Queen Mary University of London Interview Preparation
Master the interview process with expert tips, sample questions, and proven strategies from Dr. Karan Gupta
Interview Format
Format
Queen Mary does NOT interview for most undergraduate or postgraduate taught programmes — admissions are UCAS-based (undergrad) or application-based (postgrad). Exceptions: Medicine and Dentistry (MMI format), some creative/performing arts programmes, and PhD applicants. As a Russell Group university in East London, Queen Mary has a distinctive character — it's the only Russell Group institution with a fully self-contained campus in London (Mile End).
Duration
Medicine/Dentistry MMI: approximately 60 minutes across 6-8 stations. PhD interviews: 20-30 minutes.
Interviewers
Medicine/Dentistry: MMI assessors including clinicians, academics, and patient representatives. PhD: supervisory team.
Interview Style & Expectations
Practical, inclusive, and community-oriented. Queen Mary's East London location shapes its culture — there's a strong emphasis on widening participation, diversity, and real-world impact. Less elitist than some Russell Group peers, but academically rigorous.
What Queen Mary Looks For
Sample Interview Questions
Fit
Why have you chosen Queen Mary over other London universities?
Tip: Reference the campus, specific departments, or research strengths. QMUL's campus feel is unique among London universities — mention it.
Ethics (Medicine)
Medicine MMI: You notice a colleague in your hospital ward appears to be under the influence of alcohol. What do you do?
Tip: Show structured reasoning: patient safety first, duty of care, professional standards, how to approach the colleague, when to escalate.
Readiness
What experience have you had that has prepared you for university-level study?
Tip: Link academic and personal experiences. QMUL values diverse backgrounds and non-traditional routes.
London Advantage
How do you plan to make the most of studying in London?
Tip: Be specific about London resources relevant to your subject — hospitals, cultural institutions, industry connections.
Critical Thinking
Tell us about a topic in your field that you find controversial or debated.
Tip: Show you can engage with complexity and see multiple perspectives.
Preparation Strategy
Do's - Preparation Tips
- Your personal statement is your primary tool — QMUL's admissions tutors assess applications holistically but grades and statement carry the most weight
- QMUL has particular strengths in Law, Medicine, English, and Engineering — reference specific departmental achievements
- The Mile End campus and East London location are distinctive selling points — show you're excited about them, not just tolerating them
- For Medicine/Dentistry: QMUL's links with Barts Health NHS Trust and the Royal London Hospital are a genuine advantage — mention them
- QMUL is strong on widening participation — if you have a contextual background, highlight it; the university values diverse perspectives
- Check QMUL's specific entry requirements carefully, as some programmes have additional tests or portfolio requirements
Don'ts - Common Mistakes
- Treating QMUL as a 'lesser' London option — it's a serious Russell Group research university
- Not researching QMUL's specific strengths and just writing a generic London university application
- For Medicine: not understanding QMUL's particular focus on community health and health inequalities
- Overlooking the campus advantage — QMUL's self-contained campus in London is genuinely rare and valued by students
- For international students: underestimating London living costs in your planning
- Submitting a personal statement that doesn't demonstrate subject-specific depth
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