GuidesUpdated 1 November 2026
The UCL interview: which courses interview and what to expect
Most UCL undergraduate courses don't interview: UCL says that if your course isn't on its list of extra tests, tasks and interviews, there are none. Medicine (MBBS) always interviews, using Multiple Mini Interviews of up to 8 stations, 5 minutes each, lasting about 50 minutes, between December and March.
Some other courses set an admissions test or a task, including Economics, Computer Science, Engineering, Law (the LNAT), Architecture and Fine Art. Below is the list, how the MBBS MMI works, what UCL assesses, a worked example and how to prepare.
Which UCL courses have tests, tasks or interviews?
| Course | What UCL asks for (2027 entry) |
|---|---|
| MBBS Medicine | UCAT and an interview (MMI) |
| BSc Economics | TMUA |
| Computer Science (BSc and MEng), Computer Science and Mathematics, Robotics and AI, Mechanical Engineering | TARA |
| Electronic and Electrical Engineering (BEng and MEng) | ESAT |
| European and International Social and Political Studies | UCL Thinking Skills Test |
| Law (LLB, all courses) | LNAT, by 31 December 2026. Law with a European Legal System adds an online interview to check your language |
| Architecture (portfolio, then an online interview), Fine Art and Art and Technology (portfolio, then an interview), Pharmacy (a test, then an interview) and Media (portfolio) | An additional task, test or interview: UCL's list gives the details for each |
| Language degrees | UCL may interview you by telephone to check your level in the language |
| Any course not on UCL's list | No further tests, tasks or interviews |
UCL's own list is the one to trust, as details change by year. Check UCL's "tests, tasks and interviews" page for your course before you apply.
How the UCL Medicine (MBBS) interview works
| Question | What UCL says |
|---|---|
| Is everyone interviewed? | No. Eligible applicants are ranked by total UCAT score and the top scorers are invited |
| Offers without interview? | None. No offers are made without interview |
| When | The interview season runs from December until March |
| Notice | Normally at least one week |
| Where | On campus for home fee-paying candidates; online for overseas candidates |
| Format | Multiple Mini Interviews: up to 8 stations, 5 minutes each, with 1 minute to read before each station |
| Length | About 50 minutes |
What UCL assesses in the MMI
UCL says its MMI takes an NHS values-based approach (putting patients first, respect and dignity, commitment to quality of care, compassion, improving health and wellbeing, and everyone counts) and also assesses:
- academic curiosity and interest in healthcare
- motivation and understanding of the career
- problem solving and reasoning ability
- professional attitudes and values
- teamwork, leadership and individual strengths
- communication skills
A worked example: a values station
A typical prompt in the style UCL describes: "A friend on your course tells you they've been copying lab results from another group. What do you do?"
- Use the minute of reading time: note the issue (honesty and patient safety later on), the people involved, and your first step.
- What a strong answer does: talks to the friend first, finds out why, explains the risk, and says when it would need to go further. It ties the answer to professional values without lecturing.
- Weak answer: "I'd report them immediately" with no conversation, or "It's not my business."
- Five minutes goes quickly: reach your decision by minute three and leave time for the assessor's follow-up.
How to prepare for a UCL interview
- Check whether your course interviews at all. For most UCL courses the application is all there is.
- For MBBS, learn the six NHS values. Have an example from your own experience for each.
- Practise timed stations. One minute to read, five to answer. Use a timer and get used to stopping.
- Practise out loud, not just in notes. Communication is assessed in every station.
- For tests and tasks, use UCL's guidance. Each test (TMUA, ESAT, TARA, Thinking Skills Test) has its own preparation material.
AdmitMock is an AI mock interview app for Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, UCL and US college alumni interviews: an AI interviewer asks the questions out loud, follows up, and shows you what to fix.
Frequently asked questions
Does UCL interview for undergraduate courses?
Only some. UCL says that if your course isn't on its list of extra tests, tasks and interviews, there are none. Medicine (MBBS) always interviews.
How many stations are in the UCL Medicine MMI?
Up to 8 stations of 5 minutes each, with 1 minute's reading time before each. The interview lasts about 50 minutes.
When are UCL Medicine interviews?
The interview season runs from December until March, normally with at least one week's notice.
Is the UCL Medicine interview online?
Home fee-paying candidates attend MMIs on campus. Overseas candidates have online interviews.
Does UCL make Medicine offers without interview?
No. UCL says no offers are made without interview, and not every eligible applicant is interviewed: invitations go to the top UCAT scorers.
Related guides
Sources
Checked 1 November 2026.
AdmitMock is not affiliated with UCL. We use UCL's published guidance and formats, not insider information.
