In the UK, to become a psychiatrist and practice legally as one, you generally need to have a medical degree (MD or MBBS) and complete additional specialized training in psychiatry. Psychiatry is a medical specialty, and as such, it requires a medical qualification.
The typical pathway to becoming a psychiatrist in the UK includes the following steps:
Obtain a medical degree (MBBS or equivalent): This involves completing a bachelor's degree in medicine, which usually takes five to six years. During medical school, students receive a broad education in various medical disciplines.
Complete the Foundation Programme: After graduating from medical school, new doctors enter a two-year Foundation Programme. This involves rotating through different medical specialties to gain practical experience and determine their area of interest.
Specialize in Psychiatry: Following the Foundation Programme, doctors interested in psychiatry apply for higher specialty training in psychiatry. This training typically takes around three to six years, depending on the specific program and specialty.
Obtain Membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (MRCPsych): During higher specialty training, doctors work towards obtaining membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, which is a professional body for psychiatrists in the UK.
Once a doctor completes these steps and becomes a member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, they can legally practice as a psychiatrist in the UK.
It's important to note that different countries have different requirements for becoming a psychiatrist, so the process may vary in other parts of the world. In the UK, however, a medical degree is a fundamental prerequisite for pursuing a career in psychiatry.