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The University of Plymouth offers a range of courses that require applicants to attend an interview or audition. The number of applicants interviewed varies depending on the course and the number of places available. For instance, in 2023, the University of Plymouth received 1367 applications for Medicine, interviewing 591 candidates for around 86 places. The University of Plymouth Peninsula Schools of Medicine offers a dynamic medical program with a focus on patient-centred care and early clinical experience. Interviews for Medicine follow a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) structure, with applicants assessed across four to five stations by four different interviewers, taking approximately 50 to 55 minutes. The interview process aims to identify candidates' personal attributes and explore their attitudes, outlook, and way of thinking rather than testing medical or scientific knowledge.
What You'll Learn
Interview format and structure
The University of Plymouth offers a range of courses that require applicants to attend an interview. The interview format and structure can vary depending on the specific course and programme. Here is an overview of what to expect:
- Interview Type: The University of Plymouth conducts interviews for its arts, education, and health courses. These interviews can be held face-to-face or via video conferencing tools such as Zoom. The university encourages applicants to attend in-person interviews but can accommodate alternative arrangements if necessary.
- Interview Structure: Interviews at the University of Plymouth typically follow a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) structure. This means that applicants are assessed across multiple stations, each lasting a few minutes and involving different interviewers. The number of stations can vary, with some courses having four stations and others having five. Each station focuses on assessing specific attributes and skills.
- Interview Duration: The MMI interviews at Plymouth University typically last around 50 to 55 minutes in total. This includes the time taken to assess all the stations.
- Interview Assessors: The university aims to include a diverse range of interview assessors from different backgrounds. This can include clinicians, academics, medical school students, healthcare professionals, and even members of the public.
- Scoring Method: Interviews are scored using a combination of a numerical scale and a red flag section. The numerical score reflects how well an applicant demonstrates the desired attributes in their responses. The red flag section indicates whether the applicant exhibited any behaviour or made any statements that are unsuitable for the programme. Both scores are considered when deciding on interview outcomes.
- Interview Preparation: The University of Plymouth recommends that applicants prepare for their interviews by reflecting on their reasons for applying to their chosen course. Staying informed about topical issues in the news can also be beneficial. Additionally, specific programmes may have their own pre-work requirements, so it is important for applicants to refer to the relevant course information.
- Support for Students with Disabilities: The University of Plymouth is committed to supporting students with disabilities and creating an inclusive learning environment. Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to disclose their condition early in the application process to receive tailored advice and support. The university offers various services, including appointments with advisors, guidance on obtaining medical diagnoses, teaching adjustments, and financial aid.
- Interview Scheduling: Interviews are scheduled flexibly, and the university aims to provide alternative dates whenever possible. Applicants are usually given at least two weeks' notice, and the university may offer a revised interview date in case of cancellations or postponements.
- Dress Code: While there is no specific dress code mentioned, it is generally recommended to wear smart clothes for interviews.
The University of Plymouth provides detailed information about the interview process, and applicants can reach out to the Admissions Team for further guidance and support.
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Interview questions and topics
The University of Plymouth offers a wide range of courses that require applicants to attend an interview. The interview process varies depending on the course and faculty. Here are some common interview questions and topics for the University of Plymouth's arts, education, health, and medicine programmes:
Arts, Humanities, and Business Courses
For courses in the Faculty of Arts, Humanities, and Business, such as BA (Hons) Acting with Foundation Year and BA (Hons) Drama with Foundation Year, the interview process may focus on assessing the applicant's creativity, communication skills, and passion for the chosen field. Applicants may be asked to perform a monologue, discuss their favourite plays or books, or explain their motivation for pursuing a career in the arts.
Education Courses
The Plymouth Institute of Education conducts interviews for teaching programmes. Applicants are advised to prepare by thinking about their reasons for wanting to study the course and gaining knowledge of topical issues in the news. Specific programmes may have additional preparation requirements, so it is essential to refer to the programme-specific pages for detailed information.
Health and Human Science Courses
Health and human science interviews at the University of Plymouth cover a range of courses, including those in nursing, midwifery, dietetics, and occupational therapy. These interviews aim to assess the applicant's suitability for the chosen profession, their communication skills, and their ability to handle challenging situations. Applicants may be asked about their motivation for pursuing a career in healthcare, their understanding of ethical dilemmas, and their ability to work effectively in a team.
Medicine and Dentistry Courses
The University of Plymouth's medicine and dentistry programmes are highly competitive, and the interview process plays a crucial role in the admissions process. The interviews typically follow a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) structure, with applicants assessed across several stations by different interviewers. The focus of these interviews is not on testing medical or scientific knowledge but on exploring the applicant's personal attributes, attitudes, and way of thinking.
- Motivation for studying medicine or dentistry: Applicants may be asked about their inspiration, goals, and qualities they believe are important for a doctor or dentist.
- Ethical scenarios: Interviewers may present ethical dilemmas to assess critical thinking and the ability to apply ethical principles. Topics may include euthanasia, patient confidentiality, or resource allocation.
- Clinical scenarios: Applicants may be presented with a clinical case study and asked to discuss diagnosis, treatment, and ethical considerations.
- Work experience and volunteering: Interviewers may inquire about relevant experiences and how they have prepared the applicant for their chosen field.
- Personal attributes: Questions may focus on communication skills, empathy, resilience, and teamwork, with applicants asked to provide examples of demonstrating these qualities.
- Current issues in healthcare: Interviewers may seek the applicant's perspective on healthcare inequalities, the impact of COVID-19, or advancements in medical technology.
It is important to note that these are just examples, and the specific questions asked during the interview may vary. Applicants should also be prepared for follow-up questions based on their responses.
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Interview preparation
Know the course
It is important to know about the topics covered each year and how this differs from other universities. For example, Plymouth offers very early clinical exposure, which can be advantageous. Additionally, the curriculum is structured around the human life cycle.
Understand the interview format
Plymouth University interviews follow a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) structure. This means you will be assessed across four to five stations by four different interviewers, taking approximately 50 to 55 minutes. The interview is not a test of medical or scientific knowledge but aims to explore your attitudes, outlook, and way of thinking.
Demonstrate key attributes
The interview aims to identify whether you possess the personal attributes required for the course. These attributes include communication skills, reflection and self-insight, motivation and commitment, integrity and inclusivity, and resilience and adaptability.
Prepare examples
Many of the questions asked at Plymouth are example-based, requiring you to draw on personal experiences, work experience, and volunteering to make key points. Spend time learning about these examples and how they can be applied to different questions.
Practice role-plays
Role-plays are unique to medicine interviews and are often included in the MMI stations. The only way to excel in these stations is to practice. There are various medicine role-play scenarios available, such as breaking bad news.
Know the local area
Plymouth is in a diverse region of England, with local factors and diseases that differ from the rest of the UK. Research both communicable and non-communicable diseases in the area, as this may impact healthcare provision.
Reflect on your experiences
The Plymouth Medicine selectors value reflection. Ensure you can discuss what you have learned from your experiences and how they have benefitted you. This is particularly important when reflecting on your medical work experience.
Dress appropriately
For in-person interviews, ensure you dress smartly. If the interview is held virtually, a strong Wi-Fi connection, working camera and microphone, and a quiet, bright space are required.
Stay resilient
Remember, some interviewers may seem unfriendly or poker-faced to remain unbiased. Don't be put off by this; stay confident and friendly throughout the interview.
Seek support
If you have a disability, long-term health condition, or specific learning difficulty, the University of Plymouth offers support and reasonable adjustments for your interview. Contact the interview team at least seven days before your interview to discuss your requirements.
Be prepared for follow-up questions
Follow-up questions are often based on something you've said that has caught the examiner's interest. These are not usually from a predetermined list, so be ready to elaborate on your answers.
Know the interview dates
Interviews for the Medicine course typically take place between December and February.
Contact the Admissions Team
If you have any queries regarding your interview or need support, you can contact the University of Plymouth Admissions Team by logging into your portal and using the Contact Us link, calling +44 (0)1752 585858, or emailing interviewtostudy@plymouth.ac.uk.
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Interview scoring
The University of Plymouth uses a scoring system for interviews that is based on a numerical scale and a red flag section. The numerical score is based on how well a candidate demonstrates certain attributes in their responses to each question. The red flag section, on the other hand, is a binary Yes or No score that reflects whether the applicant said or did something that is considered unsuitable for the programme. Both scores are taken into account when deciding the outcome of the interview.
The University of Plymouth Medicine and Dentistry Admissions Team processes applications and shortlists candidates for interviews based on relevant academic qualifications alone. The advertised entry requirements may not be the threshold for interviews as the Admissions Advisory Panel considers many factors when selecting candidates for interviews, including the number of places available and the number of applications received.
Plymouth Medical School's interview process follows a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) structure, where candidates are assessed across four to five stations by four different interviewers, taking approximately 50 to 55 minutes. The interviewers come from diverse backgrounds, including clinicians, academics, medical school students, healthcare professionals, and members of the public. The MMI structure allows for an interactive and flexible interview process, providing an opportunity to assess the candidate's suitability for the programme.
The scoring system for the interviews is designed to evaluate the candidate's personal attributes, attitudes, outlook, and way of thinking, rather than their medical or scientific knowledge. The specific attributes that are assessed include communication skills, reflection and self-insight, motivation and commitment, integrity and inclusivity, and resilience and adaptability. These attributes are aligned with the NHS core values, which are highly regarded by the University of Plymouth.
It is important to note that the University of Plymouth values honesty, integrity, and inclusivity in its interview process. Any behaviour or statement that is deemed unsuitable or inconsistent with these values may impact a candidate's score and chances of securing an offer. Therefore, candidates should be mindful of their responses and conduct during the interview.
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Interview outcomes
The University of Plymouth offers a wide range of courses that require applicants to attend an interview. The interview process aims to identify whether a candidate possesses the personal attributes required to excel in their chosen field. While the specific interview format and questions may vary depending on the course, there are some common elements and considerations that apply to interview outcomes at the University of Plymouth.
Interview Structure and Scoring
The University of Plymouth employs a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) structure for many of its courses, including medicine and dentistry. The MMI consists of several stations where candidates are assessed by different interviewers. Each station focuses on evaluating specific attributes and skills relevant to the course. For example, the medicine programme at Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine assesses candidates across four to five stations, including communication skills, reflection, motivation, integrity, and resilience.
The interviews are typically scored using a combination of a numerical scale and a red flag section. The numerical score reflects how well a candidate demonstrates the desired attributes through their responses. Meanwhile, the red flag section indicates whether the candidate exhibited any behaviour or made any statements that are unsuitable for the programme. Both scores are considered when deciding on interview outcomes and making offers to successful applicants.
Following the interviews, the University of Plymouth will extend offers to successful applicants who have demonstrated the desired attributes and met the academic requirements. These applicants will then need to fulfil a series of non-academic conditions within a set deadline to secure their place. It is important to note that the University of Plymouth values certain qualities, such as communication skills, reflection, motivation, integrity, and resilience, which are aligned with the NHS core values. Therefore, demonstrating these qualities during the interview can positively impact the outcome.
Support for Students
The University of Plymouth offers comprehensive support for students throughout the application and interview process. The Admissions Team is available to answer any questions and provide guidance. Additionally, the university provides support for students with impairments, health conditions, or disabilities. Students with disabilities are encouraged to disclose their condition early in the application process to receive tailored advice and assistance. The university strives to create an inclusive learning environment and make reasonable adjustments to accommodate the needs of all students.
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Frequently asked questions
No, applicants are considered for interview based on relevant academic qualifications alone. The Admissions Advisory Panel considers factors such as the number of places available and the number of applications received when selecting candidates for interviews.
The number varies depending on the course and the application cycle. For instance, in 2023, the University received 1367 applications for the Medicine programme, interviewed 591 candidates, and made 281 offers.
During the interview, applicants are assessed across five stations by four different interviewers.
Plymouth University typically conducts Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs) for its Medicine programme. The MMI structure involves assessing applicants across several stations by different interviewers, focusing on personal attributes rather than medical or scientific knowledge.