Core Psychiatry CT1 · Round 1 recruitment

Core Psychiatry CT1 2027 application: what’s scored

Core Psychiatry offers are made on MSRA scores alone. Here is what that means, and where a presentation still helps.

Applications close 4pm, Thu 19 Nov 2026

  • 527 doctor reviews
  • 4.7/5 rated for relevance

How you’re selected

  • “Please note that there will be no face-to-face or online interviews for this round of recruitment. Offers will be based on MSRA scores only.”
  • “You must score at least 186 (raw score) in each of the two MSRA papers to be considered ‘appointable.’”
  • Separate Scotland vacancy: apply to one only.

Source: National Psychiatry Recruitment Office pages on the Medical Hub, read 15 Oct 2026.

What Core Psychiatry scores

The process is “The application process involves a standardised application, longlisting and a standardised computer-based test: the Multi-Specialty Recruitment Assessment (MSRA).” There is no interview and no portfolio. Your rank is your MSRA rank among Core Psychiatry applicants.

“In 2027 there will be a separate Core Psychiatry vacancy for applications to Scotland only. Applicants will only be considered for one vacancy so they should only apply to the vacancy for their preferred area: Scotland OR England, Northern Ireland and Wales.”

The person specification lists teaching and “Extracurricular activities / achievements / interests that provide increased insight into psychiatry.” as desirable. They are not scored.

In 2025 there were 10,677 applications for 489 posts, a ratio of 21.83 (Medical Hub competition ratios).

Where NMERC still helps

NMERC adds no points to a Core Psychiatry application. It can help elsewhere in the same round. “In 2027, applicants will only be able to submit a maximum of five applications per recruitment round.” Several specialties in the same window score a national presentation, such as IMT (IMT points calculator), Core Surgical Training (CST portfolio guide) and Clinical Radiology ST1 (Radiology ST1 portfolio points). NMERC on Saturday 14 November is before the 19 November close.

NMERC is an online national conference on Saturday 14 November 2026. It is free to submit and free to present, and it is open to any doctor or medical student. Every abstract is reviewed before it is accepted. Submit at nmerc.org/submit, and read more on the NMERC page.

Core Psychiatry CT1 2027: common questions

Is there an interview for Core Psychiatry CT1 in 2027?

No. “Please note that there will be no face-to-face or online interviews for this round of recruitment. Offers will be based on MSRA scores only.”

What MSRA score do you need for Core Psychiatry?

“You must score at least 186 (raw score) in each of the two MSRA papers to be considered ‘appointable.’” Offers then follow your MSRA rank among Core Psychiatry applicants.

Does teaching or a teach the teacher course count for Core Psychiatry?

No marks. “Experience of teaching.” is a desirable criterion in the person specification, but nothing on your CV is scored.

Can I apply for Core Psychiatry in Scotland and in England?

No, choose one. “Applicants will only be considered for one vacancy so they should only apply to the vacancy for their preferred area: Scotland OR England, Northern Ireland and Wales.”

Checklist before you apply

  • Apply to one vacancy only: Scotland, or England, Northern Ireland and Wales.
  • Prepare for both MSRA papers: you need 186 raw in each.
  • Choose your other applications (up to five) before 19 November.
  • If one of them scores presentations, present at NMERC on 14 November.