How to Become a Psychiatrist in UK

Introduction

Psychiatry is a highly respected and rewarding field in medicine that focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental health disorders. If you are interested in how to become a psychiatrist in UK, this guide will provide you with a step-by-step approach, covering educational requirements, training pathways, and career opportunities.

Many aspiring mental health professionals also wonder how to become a psychiatrist with a psychology degree in the UK, whether it is possible to become a psychiatrist without medical school, and what qualifications are necessary to enter this field. This article will answer these common questions and outline the journey to becoming a psychiatrist.

What Does a Psychiatrist Do?

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor specializing in mental health. Unlike psychologists, psychiatrists can prescribe medication and provide medical treatments for psychiatric conditions. Their responsibilities include:

• Diagnosing and treating mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia.
• Conducting psychiatric evaluations and risk assessments.
• Prescribing medication and monitoring treatment plans.
• Providing psychotherapy and counseling.
• Collaborating with psychologists, social workers, and healthcare professionals.
• Conducting research and staying updated on mental health advancements.

How to Become a Psychiatrist in UK – Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Complete Your GCSEs and A-Levels

To begin your journey, you must achieve good grades in GCSEs and A-levels.

• What A-levels do you need to be a psychiatrist UK?
  • Essential subjects: Biology, Chemistry
  • Recommended: Maths, Psychology, Physics
  • A strong academic performance (A* to B grades) is preferred by top universities.

Step 2: Obtain a Medical Degree (MBBS or MBChB)

To become a psychiatrist, you must attend medical school and complete a degree in medicine (MBBS or MBChB). This typically takes 5-6 years in the UK.

• Entry Requirements: High A-level grades in Biology and Chemistry.
• Top Medical Schools in the UK for Psychiatry:
  • University of Oxford
  • University of Cambridge
  • Imperial College London
  • King’s College London
  • University of Edinburgh

Step 3: Complete a Two-Year Foundation Training Programme (FY1 & FY2)

After graduating from medical school, you must complete Foundation Training under the NHS.

• This consists of two years of supervised medical practice in hospitals.
• You will rotate through different specialties, including psychiatry, general medicine, and surgery.

Step 4: Apply for Core Psychiatry Training (CT1 – CT3)

Once you finish Foundation Training, you must enroll in Core Psychiatry Training (CPT), which lasts three years.

• You will gain hands-on experience in child psychiatry, adult psychiatry, old age psychiatry, and forensic psychiatry.
• The program includes written and clinical exams (MRCPsych) administered by the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

Step 5: Complete Higher Psychiatry Training (ST4 – ST6)

After Core Training, you will proceed to Higher Specialty Training (HST), lasting three more years.

• During this period, you will specialize in a specific psychiatric field such as forensic psychiatry, neuropsychiatry, or child and adolescent psychiatry.
• You will complete further assessments and exams before earning a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT).

Step 6: Become a Consultant Psychiatrist

Once you complete training and obtain the CCT, you can register with the General Medical Council (GMC) as a specialist psychiatrist.

• You may work as a Consultant Psychiatrist in the NHS or private practice.
• Some psychiatrists pursue academic research or teaching positions.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Psychiatrist in the UK?

The total time required to become a psychiatrist in the UK is approximately 10-13 years:

• 5-6 years – Medical school (MBBS/MBChB)
• 2 years – Foundation Training (FY1 & FY2)
• 3 years – Core Psychiatry Training (CT1 – CT3)
• 3 years – Higher Specialty Training (ST4 – ST6)

How to Become a Psychiatrist with a Psychology Degree in the UK

If you have a psychology degree, you must still complete medical training to become a psychiatrist. Here’s how:

1. Apply for a graduate-entry medical program (GEM), which is a 4-year accelerated medical degree.
2. Complete Foundation Training, Psychiatry Training, and Higher Specialty Training as outlined above.

Unfortunately, there is no direct pathway from a psychology degree to psychiatry without attending medical school.

How to Become a Psychiatrist Without Medical School in the UK

It is not possible to become a psychiatrist without completing medical school in the UK. Psychiatry is a medical profession, requiring a medical degree and GMC registration.

However, if you are interested in mental health but do not want to attend medical school, you can explore careers as:

• Psychologist (requires a psychology degree and further training)
• Psychotherapist or Counselor
• Mental Health Nurse
• Social Worker in Mental Health Services

Psychiatrist Salary in the UK

The salary of a psychiatrist varies based on experience and location:

Conclusion

Becoming a psychiatrist in the UK is a long but rewarding journey. It requires completing medical school, foundation training, and psychiatric training before becoming a consultant psychiatrist. While there is no shortcut to this profession, those passionate about mental health can pursue other careers in psychology and therapy.

If you aspire to work in psychiatry, start by excelling in A-levels (Biology & Chemistry) and securing a place in medical school. With dedication and perseverance, you can achieve a fulfilling career in mental health.

Start your journey today and take the first step toward becoming a psychiatrist in the UK!