UK Training Pathway for a Psychiatrist
- February 10, 2022
Training in the NHS offers an extensive training scheme and career development for psychiatrists, with the quality and depth of this programme being recognised as a gold standard throughout the international medical community.
In line with developments and progression in psychiatry across the field and around the world, training provided to UK psychiatry trainees is regularly reviewed and updated. This should make the training programme attractive to UK graduates, as well as IMG psychiatrists seeking the best training programmes for their field and career development.
In this article, we will explore the training pathway for psychiatrists in the UK, with a broad look at the following topics:
- What is the NHS Training Pathway?
- How do you enter the training pathway?
- What does the specialty training programme look like for psychiatry?
- What happens after completing the psychiatry training programme?
- Can I enter specialty training in the UK as an IMG?
The NHS Training Pathway
The NHS training pathway refers to the complete programme for UK trainees, from foundation training to the completion of specialist or higher training, where candidates may be eligible for a CCT within their chosen specialism, such as General psychiatry or any of its sub-specialties.
It is important for IMGs to understand this process, as it clarifies what stage they can most likely enter the system if they are interested in training in the UK.
Entering the NHS Training Pathway
After graduating from medical school, doctors will receive provisional registration from the GMC which allows them to enter the Foundation programme (a two-year work-based training programme).
Upon completion of the first year (FY1), doctors will gain full registration with the GMC and will be able to apply for further study and training in a specialised area, such as psychiatry – for psychiatry, this first stage is known as Core Psychiatry Training (CT).
Specialty Training in Psychiatry
The UK Specialty Training programme in Psychiatry is 6 years long, and whilst doctors may pass through training quicker depending on how quickly they achieve their competencies, this is rarely the case and psychiatrists will usually take the indicated time, or slightly longer to complete the Specialty Training programme.
Successful applicants entering year one of core psychiatry training (CT1), will follow the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ 2017 Specialist Training in Psychiatry Curriculum.
The Psychiatry training programme
The psychiatry specialty training scheme operates both as a run-through and uncoupled programme, though it is more often un-coupled.
Depending on where your application is successful, you may complete your period of core training, as well as the Royal College exams before making a further application for the next stage of training (requiring two applications). Alternatively, you may be able to apply for run-through training, which guarantees you complete both Core and Higher training in one region, as you are recruited for the full duration of Specialty Training.
Foundation Training (FY1 – FY2)
The foundation programme usually involves six different rotations or placements in medical or surgical specialties. These rotations enable trainees to practise and gain competence in basic clinical skills.
Selection
Here, trainees will either choose whether to enter GP (General Practitioner) training, internal medicine training (IMT) or core training in psychiatry (CT).
Core Psychiatry Training (CT1 – CT3)
This part of training takes place from year 1 to 3, where trainees will work and train in several different sub-specialties within psychiatry. They will gain a broad understanding of psychiatry by rotating between 6-month posts in the following sub-specialties:
- General and Community Psychiatry - including Assertive Outreach, Crisis Home Treatment, Outreach for Homeless People, Early Intervention for Psychosis, Rehabilitation and Liaison Psychiatry.
- Old Age Psychiatry - including Memory Clinics, Community Teams, Domiciliary Clinics, Young Onset Dementia, Day Hospital and Liaison Psychiatry.
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry - including Specialist Adolescent and Academic Psychiatry.
- Substance Misuse
- Learning Disability Psychiatry - including Specialist Asperger Services.
- Forensic Psychiatry - including all levels of security.
By the end of CT3, trainees will need to have completed the MRCPsych exams.
Please note, trainees must pass the MRCPsych Paper A, Paper B and CASC exams in order to progress to higher psychiatry training.
For more information of the Royal College of Psychiatrists examination suite, take a look at our IMG Resources library here.
There are two opportunities per year to apply to core psychiatry training. Information about how to apply, including the person specifications, is available via the North West Deanery, who manage the recruitment process.
Selection
Here, trainees who are not currently training in a run-through programme will make applications to a deanery for higher psychiatry training in their chosen specialty. Selection is open by national competition.
Higher Psychiatry Training (ST4 – ST6)
This training takes place from years 4 – 6, where trainees will complete 3 years of yearly rotations in their chosen speciality, building on their core training and develop increasing levels of competence in clinical psychiatry.
There will also be opportunities to work in other sub-specialties including: addictions, eating disorders, neuro-psychiatry, perinatal and social & rehabilitation psychiatry.
Trainees will usually be allocated a certain number of PAs (programmed activities) weekly for special interest or research purposes. As well as sub-specialty opportunities, these can also be used towards educational opportunities such as local training days/conferences in relevant domains, from clinical leadership to humanities.
Completion of the Psychiatry Specialty Training Programme
Upon completion of the training programme, the choice is made as to whether the trainee will be awarded a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in General Adult Psychiatry of one of its sub-specialisms. This will be based on criteria set out in the curriculum by the Royal College. You can find the 2021 curriculum here.
At this point, the psychiatrists are entered onto the specialist register and can now take permanent consultant posts in the NHS.
Specialist Registration for overseas doctors
Doctors who completed part or all of their psychiatry training outside of the UK are eligible for specialist registration through the CESR or CESR-CP pathways. To learn more about specialist registration for overseas doctors, read our blog here.
Joining the Psychiatry Specialty Training Programme as an IMG
It is possible for overseas doctors to join the Specialty Training programme in Psychiatry in the UK, however it is very competitive.
IMGs interested in UK specialty training must have:
- Full GMC registration
- Completion of a minimum 12-month (FY1 equivalent) internship
- English language test
- PLAB
AND
- 12 months post-internship experience by the time you start begin ST1
Although UK trainees are not given priority for specialty training places, it can be very difficult to join the Psychiatry Specialty Training programme without NHS experience.
So here you have it, a broad overview of the NHS Psychiatry Specialty Training pathway for UK trainees. This training scheme is the core of psychiatry training in the UK, and for IMGs looking to join the training programme, understanding of the pathway allows you to better align your overseas training with the relevant stage you wound enter into Specialty Training in the UK.
Getting started
If you have any further questions about the UK training pathway or your route to the UK as an overseas psychiatrist, or would like guidance in finding NHS posts which offer CESR support, please get in touch with us here.
For access to a community of like-minded MRCPsych aspirants and dedicated psychiatry recruiters, join the IMG Psychiatrists Facebook group.
To receive the latest news and updates on all things psychiatry, including the Royal College, GMC registration and the NHS, follow us on social media and join the conversation.
Relevant Jobs
An excellent job opportunity for an experienced Consultant Adult Inpatient Psychiatrist to join a private healthcare organisation near to Birmingham. This role is based within a well-established inpatient setting, offering a great chance to advance your medical career and earn a higher salary compared to the NHS. This job provides CESR Portfolio Pathway support, welcoming international applications from IMGs.
Working in Private Healthcare
This private organisation is recognized for its commitment to delivering exceptional mental health services. They are known for its multidisciplinary approach, working collaboratively to provide holistic, patient-centric care. Specializing in general adult psychiatry, they focus on promoting recovery and improving the quality of life for its patients. The team is dedicated to ongoing innovation and quality improvement, ensuring that the highest standards of care are consistently met. This job offers a unique opportunity to be part of a dynamic team that values professional development and excellence in clinical practice.
The Psychiatry Department & Team
The Psychiatry Department has a 10-bedded ward for psychiartric intensive care unit for females of working age, and another 9-bedded ward for acute service which provides treatment for females of working age. The department is comprised of a multidisciplinary team dedicated to providing comprehensive inpatient care for adults with severe mental health conditions. The team includes consultants, junior doctors, psychologists, nurses, and allied health professionals, all working together to deliver evidence-based treatments. The department is committed to fostering a supportive and collaborative environment, where every team member plays a vital role in patient care.
The approach emphasizes continuous improvement and innovation, with regular team meetings and clinical governance sessions to ensure the highest quality of care.
Continued Professional Development:
This job offers further training & accreditation within general adult psychiatry, including CESR Portfolio Pathway Support, access to specialty training, and the opportunity to develop sub-specialist interests. They support its medical staff in pursuing their professional goals, providing access to a wide range of CPD opportunities, including in-house training programs and supervision. This commitment to professional development ensures that consultants are well-equipped to advance in their careers while delivering the highest standard of care to their patients.
Location
This private healthcare organisation is located in the midlands not fare from Birmingham. The area boasts a low cost of living, making it an attractive option for those relocating. It is a safe and family-friendly area with excellent schools, a rich cultural scene, and plenty of recreational activities. The region is known for its natural beauty, with easy access to national parks and outdoor pursuits. Additionally, it has excellent transport links, making it easy to connect with other parts of the UK.
Am I eligible for this role?
UK based candidates:
- Experience in General Adult Psychiatry
- CCT (Preferred)
- Section 12
- AC Status (Preferred)
EEA candidates:
- Experience in General Adult Psychiatry
- European Specialist Qualification
Non-EEA candidates:
- MRCPsych
- Experience in General Adult Psychiatry
An excellent NHS job opportunity for an experienced psychiatrist to join this NHS Trust as a Specialist Doctor working in a community psychiatry setting in the UK. This NHS job offers CESR Portfolio Pathway support and international applications from IMGs are welcome.
The NHS Trust
The NHS Foundation Trust is a renowned provider of integrated healthcare services, covering a broad spectrum of care. The Trust is committed to delivering high-quality, compassionate care and has received accolades for its innovative approaches and excellent clinical outcomes. As part of the NHS, the Trust ensures comprehensive mental health services, physical health care, and specialist services to the community. Their robust partnership with local authorities and healthcare providers enhances their service delivery, making it an exceptional place for medical professionals to grow and make a significant impact.
The Department & Team
The Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) team is a forward-thinking, dynamic department. The team provides community-based services to young people up to 18 years old. The department includes a mix of professionals, such as a substantive consultant, trainees, non-medical prescribers, and a well-resourced multidisciplinary team (MDT). The service boasts various specialized programs like the Mental Health in Schools teams, CAMHS Psychiatry Liaison, and Enhanced Support services. Pebble Lodge, the CAMHS inpatient unit, holds an outstanding rating from the Care Quality Commission, reflecting the high standards of care provided.
Continued Professional Development
This NHS job offers further training & accreditation within Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, including CESR Portfolio Pathway Support, access to specialty training, and the opportunity to develop sub-specialist interests. The NHS Foundation Trust supports continuous professional development with structured training programs, opportunities for research, and participation in innovative projects, ensuring doctors can advance their careers and contribute to service development.
Location
The area is a vibrant coastal town known for its stunning beaches, beautiful parks, and a variety of cultural and recreational activities. The area offers a high quality of life with excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and affordable living costs. With easy access to natural areas of beauty and efficient transport connections to major cities, it is an ideal location for international doctors and their families seeking a balanced lifestyle in the UK.
??????Am I eligible for this role?
UK based candidates:
- Experience in Child & Adolescent Psychistry
EEA candidates:
- Experience in Child & Adolescent Psychistry
- European Specialist Qualification
Non-EEA candidates:
- MRCPsych
- Experience in Child & Adolescent Psychistry
An excellent NHS job opportunity for an experienced Consultant Psychiatrist to join this NHS Trust in the West of England as a Consultant working in an established acute psychiatric ward in the UK. This NHS job offers CESR Portfolio Pathway support and international applications from IMGs are welcome.
The NHS Trust
This NHS Trust provides Community Health, Mental Health, Social Care, and specialist Learning Disability services. Formed from the merger of two previous trusts, it has been operational since October 1, 2019, and received a ‘Good’ rating from the CQC in 2022. This role offers a unique opportunity to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to enhancing patient outcomes.
The General Adult Psychiatry Department & Team
The General Adult Psychiatry department includes acute wards, a PICU, a low-secure unit, and a Hospital-Based Place of Safety. The Consultant Psychiatrist will lead a multidisciplinary team, including a Specialty Doctor, Foundation Doctor, Core Trainee, and nursing staff. Responsibilities include direct patient care, consultation, and supervision of junior doctors, ensuring comprehensive management plans for inpatient treatment and community reintegration. The department is recognized for its high standards, receiving accolades and accreditations from the Royal College of Psychiatrists and the Healthcare Commission.
Continued Professional Development
This NHS job offers further training & accreditation within General Adult Psychiatry, including CESR Portfolio Pathway Support, access to specialty training, and the opportunity to develop sub-specialist interest. Opportunities for teaching, research, clinical governance, and quality improvement projects are integral to the role. The Trust supports continuous professional development with dedicated training for educational and clinical supervision, participation in job planning reviews, and providing resources like a full-time medical secretary, dedicated office space, and modern IT facilities.
Location
This region in the West of England offers an excellent quality of life for international doctors and their families. The cost of living is relatively affordable, and the area boasts a variety of good schools, making it an ideal location for families. The region is rich in history and culture, with numerous attractions, including historic landmarks, museums, and festivals. It is surrounded by beautiful natural areas, perfect for outdoor activities. With excellent transport links, including proximity to major motorways and direct train lines to major cities, this region is well-connected, offering the best of both urban and rural living in the UK.
Am I eligible for this role?
UK based candidates:
- CCT or Specialist Registration (preferred)
- Experience in General Adult Inpatient Psychiatry
- S12
- AC (preferred)
EEA candidates:
- Experience in General Adult Inpatient Psychiatry
- European Specialist Qualification
Non-EEA candidates:
- MRCPsych (preferred)
- Specialist/Consultant Experience in General Adult Inpatient Psychiatry
We are looking to recruit a Consultant Psychiatrist to a Crisis & Assessment Team role in the Channel Islands, a UK territory sitting off the coast of France and just a 1 hour flight from London. This job presents a great opportunity to advance your medical career in the UK.
The health service, separate from the NHS, is an integrated, taxation-funded system, free at the point of delivery, managed by the Health and Community Services Department on the island. Key benefits of working there are higher salaries than the NHS, lower taxes and sunnier weather.
Consultant Pay range - £110,257 to £164,372
Single rate of tax - 20%.
The Department & Team
The Crisis and Assessment Team (CAT) serves as the primary gateway to adult and older people\'s mental health services, conducting assessments in the community and emergency settings, alongside medical reviews. They collaborate closely with law enforcement, responding to Adult Protection Notices and coordinating mental health law assessments. This role within the CAT focuses on streamlining referrals, providing short-term crisis interventions, and ensuring individuals receive appropriate ongoing care. You\'ll engage with both working-age adults and older adults, with responsibilities extending to police referrals and mental health law assessments during standard working hours, with on-call commitments.
Continued Professional Development
Professional development is integral to their ethos, offering CESR Portfolio Pathway support, access to specialty training, and opportunities for sub-specialist development. They prioritize ongoing learning through conferences, local CME events, and a generous study leave allowance.
Life in the area
Living in this location offers significant financial benefits. The flat income tax rate of 20% is notably advantageous compared to the UK, and a generous public sector pension scheme is provided, not constrained by UK lifetime or annual contribution limits. The consultant contract closely mirrors the UK model but offers higher incremental levels starting at £110,257 and with a top basic salary of £164,372.
Am I eligible for this role?
UK based candidates:
- Experience in General Adult Psychiatry
- Specialist Registration or locum consultant experience
EEA candidates:
- Experience in General Adult Psychiatry
- European Specialist Qualification
Non-EEA candidates:
- MRCPsych
- Experience in General Adult Psychiatry
We are looking to recruit a Consultant Psychiatrist to an Old Age role in the Channel Islands, a UK territory sitting off the coast of France and just a 1 hour flight from London. This job presents a great opportunity to advance your medical career in the UK.
The health service, separate from the NHS, is an integrated, taxation-funded system, free at the point of delivery, managed by the Health and Community Services Department on the island. Key benefits of working there are higher salaries than the NHS, lower taxes and sunnier weather.
Consultant Pay range - £110,257 to £164,372
Single rate of tax - 20%.
What is the health & community service like?
Working in this location is professionally rewarding, offering high-quality, patient-centered care. Clinicians lead in developing and managing services, supported by strong links with UK specialists. With a generous study leave budget, doctors are encouraged to pursue further education. Exciting developments include a new general hospital and a new mental health inpatient unit. The service fosters strong relationships between mental health, primary, and secondary care, promoting joint learning and teaching in a modern education center.
What is the department & team like?
The inpatient services are currently undergoing extensive refurbishment, including two wards for older adults. One ward offers 14 assessment beds for individuals over 65 experiencing functional mental health issues, with some flexibility for those under 65. The other ward provides 10 assessment beds for patients with dementia. Following the refurbishment, the latter ward will feature 8 acute assessment beds and 8 transitional/step-down beds for those with dementia or enduring mental health problems who cannot be supported in local nursing or residential homes.
The Older Adults Community Mental Health Team (OACMHT) manages a caseload of about 300 patients, including new referrals triaged by the Crisis and Assessment team, providing both short-term treatment and long-term care coordination. The role involves providing medical support to the OACMHT alongside two other consultants and a staff grade doctor.
The post holder will join an established team, comprising 2 WTE older adult consultants, 1.0 WTE Associate Specialist (Memory Assessment Service), 2.0 WTE staff grades (inpatient and community), and 1.0 WTE F1 doctor (inpatients and community). Dedicated administrative support includes a 0.5 WTE medical secretary and ward and team secretarial support.
Continued Professional Development
This position offers further training and accreditation within psychiatry, including CESR Portfolio Pathway support, access to specialty training, and the opportunity to develop sub-specialist interests. The post holder will have ample opportunities to develop knowledge, skills, and experience through attendance at relevant courses, conferences, and locally organized CME events. The organization supports Continuing Medical Education with time and financial support, offering study leave of 30 days in 3 years and an annual study leave allowance. Regular case discussions, teaching sessions, and MDT supervision ensure ongoing professional development, meeting the Royal College of Psychiatrists\' CPD requirements.
Living in the Area
Living in this location offers significant financial benefits. The flat income tax rate of 20% is notably advantageous compared to the UK, and a generous public sector pension scheme is provided, not constrained by UK lifetime or annual contribution limits. The consultant contract closely mirrors the UK model but offers higher incremental levels starting at £110,257 and with a top basic salary of £164,372.
Am I eligible for this role?Am I eligible for this role?
UK based candidates:
- Experience in Old Age Psychiatry
- Specialist Registration or locum Consultant Experience
- Experience in Old Age Psychiatry
- European Specialist Qualification
- MRCPsych
- Consultant experience in Old Age Psychiatry