I am a
Artboard 1 copy 9

Psychiatrist

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

Average annual salary

£44,000 to £94,000

Entry Icon Created with Sketch.

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through a university course or an apprenticeship.

University

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.

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:

  • 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

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

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:

Volunteering

You can gain valuable caring skills from volunteering in education, health, charity or social care settings. You could:

mouse Created with Sketch.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:
  • 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
  • the ability to read English
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • thinking and reasoning skills
  • the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
  • analytical thinking skills
  • knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
  • excellent written communication skills
  • a good memory
  • concentration skills
  • maths skills
Activity Created with Sketch.

What you'll do:

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

In this role you could:

  • 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

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.

Salary Created with Sketch.

Salary:

Starter : £44,000
Experienced : £94,000

These figures are a guide

Hours Created with Sketch.

Working hours:

41 - 43 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays on a rota

Path Icon Created with Sketch.

Career Path:

With experience you could:

Related Jobs

nav close Created with Sketch.

Sign up for updates

…for relevant info and news
straight to your inbox.

Sign me up