Public Health ST1 Interview Course
Prepare for one of the most competitive interviews by mastering the skills needed to secure your first-choice post.
Created by Faisal Solkar
Key Features
70+ Expert Topics
Over 100 Questions
New 2027 Updates
Member Only Discussions
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About
Public Health Medicine ST1 national recruitment is one of the most competitive entry points into specialty training, open to both medical and non-medical applicants. In the 2026 round there were 2,241 applications for just 100 posts, a competition ratio of 22.4 to 1.
To stand out you need more than an interest in epidemiology and health policy. You need clear frameworks for structuring answers, a confident way of talking through data and scenarios, and the ability to show leadership potential, systems thinking, and insight into real-world public health practice under time pressure. In other words, you should approach the Public Health ST1 interview with the same strategy and discipline you would bring to a high-stakes exam.
This course will give you everything you need: model answers frameworks for common question types, common and curveball interview questions and practical tools to refine how you come across on the day. By the end, you will know exactly how to approach each part of the process and present yourself as a thoughtful, well-prepared future Public Health registrar.
What You'll Learn
- Understand the Public Health ST1 interview format and scoring domains
- Structure clear, high-scoring answers using proven frameworks
- Tackle challenging scenarios with high-level registrar thinking
- Communicate effectively under challenges and time pressure
- Refine your delivery, timing and confidence with realistic scenarios
- Focus your preparation efficiently on the areas that score the highest
Course Content
Introduction To Public Health St1 Application & Interview
Introduction
Two Routes
Application & Eligibility Check
Assessment Centre (Stage 2)
Selection Centre / Interview Stage (Stage 3)
How This Course Fits In
How To Prepare For The Interview
Competition
Interview Structure
Key Principles
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Key Messages
Core Public Health Knowledge
Why This Module Matters
What Is Public Health
The Wider Determinants Of Health
Key Organisations In The UK Public Health System
Core Concepts And Models
Health Inequalities
Hot Public Health Topics + Further Reading
Core Frameworks
Why Frameworks Matter
STARR
ISPIES
CAMP
LESS
Commitment And Motivation
Why These Questions Matter
Why Have You Applied To/chosen A Career In Public Health?
What Attracts You To The Public Health Specialty Training Programme?
What Attracts You To Multidisciplinary Working?
Where Do You See Yourself In 10 Years?
What Unique Perspective Or Skills Would You Bring To The Specialty?
How Do You Keep Yourself Up To Date With Developments In Health And Policy?
Final Key Points
Teamwork, Leadership & Reflection
Why These Questions Matter
Why Have You Applied To/chosen A Career In Public Health?
What Attracts You To The Public Health Specialty Training Programme?
What Attracts You To Multidisciplinary Working?
Where Do You See Yourself In 10 Years?
What Unique Perspective Or Skills Would You Bring To The Specialty?
How Do You Keep Yourself Up To Date With Developments In Health And Policy?
Final Key Points
Research & Critical Appraisal
Why This Matters
Example 1: Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT)
Example 2: Observational Study (Cohort Or Cross-sectional)
Example 3: Systematic Review Or Meta-analysis
Key Tips
Current Hot Public Health Topics
Why This Section Matters
Example Topic 1: Health Inequalities And Deprivation
Example Topic 2: Cost Of Living Crisis And Fuel Poverty
Example Topic 3: Climate Change And Air Pollution
Preparation Time Questions
Why This Section Matters
Childhood Asthma Admissions – Short Report Summary
Flu Vaccination Uptake – Data Or Graph Interpretation
Housing And Winter Health – Summary And Communication Task
Key Tip
Training Needs & Self-Development
Why This Section Matters
Reflective Task
What Are Your Top Six Skills?
What Are Your Work Values?
What Are Your Weaknesses Or Areas For Improvement?
What Areas Of Public Health Are You Most Interested In?
How Do You Reflect On Your Performance And Ensure You Keep Developing?
How Do You Respond To Feedback?
Management & Ethical Scenarios
Why This Section Matters
What The Interviewers Are Really Looking For
Conflict Of Interest
Cultural Sensitivity And Equality
Public Communication And Media Pressure
Team Member Not Performing
Data Breach And Confidentiality
Ethical Dilemma – Resource Allocation
More Practice Scenarios
Final Summary
Final Summary
Flexible Learning
Mock Interview Dates
Choose your preferred date then select Mock Only or Pro Bundle
Authors
Faisal completed his MBBS at St George’s, University of London, before moving into Public Health Specialty Training in the North West. During ST1, he completed his Master of Public Health at the University of Liverpool, developing particular interests in public health ethics, ultra processed foods, and health education. He now works at Blackburn with Darwen Council, contributing to prevention-focused programmes, evidence-based policy, and improving health outcomes across local communities.
Why Medset?
Speciality interviews are competitive – and we know what it takes to succeed. Since 2013, we’ve helped thousands of doctors secure training posts by mastering the frameworks, question styles, and high-yield topics that lead to top-ranked offers.
Next-Gen Learning
Our next-generation learning platform Examable® combines expert content with progress tracking, personalised stats, smart notes, podcasts, and discussion boards – giving you everything you need to get that competitive edge.
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FAQ
What is the Public Health ST1 interview?
It’s the national recruitment gateway into Public Health specialty training in the UK. The interview assesses whether you have the analytical reasoning, communication skills and leadership potential needed for a public health career. You will first sit the Public Health assessment centre at a Pearson test centre, then, if invited, a virtual selection centre interview; the 2027 interview format has not yet been published.
Who is the Public Health ST1 interview for?
It’s open to doctors and non-medical applicants with the required degrees and competencies who want to enter Public Health training at ST1. Candidates come from clinical medicine, life sciences, social sciences and other relevant backgrounds.
How competitive is Public Health ST1?
What does the ST1 selection centre assess?
The assessment centre is a 190-minute test sat in person at a Pearson test centre, with three papers: Watson Glaser critical thinking, RANRA numerical reasoning and a situational judgement test. You must pass all three and rank highly enough to be invited to the selection centre. It focuses on how you think, prioritise and communicate, rather than clinical knowledge.
When is the Public Health ST1 interview?
£89
Key Features
- 70+ expert written topics
- Over 100 clinical questions
- Common & curveball stations
- New 2027 interview updates
- Mock Interview with Pro Bundle
£329
Key Features
- Full online mock interview
- Led by experienced tutors
- Personalised feedback
- Common & curveball stations
- Online course with Pro Bundle