Free practice questions for the Southampton medicine interview, with the interview format taken from the university's own admissions pages.
Southampton interview format
Southampton ranks applicants by UCAT score and invites the top group to a Selection Day rather than a standard interview. The day includes an interview and a group task, and your personal statement is used to guide the discussion. You must attend in person, as no online option is offered. Offers are based on your Selection Day performance, and UCAT can be used to separate tied scores. Home applicants are invited two to three weeks before their date, and international applicants five to six weeks before. Selection Days for 2027 entry run from January to the end of February.
Format: Selection Day
Where: In person
When: January to the end of February 2027 (exact dates confirmed in autumn 2026)
What Southampton assesses
Self-motivation and resilience
Reflection on relevant life experiences
Communication
Interacting successfully with others
Understanding of the NHS constitution values
Southampton practice interview questions
Why medicine, and why this university?
What have you done to test whether medicine is the right career for you?
Tell us about a mistake you made and what you changed afterwards.
What is the most important thing your work experience taught you?
Tell us about a time you had to explain something complicated simply.
A patient is upset and not listening to what you are saying. How do you respond?
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing the NHS?
How should the NHS decide which new treatments to fund?
Practise out loud
Book a Southampton mock interview for £69 with a trained MedicHut interviewer, or a live MMI circuit for £89. Both include detailed feedback on every answer.