Medicine at University of Bangor Medical School & Interview Questions 2026

Bangor University will launch its first full medicine programme in September 2024, allowing students to complete their entire medical degree in North Wales.

Bangor Medical School's course has been developed in collaboration with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and Primary Care providers.

The curriculum includes both the Welsh language and cultural context, preparing students for diverse medical practices.

The programme offers clinical placements in varied settings, including rural, urban, and mountain environments. It emphasises community medicine and holistic patient care. Bangor University has previously delivered the Cardiff University C21 North Wales Medicine programme, providing a foundation for the new programme.

More than 70% of the programme can be studied in Welsh, should you wish, where you will be allocated your own personal Welsh tutor.

The new North Wales Medical School is progressing through the General Medical Council (GMC) approval process to award a Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ). This involves stringent reviews and a partnership with Cardiff University School of Medicine as a contingency partner, ensuring high standards are maintained.

Modern Anatomy Teaching at Bangor University

Bangor University uses advanced technology for anatomy teaching, including ‘Anatomage’ electronic dissecting tables, glassless 3D video screens, and mobile apps. A dedicated anatomy room features high-fidelity plastic models. Practical skills are practised electronically and in simulators, with refresher sessions available in Years 4 and 5.

Students will engage in extensive clinical placements, integrating practical experience with academic learning from the beginning. The curriculum focuses on community-based learning, preparing students for various medical careers.

Case Based Learning (CBL) at Bangor University

Case Based Learning (CBL) is a key teaching method at Bangor University's medical programme. In CBL, students work in small groups on real-life case studies, developing solutions under a facilitator's guidance.

This approach covers common medical cases like sports injuries, mental health issues, and abdominal pain, integrating anatomy, physiology, and social aspects. CBL promotes practical skills and clinical experience through short placements, supported by plenary sessions, small group discussions, anatomy teaching, lab-based practicals, and clinical placements.

This method encourages active learning, critical thinking, and independent study, providing a comprehensive understanding of medical concepts.

Course Structure at the University of North Wales

Bangor University Medical School's course is structured in three stages:

Stage 1

Stage 1 provides a foundation in biomedical sciences, clinical skills, communication, and professionalism. The initial weeks focus on core knowledge in anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, cell and molecular biology, immunology, microbiology, and pathology.

Stage 2

Stage 2 integrates basic sciences with clinical conditions through clinical scenarios. Emphasis is placed on community-based learning and includes placements in various healthcare settings. Students engage in task-oriented learning and develop professional attitudes through real patient interactions.

Stage 3

Stage 3 focuses on clinical practice with a Longitudinal Integrated Clerkship (LIC) in Year 3. Students are embedded in a GP practice for an entire year, following patients through primary and secondary care, and observing the impact of medical conditions and treatments.

Community Medicine Placements at Bangor University

Bangor University's medical programme emphasises community medicine through diverse placements.

Students undertake placements in various settings, including coastal areas, small towns, rural villages, suburban areas, cities, areas of deprivation, post-industrial communities, and hospitals across North Wales.

These experiences help students explore different specialities and develop adaptability and resilience.

From Year 1, placements enable students to apply their learning in real-world contexts, fostering a patient-centred approach to healthcare. Placement locations may change from the third year onwards to facilitate travel, ensuring comprehensive exposure to diverse clinical environments.

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A-Level Requirements at University of Bangor Medical School →

Clinical experience is not required. Experience of caring, volunteering or work may be explored at interview. You must also demonstrate an awareness of the UK healthcare system and the nature of medical training in your personal statement.

You must also demonstrate an awareness of the healthcare system in the UK and the nature of the medical training in your personal statement.

If you are a first language Welsh speaker then please make this clear within your personal statement.

Note: from 2026 entry, UCAS replaced the single free-text personal statement with three structured questions — why you want to study the course, how your studies have prepared you, and what else you have done to prepare. Any guidance above still applies; it is simply spread across those questions. For worked examples and a review of your own statement, see our medicine personal statement examples and review service.

Yes - Bangor Medical School offers a graduate entry programme (A101). It is open to high-performing students from the four recognised feeder streams: BSc (Hons) Medical Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Cardiff University (B210) BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University (BC97) BMedSci (Hons), Bangor University (B100) BSc (Hons) Medical Sciences, University of South Wales (B901) . You must also have: BBB/ABC at A-level or equivalent including Biology and Chemistry plus English language or Welsh language at GCSE grade B/6 or equivalent plus 8 GCSEs including grade B/6 in GCSE Maths, Biology and Chemistry, or equivalent qualifications (level, subjects and grade).

Bangor Medical School does not mention if they accept students who have undertaken a foundation course.

Bangor University (North Wales Medical School) selects for its Medicine programme using in-person Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs) held at Bangor, typically in December. The MMI consists of a series of short, timed discussion stations that candidates rotate through in turn, each posing questions designed to explore the personal qualities and attributes deemed important for doctors, aligned with the GMC's Good Medical Practice.

A final score is produced by combining the marks achieved across all stations. For the graduate-entry (A101) route, Bangor also administers a written Entrance Exam via the Medical Schools Council Assessment Alliance (MSCAA) platform.

Bangor's official FAQ states the MMI has six stations, each with two questions; candidates have around three minutes per question with three minutes between stations, so the circuit lasts about an hour in total.

Prepare with 1-1 medicine interview coaching and practise with our medicine interview questions guide.

Practise under timed conditions with our free generator. It builds a randomised circuit from real Bangor interview themes, with reading time, follow-up questions and a notes summary you can keep.

School of Medicine

Bangor University

Address: Bangor, North Wales, LL57 2DG

Tel: 01248 351151

Email: medicineadmissions@bangor.ac.uk

Website: Bangor University Medical School

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