top of page
Bangor

Medicine at University of Bangor Medical School & Interview Questions 2024

Bangor University Medicine: Overview

🏫

Bangor University will launch its first full medicine programme in September 2024, allowing students to complete their entire medical degree in North Wales. 


Bangor Medical School's course has been developed in collaboration with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and Primary Care providers. 


The curriculum includes both the Welsh language and cultural context, preparing students for diverse medical practices.


The programme offers clinical placements in varied settings, including rural, urban, and mountain environments. It emphasises community medicine and holistic patient care. Bangor University has previously delivered the Cardiff University C21 North Wales Medicine programme, providing a foundation for the new programme.


More than 70% of the programme can be studied in Welsh, should you wish, where you will be allocated your own personal Welsh tutor. 


The new North Wales Medical School is progressing through the General Medical Council (GMC) approval process to award a Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ). This involves stringent reviews and a partnership with Cardiff University School of Medicine as a contingency partner, ensuring high standards are maintained.


Modern Anatomy Teaching at Bangor University

Bangor University uses advanced technology for anatomy teaching, including ‘Anatomage’ electronic dissecting tables, glassless 3D video screens, and mobile apps. A dedicated anatomy room features high-fidelity plastic models. Practical skills are practised electronically and in simulators, with refresher sessions available in Years 4 and 5.


Students will engage in extensive clinical placements, integrating practical experience with academic learning from the beginning. The curriculum focuses on community-based learning, preparing students for various medical careers.

📅

Bangor University Medicine Course Structure

Case Based Learning (CBL) at Bangor University


Case Based Learning (CBL) is a key teaching method at Bangor University's medical programme. In CBL, students work in small groups on real-life case studies, developing solutions under a facilitator's guidance. 


This approach covers common medical cases like sports injuries, mental health issues, and abdominal pain, integrating anatomy, physiology, and social aspects. CBL promotes practical skills and clinical experience through short placements, supported by plenary sessions, small group discussions, anatomy teaching, lab-based practicals, and clinical placements. 


This method encourages active learning, critical thinking, and independent study, providing a comprehensive understanding of medical concepts.


Course Structure at the University of North Wales

Bangor University Medical School's course is structured in three stages:


Stage 1

Stage 1 provides a foundation in biomedical sciences, clinical skills, communication, and professionalism. The initial weeks focus on core knowledge in anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, cell and molecular biology, immunology, microbiology, and pathology.


Stage 2

Stage 2 integrates basic sciences with clinical conditions through clinical scenarios. Emphasis is placed on community-based learning and includes placements in various healthcare settings. Students engage in task-oriented learning and develop professional attitudes through real patient interactions.


Stage 3

Stage 3 focuses on clinical practice with a Longitudinal Integrated Clerkship (LIC) in Year 3. Students are embedded in a GP practice for an entire year, following patients through primary and secondary care, and observing the impact of medical conditions and treatments.



Community Medicine Placements at Bangor University

Bangor University's medical programme emphasises community medicine through diverse placements. 


Students undertake placements in various settings, including coastal areas, small towns, rural villages, suburban areas, cities, areas of deprivation, post-industrial communities, and hospitals across North Wales. 


These experiences help students explore different specialities and develop adaptability and resilience. 


From Year 1, placements enable students to apply their learning in real-world contexts, fostering a patient-centred approach to healthcare. Placement locations may change from the third year onwards to facilitate travel, ensuring comprehensive exposure to diverse clinical environments.

Bangor University & University of North Wales Medicine Entry Requirements

GCSE

Grade B/6 in English or Welsh Language, Double Science, Maths, and five other subjects

A Levels

AAA


Including biology and one other science subject (Chemistry, Physics, Economics, Maths, Further Maths, or Statistics).


A contextual offer of AAB may be made to first language Welsh speakers (must have Welsh GCSE) or those who meet our contextual offer requirements. Further details about contextual offers can be found here.


Notes:

  • Resits are not accepted.

  • BTEC or T Levels are not accepted for this programme.

IB

36 points overall


Including 19 at Higher Level with grade 6 in Biology and Chemistry. Must include grade 6 in Biology and Chemistry. Grade 7 in SL Biology or Chemistry can be taken in place of Higher Level Biology or Chemistry if you also have grade 6 in HL Maths, Physics or Statistics.

Scottish Higher

-

Scottish Advanced

-

Degree (Graduates)

A 2:1 (Hons) degree with BBB/ABC at A-level, including the required subjects and meet the minimum GCSE requirements


If you have completed an MSc / PhD, the minimum A-Level requirement is BBC and all other criteria listed for graduates must be met.

📖

Bangor University Medical School Admission Tests

UCAT

Yes

How Does Bangor Medical School Look At The UCAT?


Bangor UCAT Cut Off 2024 for 2025 Entry


Scores are used in the selection process, but there is no minimum threshold score.


As this is a new course, there is no current available UCAT cut off scores or past data for the medical school.


Selection Process:

The selection process involves evaluating UCAT scores, personal statements, and interviews.


👉🏼 Latest UCAT Cut Off Scores Per Medical School (Updated for 2024 Entry)

👉🏼 Where to apply with a low UCAT score in 2024 (2025 Entry)
 

BMAT

No

GAMSAT

❓ Applying in 2024 or 2025 Entry?

✅ Join our incredibly successful Ultimate Package programme

✅ Receive 1-1 mentoring from qualified doctors & dentists
✅ Advice on work experience, volunteering, wider reading & universities
✅ Expert UCAT Tutoring, PS Editing & Interview Tutoring

✅ 100s of successful students

📄

Course Information

Graduate Entry

Yes - Bangor Medical School offers a graduate entry programme (A101). It is open to high-performing students from the four recognised feeder streams:

BSc (Hons) Medical Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Cardiff University (B210)
BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University (BC97)
BMedSci (Hons), Bangor University (B100)
BSc (Hons) Medical Sciences, University of South Wales (B901) . You must also have:

BBB/ABC at A-level or equivalent including Biology and Chemistry
plus English language or Welsh language at GCSE grade B/6 or equivalent
plus 8 GCSEs including grade B/6 in GCSE Maths, Biology and Chemistry, or equivalent qualifications (level, subjects and grade).

Intercalation

Unclear


Applications : Place

Application Statistics (Home)

Application Statistics (International)


Applications : Interview

International Student Tuition Fee

NA - international students are not accepted at Bangor Medical School

🩺

Bangor University Medicine Work Experience Requirements

Not explicitly stated, but you must also demonstrate an awareness of the healthcare system in the UK and the nature of the medical training in your personal statement - work experience would help with this. 


📝

Bangor Medical School Personal Statement

You must also demonstrate an awareness of the healthcare system in the UK and the nature of the medical training in your personal statement.


If you are a first language Welsh speaker then please make this clear within your personal statement.

📝

Does This Medical School Have A Gateway or Foundation Year?

Website

Description

Criteria

🤝

Bangor Medical School Interview Questions 2024

Key Details

  • MMI Interview

Interview Dates

  • Usually December - March (but may vary)

Key Aspects

🎓 Bangor Medicine Interview Questions & Topics for 2024 entry


Bangor has not provided any information on their MMI topics - here are some that we would prepare just in case:


Motivation to Study Medicine

  • Why medicine?

  • Why Bangor?

  • What did you learn from your work experience?

  • What do you know about the Bangor Medicine course? How is it taught?

  • What is the remote rural practice offered by Bangor Medical School?

  • What is the difference between medicine in cities and in rural areas in North Wales?

  • Why do you think you will be well suited to this course?

  • Tell us about your volunteering.

  • What are your hobbies?

  • What are the negatives of a career in medicine?

  • What first made you realise you wanted to be a doctor?

  • What would you do if you didn’t get into medical school this year?

  • Give us an example of a time when you have cared for others.


Personal Insight

  • Why should patients trust you?

  • What are your best qualities?

  • How do you manage stress?

  • Give us an example of a time when you demonstrated resilience.

  • Give us an example of a time when you demonstrated teamwork.

  • What are your strengths and weaknesses?

  • How would your friends describe you?

  • Tell us about an article that you have recently read.

  • Should doctors always tell the truth?


NHS & Local Area

  • What changes would you make to the NHS if you could?

  • How would you manage a public health campaign?

  • How would you improve the local A&E department?

  • What are the NHS values and why are they important?

  • What is it like to be a doctor?

  • How do you deal with overpopulation?

  • What do you know about the local area here in Bangor?

  • What are the biggest issues surrounding non-communicable diseases on a local, national, and international level?

  • What are the main challenges that face the NHS?

  • How has COVID changed the way the NHS operates?

  • What do you think are going to be the long-term consequences of COVID on the NHS?

  • How does the healthcare system differ here compared to other areas in the UK?


Ethical Scenarios

  • Understanding of the four ethical principles.

  • Understanding of the GMC’s good medical practice.

  • What is the debate surrounding euthanasia, should it be legalised?

  • Who would you give this organ to?

  • If you notice that a colleague has turned up to work drunk, what would you do?

  • Who can you escalate concerns to within a hospital?

  • Role play: dealing with an aggressive customer.

  • Role play: dealing with a patient who has added you on social media.


Other questions

  • How do you plan to integrate into the Welsh community?

  • How will you handle the language barrier if you encounter Welsh-speaking patients?

  • What do you know about the healthcare challenges unique to North Wales?

  • How do you feel about studying and practising medicine in a rural setting?

  • What excites you most about moving to Wales for your studies?

  • How will you contribute to the local community during your time in Bangor?

  • What do you know about the Welsh Government’s plan “A Healthier Wales”?

  • How would you address health disparities in rural Welsh communities?

  • What do you understand about the cultural aspects of healthcare in Wales?

🏆 Elite 1-1 Interview Coaching

Intense 1-1 interview tutoring - Panel & MMI & Mock Interviews

The Ultimate Interview Guide 2024 - 420+ Q&A by qualified doctors
Create model answers - work on content to stand out

Perfect your delivery - build confidence and enthusiasm in responses

1-1 Mock Interviews - tailored to each medical school.

📧

Contact Details

School of Medicine

Bangor University

Address: Bangor, North Wales, LL57 2DG

Tel: 01248 351151

Email: medicineadmissions@bangor.ac.uk

Website: Bangor University Medical School

Interview Questions

⚡️

1-1 Tutoring for Bangor Medicine Mock Interviews 2024

Boost Your Application

Book your FREE consultation today. 
Find out more about our university-specific mock interviews.

bottom of page