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UK Medicine · 2027 Entry

Sunderland Medical School2027 Entry Requirements & Interview Format

Location Sunderland, UKEstablished 2019Interviews December - JanuaryDecisions Until May
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Overview

About Sunderland

Sunderland built its interview around a structured selection tool that rewards real paid work or caring experience over generic shadowing, plus a numeracy test.

What makes it different

No use of personal statement. The interview-selection tool reviews up to 4 examples of paid voluntary work or caring experience (shadowing doctors does not count). Numeracy test now part of the interview process.

Course & teaching

PBL curriculum. Five-year MBChB with PBL and case-based learning. Strong North-East NHS placement network.

Research strengths

Sunderland has notable research strength in Pharmacy & pharmacology, Public health, Cancer therapeutics, Mental health.

Intercalation

Optional intercalated BSc - limited spaces.

Interview

Sunderland interviews via Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI). Series of short interview stations covering motivation, communication, reflection on work experience and reasoning. Includes a 30-minute online numeracy test as part of the selection day.

Intake

~100 places per year (smaller cohort).

At a glance

Founded in 2019, based in Sunderland. Programmes offered: Medicine, Community Medicine.

TrueScore

Predicted UCAT for Sunderland

TrueScore

High confidence

What is TrueScore?

A data-driven estimate of the UCAT score you'll likely need to be invited to interview at Sunderland for 2027 entry entry — based on its published cut-offs and recent admissions data. Treat it as a target to aim past, not a guarantee.

  • Home1700
  • Contextual1680
Entry requirements

What you need to apply to Sunderland

A-Level requirements
AAA at A-level (no use of predicted grades - Sunderland considers achieved grades only)
Contextual A-Level offer
AAB at A-level for applicants who are both local and contextual
Required A-Level subjects
Biology or Chemistry required, plus a second from Biology / Chemistry / Physics / Mathematics / Further Mathematics / Statistics
A-Level resit policy
Resits accepted with AAB only - only the B grade needs to be resat
GCSE requirements
Five GCSEs at grade 7/A or above. Minimum grade 6 in Mathematics, English Language, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Dual Science may not be accepted (email to confirm). GCSE resits permitted prior to application (up to 2 attempts).
International Baccalaureate
36 points overall, 6,6,6 at Higher Level - including HL Biology or Chemistry plus a second science / Maths
Alternative qualifications
Sunderland does NOT accept international students - UK applicants only
UCAT Selection at Sunderland
Weighting

UCAT used as a 2nd-decile minimum threshold (top 8 deciles required). Beyond that, shortlisting via interview-selection tool - applicants discuss up to 4 paid/voluntary work or caring experiences (shadowing doctors does not count). Numeracy test added for 2025 cycle. No personal statement use.

SJT band

Band 4 is automatically rejected, no further use of SJT

Contextual / WP eligibility

AAB offer for applicants who are both local and contextual (vs AAA standard). Sunderland does not accept international students.

Home - lowest invited
16952022 entry17102023 entry17102024 entry16952025 entry

Strict 8-decile UCAT cut-off + significant volunteering/paid work/caring experience required for interview selection tool. International students NOT accepted.

SJT Band
Band 4 is automatically rejected, no further use of SJT
Specialities offered
Medicine, Community Medicine
Interview

How Sunderland interviews applicants

Format
Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI)
Interview window
December - January
Decision date
Until May
Post-interview chances
All Home Applicants: 353/731 = 48% (2025). Not for international students - home only.
Tutor insight
Prepare clear, reflective stories about paid work or caring responsibilities - the interview-selection tool prioritises commitment and depth of experience over volume. Practise basic numeracy under timed conditions before the day.
Practice

Practise for your Sunderland interview

PrometheusQuestion Bank620 medicine questions inside

Interview questions matched to Sunderland

Two questions our tutors flagged as a strong fit for Sunderland’s interview style. Try answering them out loud, then open Prometheus for the model answers and follow-up tips.

EasyMMIQ1

Explain Antibiotic Resistance to a Child

Explain antibiotic resistance to a 10-year-old.

Likely follow-up · How would you check they understood?

3 expert tips in Prometheus
EasyMMIQ2

A Compliment You Received

What's a compliment you've received that meant a lot to you?

Likely follow-up · Why did it land with you?

3 expert tips in Prometheus
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FAQ

Sunderland — frequently asked questions

Home applicants: ~1700+ /2700 (2nd decile cut-off; 2025 entry lowest invited ≈ 1695). Stable around 1695-1710 for past 4 cycles.. Contextual applicants: ~1680+ /2700 (top 8 deciles required; AAB offer with local + contextual). Strict 8-decile UCAT cut-off + significant volunteering/paid work/caring experience required for interview selection tool. International students NOT accepted.

AAA including Chemistry and Biology

Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI). Series of short interview stations covering motivation, communication, reflection on work experience and reasoning. Includes a 30-minute online numeracy test as part of the selection day.

Sunderland typically interviews in December - January.

Decisions are released Until May.

No use of personal statement. The interview-selection tool reviews up to 4 examples of paid voluntary work or caring experience (shadowing doctors does not count). Numeracy test now part of the interview process.

Apply to Sunderland with confidence

We've helped students turn their UCAT, personal statement and interview prep into offers from Sunderland and other UK medicine schools.