Psychiatrist

To become a psychiatrist you'll need to complete:

• a degree in medicine recognised by the General Medical Council
• a foundation course of general training that lasts 2 years
• 3 years of core training in psychiatry
• specialist training which can take up to 3 years

You might be able to do a foundation year before starting a medical degree. This will depend on your circumstances and what qualifications you hold.

If you already have a science-based degree, you could take a 4-year graduate entry route into medicine.

Entry tests

When you apply for a course in medicine, you may be asked to take the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) .

It tests for skills you'll need on the course, such as:

• critical thinking
• problem solving
• data analysis
• decision making

Work experience

Medical schools will also expect you to have some relevant paid or voluntary work experience. The British Medical Association provides information on how to find a placement.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science

• 3 A levels, or equivalent, including biology and chemistry

• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• University Clinical Aptitude Test|https://www.ucat.ac.uk/

You may be able to apply for a place on a Doctor Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship, if you're working in a healthcare setting.

This takes 5 years and you'll need the support of your employer to apply.

On successful completion, you would move on to the 2-year foundation training programme, followed by core and specialist training.

Entry requirements

Employers will set their own entry requirements.

Registrations

you'll need to register with the General Medical Council

Career Tips

The General Medical Council has a guide on what it means to be a good doctor. You might find this useful when preparing for medical school interviews.

Professional and Industry Bodies

You could join the British Medical Association for professional development and training opportunities.

Further Information

You can find out more about becoming a psychiatrist from the Royal College of Psychiatrists and Health Careers .

As a psychiatrist, you could:

• speak to patients to learn about their situation and what they’re going through
• test and observe patients, and review their medical history
• gather information from other sources like GPs , social workers or relatives
• discuss diagnoses and treatment options with team colleagues
• prescribe treatments, such as talking therapies or medication
• closely monitor patient progress to measure the effectiveness of treatments
• support trainees and colleagues in the department

You could work in an NHS or private hospital, in the community, in a prison or at a client's home.

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.