Why psychiatry in Scotland?

A career in Scottish psychiatry offers a unique combination of groundbreaking research, a history of innovative care, and a welcoming professional community. Here’s why your career will thrive here:

A legacy of innovation in research and care

Scotland is home to a robust mental health research community, known for its innovative approaches to patient care. We focus on understanding the mechanisms behind mental disorders and translating that knowledge into practice. Key areas of research and innovation include:

• Understanding mechanisms—Our research community, supported by the NHS Research Scotland Mental Health Network, focuses on key areas like autism, bipolar disorder, depression, schizophrenia, and addictions.
• Cutting-edge collaboration—Research is conducted in partnership with universities, NHS boards, and third-sector organisations, with an emphasis on increasing public participation and improving research quality.
• Pioneering treatments—Scotland has a rich history of pioneering community-based mental healthcare. The work of Scottish psychiatrist R.D. Laing, for example, attracted international attention for its innovative therapeutic approach to schizophrenia.

This legacy continues today. The Division of Psychiatry, University of Edinburgh, is known worldwide for exploring the biological and genetic roots of mental illness. Meanwhile, the University of Glasgow’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Research Group is dedicated to developing innovative treatments.

A welcoming, inclusive, and diverse psychiatry community

Scotland is a diverse and multicultural society, and our Scottish Psychiatry Network reflects this. You'll find yourself amongst colleagues from around the globe, contributing to an inclusive psychiatry workforce where everyone is valued and respected.

Discover more about equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Routes to becoming a consultant psychiatrist

The main route to becoming a consultant psychiatrist in Scotland is to complete postgraduate medical training. If you’re a doctor who hasn’t completed the approved UK training programme, you could apply for specialist registration using the portfolio pathway.

Postgraduate psychiatry training

The well-defined postgraduate medical training pathways provide a clear structure for your progression towards a psychiatry career. You'll receive feedback regularly to keep you on track and support to help you achieve your career goals.

You can come to Scotland for postgraduate training if you're an international medical graduate. Discover our supportive learning environment and gain invaluable experience. Explore how Scotland could be the ideal destination for the next stage of your psychiatry career.

Find out more about postgraduate psychiatry training in Scotland.

Portfolio pathway

This route is for you if you’ve gained significant psychiatry experience and knowledge outside the General Medical Council (GMC) approved postgraduate training programme. It’s open to:

• specialty and specialist (SAS) doctors
• international medical graduates and overseas doctors who want to work in the UK

The Portfolio pathway is a formal process which involves both the GMC and the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych). It’s an opportunity to show your experience, qualifications, and skills are equivalent to completing postgraduate psychiatry training and holding a CCT. This is your chance to demonstrate your readiness to practice independently at the highest level.

Learn more about applying for the Portfolio pathway.