Psychiatrist

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

Potential salary: £40,000 starter to £151,000 experienced per year
Typical hours: 40 to 43. Working pattern: evenings / weekends / bank holidays on a rota.
Career area: Health and care
Where they might work: 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.
A typical task: assess your patient's condition by asking them about their thoughts
Subjects that may help: 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
Typical route: To become a psychiatrist you'll need to complete:
Interest area used here: Health and laboratory science, Helping and teaching

Career actions

What you might do

assess your patient's condition by asking them about their thoughts
recommend treatments like counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy
get information from other sources like GPs , social workers or relatives
carry out blood tests or scans to rule out other health conditions
carry out psychiatric tests and prescribe medication

Could this suit me?

Consider which of these skills and ways of working appeal to you.

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

More skills

knowledge of English language
sensitivity and understanding
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Routes into this career

University route

To become a psychiatrist you'll need to complete:
a degree in medicine recognised by the General Medical Council
a 2-year foundation programme of general training
3 years core training in psychiatry
specialist training which can take up to 3 years
A medical degree normally takes 5 years to complete. Some courses have the option to include an extra year if you want to study a subject further. This is called an intercalated year.
You might be able to study a foundation year before starting a medical degree. This will depend on your circumstances or if you have not studied enough sciences. Check with the admissions department where you want to study.
If you already have a degree, you could take a 4-year graduate entry route into medicine. There’s lots of competition and entry requirements vary, so check with the admissions department where you want to study.
When you apply for a course in medicine, you may be asked to take the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) .
It tests the skills you'll need on the course, like critical thinking, problem solving, data analysis, communication and scientific knowledge.
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.
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
equivalent entry requirements
university courses and entry requirements
student finance for fees and living costs
University Clinical Aptitude Test

University courses that could lead to this career

These are course families, not published offers. A link does not mean the degree is sufficient on its own.

Medicine
Direct qualifying route. Psychiatry is a medical speciality. A psychology degree does not replace medicine.
Psychology
Related, but not enough on its own. Psychiatry requires a medical degree.

Explore university routes

Apprenticeship or vocational route

You might be able to do a doctor degree apprenticeship which will take around 5 years to complete.
The apprenticeship is recognised by the General Medical Council .
You could then progress to the foundation course of general training before completing the specialist training.
Employers will set their own entry requirements.
equivalent entry requirements
guide to apprenticeships

Career progression

With experience you could:
become a senior consultant, once you're on the General Medical Council Specialist Register
lead a team or manage a unit or department
move into teaching trainee doctors and other healthcare professionals

Registration and requirements

you'll need to register with the General Medical Council

pass enhanced background checks

Subjects that may help

Subject guidance

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