University of St Andrews and University of Dundee Interview

Note: This is a Scottish Graduate Entry Medicine (ScotGEM) MBChB course only.

The ScotGEM is a “unique and innovative” programme designed for those with an interest in a career as a generalist practitioner within NHS Scotland. The first half of the programme (Year 1 & 2) is led by the University of St Andrews and the second half (Year 3 & 4) by the University of Dundee. As the programme focuses on rural medicine, from Year 2 onwards you should expect periods of living and studying in rural areas of the Highlands and Dumfries and Galloway.

Teaching Overview

For the first two years, whilst based at the University of St Andrews, you will experience a case-based learning approach and a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Practical sessions
• Clinical and consultation skill sessions
• Peer learning
• 'Pro-section dissection'

During the programme, you’ll gain the following clinical experience:

• Year 1: One day per week in a GP setting, completing small-group, work-based learning.
• Year 2: Continuation of the one day per week learning within a GP setting, plus an additional half-day per week within a specialist clinical environment.
• Year 3: ‘Longitudinal integrated clerkship (LIC)’ based within a general practice for the entirety of the year. Approximately half of your week will be spent consulting with patients.
• Year 4: Two month-long ‘foundation apprenticeships’ – these will be hospital-based placements to support your preparations for a Foundation Year 1 doctor role.

You can find out more information about the course structure and different modules covered here.

Teaching Hospitals / Clinical Partnerships

The programme is delivered in collaboration with the following:

• NHS Fife
• NHS Tayside
• NHS Highland
• NHS Dumfries and Galloway
• The University of the Highlands and Islands

Extracurricular / Additional Opportunities

During your final year, you’ll undertake an eight-week elective period, offering you the opportunity to explore an area of interest in medicine, anywhere in the world.

Selling Points

The unique opportunities that this programme provides – including studying across two universities, extensive general practice experience and a focus on rural medicine – will no doubt be the deciding factors if you’ve chosen to apply for the ScotGEM, and therefore, will form the basis of your answer should you be questioned on why you selected this particular course. However, an additional benefit is the ‘return of service’ bursary which financially rewards those who choose to work in NHS Scotland after they graduate. With the ‘return of service’ bursary, for the first four years after you qualify, you’ll receive a four-thousand pound bursary each year if you work for NHS Scotland. You can find out more information under the 'fees' section here.

Interview Information

In 2023, ScotGEM received 290 applications. The GAMSAT exam was used to determine which applicants would secure the 160 interview spaces. An overall score of 50 was required, with no subset lower than 44.

The University of St Andrews and the University of Dundee uses the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format for its interview. This usually includes a series of seven-minute 'stations' with questions relating to the following:

• Your motivation to study medicine
• Relevant work experience
• Personal attributes
• Why you have applied to ScotGEM

For 2023 entry, the interview was held in person. You can find more information about the interview process here.