Imperial College London School of Medicine Interview

Teaching Overview

Imperial College London School of Medicine offers a spiral curriculum, which is delivered through a range of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures
• Small group teaching
• Computer workshops
• Laboratory classes
• Problem-based learning

You will undertake the following clinical placements:

Phase 1 (Year 1–3):

• An integrated curriculum is supported by case-based learning and early clinical contact.
• Experience within a variety of health community settings, with community-based placements in GP settings across London.
• Year 3 – the majority of time is spent in clinical practice, with ten week attachments in each of the following: primary care, medicine and surgery.

Phase 3 (Year 5–6):

• Experience across hospital and community settings.
• Exposure to a range of speciality areas.
• Undertake an ‘apprenticeship’ role towards the end of the programme to prepare you for clinical practice.

More information about the course structure and delivery at Imperial College London can be found here. The website also notes that there may be limited circumstances in which changes to the course may be made, due to a college wide review; any updates will be made online, so you can access them via the same link.

Teaching Hospitals / Clinical Partnerships

The Imperial College provides a sample of teaching hospitals which you may undertake clinical attachments in; these are as follows:

• Chelsea and Westminster Hospital
• London North West Healthcare NHS Trust – Ealing Hospital
• Hillingdon Hospital NHS Trust
• Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust – Charing Cross, Hammersmith, St Mary's and Western Eye Hospitals
• London North West Healthcare NHS Trust – Northwick Park
• Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Trust
• West Middlesex University Hospital

Extracurricular / Additional Opportunities

During your studies, you’ll have opportunities to explore your areas of interest with speciality choice placements and an elective period.

The programme at Imperial College London is a six-year dual qualification course; meaning you’ll achieve a BSc degree in addition to your MBBS. Whereas some medical schools offer an intercalated degree as an additional option, at Imperial College London this is included within the programme of study, and forms the ‘Phase 2’ (Year 4) portion of your course. During your fourth year, you’ll undertake a series of modules and a research project in an area of your choice, from a range of options. You can find out more about ‘Phase 2’ and the range of subject options available here.

Selling Points

The Imperial College offers the option of an intercalated PhD for 'exceptional students' studying standard entry medicine. This consists of three years' research following completion of your medical degree. You can find more information here.

A MBBS Graduate Medicine course is also usually offered at Imperial College London; however, this has been temporarily suspended while the curriculum is being updated.

Interview Information

Imperial College London School of Medicine uses the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format for its interview. The following are identified on their website as the main topics which will be covered:

• Teamwork and leadership
• Motivation to study medicine
• Understanding the role of a doctor
• Empathy and breaking bad news
• Ethics scenarios
• Imperial and contribution to school of medicine
• Resilience

For 2023 entry, the MMI was split into two parts:

• Asynchronous-online stations – requiring you to upload a video on the day of the interview.
• Face-to-face stations – using an online platform which allows you to interact with assessors.

You can find more information about each element here.

Admissions Exam

Most medical schools require you to pass an admissions exam before you’ll be invited for interview.

Admissions exam for Imperial College London: BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT)

The BMAT assesses your ability to apply scientific and mathematical knowledge, as well as your problem solving, critical thinking and written communication skills.

For more information about the BMAT entry exam, visit our Medicine Entry Requirements blog.