Explain Antibiotic Resistance to a Child
Explain antibiotic resistance to a 10-year-old.
Likely follow-up · How would you check they understood?
2027 Entry Requirements & Interview Format
University of Sunderland in Sunderland asks 2027-entry medicine applicants for AAA at A-level. It publishes no fixed UCAT cut-off; NextGen MedPrep's TrueScore model predicts 1700+ for an interview invitation (home tier, 2027 entry). Sunderland holds multiple mini interviews (MMI): December 2026 - January 2027. Decisions for 2027 entry: Until May 2027.

Photo: Komusar · CC BY-SA 4.0 · cropped
Photo: Steve Daniels · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Photo: Robert Graham · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Photo: John M · CC BY-SA 2.0
Step-by-step: entry requirements, UCAT prep, personal statement, interview format and the key deadlines.
Open the guide →Format breakdown, school-specific sample questions, FAQs and prep tips from tutors who interviewed here.
Read the guide →Problem-based learning + Case-based learning, 5 years, placements in North East England.
See the course →Sunderland built its interview around a structured selection tool that rewards real paid work or caring experience over generic shadowing, plus a numeracy test.
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.
PBL curriculum. Five-year MBChB with PBL and case-based learning. Strong North-East NHS placement network.
Sunderland is strong in these research areas:
Optional intercalated BSc - limited spaces.
Format: 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.
~100 places per year (smaller cohort).
University of Sunderland was founded in 2019 and is based in Sunderland.
Programmes offered:
These are real recordings of the interviewers you would meet, from a panel of 52 photoreal faces. Speak your answers out loud, get pressed with follow-ups, and receive rubric-scored feedback about two minutes after you finish, with a replay of your answers.
Try the AI interviewerWhat 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.
Sunderland's TrueScore is 1700. Build a week-by-week UCAT plan that works back from your test date — free for the first two weeks.
| A-level offer | AAA |
|---|---|
| NGMP TrueScore (2027 entry) | 1700+ predicted for interview (home tier) |
| Interview format | Multiple mini interviews (MMI) |
| Intake | ~100 places per year (smaller cohort) |
| Decisions (2027 entry) | Until May 2027 |
| A-Level requirements | AAA at A-level including Biology or Chemistry, plus another designated science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics/Further Mathematics/Statistics) and a third academic subject. No use of predicted grades - Sunderland considers achieved grades only. |
|---|---|
| Required A-Level subjects | Biology or Chemistry required, plus a second designated science, plus a third academic subject |
| GCSE requirements | Five GCSEs at grade 7/A or above, with a minimum of grade 6/B in Mathematics, English Language, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Dual Science may not be accepted - confirm with the school. GCSE resits permitted before 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 (not published on the course page - treat as unconfirmed). |
| Alternative qualifications | Sunderland does NOT accept international students - UK applicants only. |
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.
Band 4 is automatically rejected, no further use of SJT
AAB offer for applicants who are both local and contextual (vs AAA standard). Sunderland does not accept international students.
Sunderland shortlists on three things together - the interview selection tool, the academic requirements and the UCAT. The selection tool is a survey you must complete by the published October deadline, asking you to reflect on work experience and the skills it gave you, so it carries real weight rather than being a formality. International students are not accepted.
| SJT Band | Band 4 is automatically rejected, no further use of SJT |
|---|---|
| Specialities offered | Medicine, Community Medicine |
| Format | Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI) |
|---|---|
| Interview window (2027 entry) | December 2026 - January 2027 |
| Decision date (2027 entry) | Until May 2027 |
| Post-interview chances | All Home Applicants: 353/731 = 48% (2025). Not for international students - home only. |
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.
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.
Explain antibiotic resistance to a 10-year-old.
Likely follow-up · How would you check they understood?
What's a compliment you've received that meant a lot to you?
Likely follow-up · Why did it land with you?
We've helped students into Sunderland and other UK medicine schools — get tailored support for each stage of the application.
Hit the UCAT cut-off for Sunderland with one-to-one tutoring from top scorers.
Learn morePractise the Multiple Mini Interviews format with students who interviewed at Sunderland.
Learn moreGet your personal statement reviewed by successful applicants.
Learn moreChecked field-by-field against University of Sunderland's official course page on 14 August 2026.
We've helped students turn their UCAT, personal statement and interview prep into offers from Sunderland and other UK medicine schools.
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