You can get into this job through a university course or an apprenticeship.
To become a psychiatrist you'll need to complete:
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.
Entry tests
When you apply for a course in medicine, you could be asked to take the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT), BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT) or Graduate Medical Schools Admissions Test (GAMSAT).
They test the skills you'll need on the course, like critical thinking, problem solving, data analysis, communication and scientific knowledge.
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:
Entry requirements:
From September 2024, 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.
Entry requirements:
You can gain valuable caring skills from volunteering in education, health, charity or social care settings. You could:
Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
Skills:Psychiatrists are doctors who diagnose and treat patients with mental health problems.
In this role you could:
Location : You could work in an NHS or private hospital, in the community, in a prison or at a client's home.
Environment : Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.
With experience you could: