1. Home: Explore careers
  2. Psychiatrist

Psychiatrist

Psychiatrists are doctors who diagnose and treat patients with mental health problems.

Average salary (a year)

£26,350 Starter

to

£102,500 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

41 to 43 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on a rota

How to become a psychiatrist

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course

University

To become a psychiatrist you'll need to complete:

  • a 5-year degree in medicine, recognised by the General Medical Council
  • a 2-year foundation programme of general training
  • 3 years of core training in psychiatry
  • 3 years of training in a speciality

You may be able to join a 6-year degree course in medicine if you do not have qualifications in science. This includes a one-year pre-medical foundation year.

If you already have a degree in a science subject, you could take a 4-year graduate entry route into medicine. Some universities will also accept non-science graduates.

When you apply for a course in medicine, you may be asked to take the UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT) or the BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT) to check your suitability for a career in medicine.

There's a lot of competition for places on medical degrees. Most university admissions departments will expect you to have done some relevant paid or voluntary experience.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English, maths and a science
  • 3 A levels, including chemistry, biology and either physics or maths
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More information

More information

Registration

Further information

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

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
  • knowledge of psychology
  • knowledge of medicine and dentistry
  • the ability to understand people’s reactions
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • active listening skills
  • knowledge of English language
  • sensitivity and understanding
  • being able to use a computer terminal or hand-held device may be beneficial for this job.

Restrictions and requirements

You'll need to:

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In this role, you could be:

  • assessing your patient’s condition by asking them about their thoughts
  • getting information from other sources, like GPs, relatives or social workers
  • carrying out blood tests or scans to rule out other health conditions.
  • carrying out psychiatric tests
  • prescribing medication
  • recommending treatments like counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
  • suggesting practical ways to stay well

Working environment

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

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.

Career path and progression

With experience, you may go on to lead a team, or manage a unit or department. You may also progress to teaching and training students, trainee doctors and other healthcare professionals.

With experience and entry on the General Medical Council (GMC) Specialist Register, you could apply for senior (or consultant) roles.

Training opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a psychiatrist right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Access to Science Level 3

  • Provider: Kensington and Chelsea College
  • Start date: 10 September 2019
  • Location: London

Pre-Access to Science & Nursing

  • Provider: COLLEGE OF WEST ANGLIA
  • Start date: 02 September 2019
  • Location: King's Lynn
Find courses near you

Related careers

Get help using this service

Call 0800 100 900

8am to 10pm, 7 days a week

More ways to contact us

Is this page useful?

Yes No