University of Glasgow Interview Preparation
Master the interview process with expert tips, sample questions, and proven strategies from Dr. Karan Gupta
Interview Format
Format
Glasgow does NOT interview for most undergraduate programmes — admissions are UCAS-based. Exceptions: Medicine (MMI format), Dentistry (MMI), Veterinary Medicine (MMI), and some postgraduate professional programmes. Glasgow is one of Scotland's four ancient universities (founded 1451) and uses the Scottish four-year degree structure. For postgraduate taught programmes, most admit on application; MBA and some competitive programmes may interview.
Duration
Medicine/Dentistry/Vet MMI: approximately 60 minutes across multiple stations. MBA interview: 30 minutes. PhD interviews: 20-30 minutes.
Interviewers
MMI: trained assessors including clinicians, academics, and sometimes community representatives. MBA: admissions panel. PhD: supervisory team.
Interview Style & Expectations
Welcoming and inclusive. Glasgow has a strong social conscience and values diversity. The interview style (where it exists) is supportive rather than adversarial — they want to see your potential, not trip you up. The Scottish university tradition emphasises breadth of education.
What Glasgow Looks For
Sample Interview Questions
Ethics/Communication (Medicine)
Medicine MMI: A friend tells you they've been self-harming. What do you do?
Tip: Show empathy first, then structured thinking about support, confidentiality limits, and professional help. Don't rush to 'tell someone' without acknowledging the trust placed in you.
Scotland Choice
Why have you chosen to study in Scotland rather than England?
Tip: Reference the four-year degree structure, tuition differences (if applicable), Glasgow's specific strengths, or the city itself. Show it's a deliberate choice.
Supercurricular
What have you done to explore your subject beyond your school curriculum?
Tip: Specific examples win. Glasgow values breadth — connecting your subject to adjacent disciplines is a plus.
Social Impact
How do you think your studies relate to wider society?
Tip: Glasgow has a strong tradition of social engagement. Connect your subject to real-world impact.
Ethics (Vet)
Veterinary MMI: What are the ethical considerations of intensive farming?
Tip: Show you can consider multiple stakeholders: animal welfare, food security, farmer livelihoods, environmental impact. Nuance matters.
Preparation Strategy
Do's - Preparation Tips
- For most Glasgow programmes, your personal statement is your primary admissions tool — make it count
- Understand the Scottish four-year degree: years 1-2 are broader, allowing exploration; years 3-4 are specialist. This is different from England's three-year model
- Glasgow is generous with contextual admissions — if you have a widening participation background, highlight it
- The city of Glasgow is a major draw (vibrant, affordable, culturally rich) — show genuine enthusiasm for it
- For Medicine/Dentistry/Vet: Glasgow's MMIs are well-regarded and thorough; practise with timed stations
- Glasgow has world-leading research in several areas (Engineering, Medicine, Humanities) — reference specific departments or research groups
Don'ts - Common Mistakes
- Not understanding the Scottish four-year degree structure — it's a genuine difference from English universities
- Applying to Glasgow with the same personal statement you'd send to an English university without adapting it
- For Medicine: not having meaningful clinical experience (Glasgow expects reflective, quality experience over quantity)
- Confusing Glasgow with Edinburgh — they're different cities with very different university cultures
- Underestimating Glasgow's research strength — it's consistently in the world top 100
- For international students: not researching Scottish tuition fee structures, which differ from England's
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