The University of Plymouth Medicine and Dentistry Admissions Team process applications as follows:
1. Shortlisting for interview
All applications should be made through UCAS by the published deadline. This is typically the 15th October for clinical courses (such as Medicine and Dentistry) and the 15th January for all other courses including Dental Therapy and Hygiene and Diagnostic Radiography. You can apply to no more than four of the same clinical course choice, so although you cannot apply for five dental courses, four dental courses and one medical course would be permitted.
All decisions on applications are made by the Admissions Advisory Panel, which consists of academics, clinicians and senior members of the administrative team.
Applicants are considered for interview based on relevant academic qualifications alone. We do not currently consider personal statements or work experience when selecting for interview. The Admissions Advisory Panel consider many factors when choosing who will be invited to attend an interview, including the number of places available on each course and the number of applications received, alongside the academic profiles of our applicants. The advertised entry requirements for each of our courses are not necessarily the threshold for interview.
2. Interview
Prior to receiving an offer to study on one of our clinical programmes, successful applicants will be invited to attend an interview.
We will be completing all interviews in the 2023 admissions cycle online.
The interview attempts to identify whether a candidate has the personal attributes required to become a doctor, dentist, dental care professional, physician associate or radiographer of tomorrow. We place great value on the following qualities, which are aligned with the NHS core values, and we are looking for you to demonstrate these at your interview:
- integrity
- veracity and honesty
- flexibility
- motivation and commitment
- empathy and being non-judgmental
- communication skills
- potential for leadership
- insight into the roles and responsibilities of a doctor, dentist, dental care professional or healthcare scientist
- ability to be a team player
- ability to deal with stress appropriately
- problem solving skills
- students who know their limitations, their strengths and weaknesses
- reflectiveness
- students who demonstrate a suitable approach to life and people.
The interviews follow a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) structure. You will be assessed across four single assessor stations, which takes approximately 50 minutes. It is not a test of medical or scientific knowledge, but aims to explore your attitudes, outlook and way of thinking.
Our interview assessors are from different backgrounds, and we aim to include a range of clinicians, academics, medical school students, healthcare professions and members of the public.
Interviews are scored using both a numerical scale and a red flag section. The numerical score is based on how well attributes are demonstrated through a candidate’s response to each question. The red flag section can only be marked Yes or No and reflects whether the applicant said something or behaved in a way that is unsuitable for the programme. Both scores are referred to when interview outcomes are decided.
Feedback
We are only able to provide the overall score achieved at interview. Feedback is only given directly to unsuccessful applicants who request it in writing by email or letter. Please contact the schools’ Admissions Team should you wish to receive feedback on your application at
meddent-admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.