Glasgow Nursing Interview Questions & Tips

Glasgow University Nursing Interview Questions and Tips

Key Information

Glasgow’s Nursing course (Bachelor of Nursing) is ranked first in the UK. It requires notably higher A Level grades than most other Nursing degrees - ABB. It also requires that you sit two A Levels from the following subjects: Chemistry, Biology (or Human Biology), Physics and Mathematics. If you do not have Chemistry at A Level, you must have it at GCSE. For 2021 intake, expect to be invited to a virtual interview rather than in-person.

Glasgow operates a panel interview system. You will be assessed by two or three interviewers, and you will interview with them alone. Therefore, you need not worry about how to best perform in a group. According to current students, the interviewers are relaxed and friendly, but will pose a variety of the ‘standard’ nursing questions, alongside combing through your personal statement.

Scientific Understanding

Glasgow’s Nursing course is broader spectrum than others. They state that, ‘[the] Bachelor of Nursing (Honours) programme, with its strong scientific basis, prepares our graduates for all areas of care.’ Upon graduation, you will be able to register as an Adult Nurse - and feel confident in pursuing any area of employment within that sphere. This emphasis on science is hugely evident in the required grades (and required subjects) at A Level as well. As they offer a four year course, there is more time to focus on biomedical sciences (like anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, genetics, microbiology and pharmacology) than on other courses.

Therefore, you should emphasise your interest in science in your Personal Statement. Try to move beyond the core curriculum at school, and think about any extra curricular work you have done or could do. Look for essay competitions, poster competitions, debates - anything that will show a genuine interest. Ensure that you know your Personal Statement thoroughly, and especially focus on any science or scientific references within it. Previous interviewers have asked questions on just one word in the personal statement - so make sure that you do not get caught out.

Nursing Interview Question Bank

Nursing Interview Techniques

Prove That You Understand the Course

Thoroughly research the course structure, and think about what elements of this academic emphasis appeal to you. Think about how you would enjoy studying it, and ensure that you are able to convey this enthusiasm, and knowledge, to your interviewers. Expect them to directly ask you why you have chosen their course. Look at the modules for each year - naming some that are of particular interest to you, and linking this interest to previous experience, will show that you have done your research well.

Independent Study and Research

You will be expected to develop a robust understanding of research and research methodologies. You must understand the importance of research to good practice, and the role of evidence informed nursing practice. In your final year, you will complete an independent study component in an area of nursing that particularly interests you. Therefore, think about any examples of independent study that you have already pursued, and even some initial ideas for where you might like to direct this independent learning.

Show Interest in the Bigger Picture

The very first year will introduced social sciences and ethics. Second year will include social care policy, as well as nursing history. The fourth year will include more study of health and social care policy, as well as professionalism and global health challenges. From this, it is evident that you must be well read around the subject of nursing, and around healthcare in general. Ensure that you keep up to date of current healthcare news (especially COVID-19), and policy. Read broadsheet newspapers, the BBC, or look to medical and nursing journals. Develop your knowledge of nursing beyond work experience, through reading about its history, and current trends in practice.

Past Questions for Glasgow Nursing Interviews

Talk us through this section of your personal statement?
Can you tell us a bit about the basic science behind this disease that you have mentioned in your personal statement?
What in particular has attracted you to our course here at Glasgow?
What part of Nursing do you see yourself working in in the future?
Do you think that research is important to Nursing as a profession?
Can you tell us a bit about COVID-19?

Glasgow University Nursing Interview Questions and Tips

​Further Reading....

Further Reading....