 2) A doctor in your scenario seems to overstep their role. What should be done?
GMC duty to raise concerns. Patient safety first. Constructive escalation. Not adversarial.
(Part 2) What attracts you to general practice or hospital medicine? Dundee teaches both.
Show realistic awareness of both. You don't need to commit to one — Dundee values applicants who keep options open with informed reflection.
(Part 2) Describe a time you contributed to a team where you weren't the leader.
Followership matters as much as leadership in medical teams. Reflect on what you contributed and learned about supporting others.
(Part 2) Should the NHS prioritise patients based on age?
Engage with QALY-based reasoning vs equity arguments. Acknowledge no single right answer. Show nuanced reasoning.
(Part 2) How will you maintain your wellbeing through a 5-year medical degree?
Concrete strategies: exercise, social connection, hobbies, knowing when to ask for help. Self-aware sustainability.
(Part 1 group) Discuss this scenario about explaining a diagnosis to a patient who speaks limited English. What should the team prioritise?
Interpreter services, written-translation, teach-back, family involvement (with patient consent). Listen to others' suggestions.
(Part 2) What concerns you most about a career in medicine?
Honest concerns + management strategies. Workload, burnout, emotional toll. Show informed self-awareness.
How to Prepare
- Practise BOTH parts: group discussion with peers AND structured 1:1 conversation. Different skill sets.
- In group discussions: contribute actively without dominating. Build on others' points. Make eye contact with the group, not just the assessor.
- In Part 2, reference specific contributions from Part 1 to show you listened.
- Read NHS Scotland news (it differs from NHS England) — scenarios may have Scottish context.
- Get a group of friends to practise the Part 1 format — solo prep won't prepare you for group dynamics.
- Have reflective examples ready that connect work experience to scenarios.
- Read GMC Good Medical Practice — Dundee assesses professional values.
Common Pitfalls
- Dominating the group discussion — Dundee scores collaboration, not assertiveness.
- Silent in Part 1, brilliant in Part 2 — assessors compare both. Contribute meaningfully in the group.
- Failing to reference Part 1 specifics in Part 2 — shows you weren't listening.
- Going abstract on ethics — Dundee wants applied reasoning anchored in the scenario.
- Generic "why Dundee" answers — be specific about the curriculum and Ninewells environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Dundee's 2-part interview different from MMI?
MMI rotates you through short individual stations. Dundee's 2-part format is one extended group session (Part 1) followed by one extended structured conversation (Part 2). You don't rotate — you stay with the same group for Part 1, then move with them to Part 2 with a different assessor. The format takes ~1h 40m total.
Are Dundee interviews really in person?
For 2026 entry — yes, UK-based applicants are expected to attend in person at Ninewells (Dundee). International applicants and exceptional cases may be offered remote interviews via Blackboard Collaborate. Plan travel accordingly.
How does Dundee use the UCAT?
Dundee uses UCAT cognitive subtests for interview shortlisting. SJT is considered separately. Recent successful applicants have needed an above-median UCAT.
How heavily does Dundee weight the personal statement?
Used to inform Part 2 conversation but not separately scored at shortlisting. Make sure every claim is something you can defend in conversation.
Does Dundee have a contextual offer scheme?
Yes. Dundee operates REACH Scotland and a Gateway to Medicine route that reduces UCAT and Highers thresholds for eligible Scottish applicants. There are also widening-access provisions for applicants from underrepresented UK backgrounds.
Is the optional tour worth attending?
Yes if you have time. The 30-minute tour gives you a sense of the Ninewells teaching environment. It doesn't affect your scoring — it's for your benefit, not the assessors'.
Sources & official admissions information
We cross-check every interview guide against the school's own admissions guidance and the UK regulators.
- Dundee — official admissions page — Programme overview, entry requirements, interview format and timeline straight from the school.
- UCAT Consortium — Official UCAT registration, test format, scoring methodology and free practice materials.
- General Medical Council (GMC) — approved UK medical schools — Statutory regulator. Approved medical schools, the registered-doctor register, and fitness-to-practise standards.
- Medical Schools Council — Selecting-for-excellence guidance, MMI principles, and an A–Z of UK medical schools.
Ready to nail your Dundee interview?
Book a mock interview with a current medical student who recently went through the same process.
See interview packages