The Royal College of Psychiatrists is the professional and educational body for psychiatrists in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. Its aims are to:

• advance the science and practice of psychiatry and related subjects

• further public education in psychiatry and related subjects

• promote study and research work in psychiatry and all sciences and disciplines connected with the understanding and treatment of mental disorder in all its forms and aspects and related subjects and publish the results of all such study and research.

As well as running its membership examination (MRCPsych), and visiting and approving hospitals for training purposes, the College organises scientific and clinical conferences and lectures and continuing professional development activities. The College publishes books, reports and educational material for professionals and the general public. It also publishes the British Journal of Psychiatry, The Psychiatrist and Advances in Psychiatric Treatment, all of which are now available online.

The Royal College of Psychiatrists has been in existence in some form since 1841. First as the 'Association of Medical Officers of Asylums and Hospitals for the Insane' (later changed to the Medico Psychological Association); then in 1926 receiving its Royal Charter to become the 'Royal Medico Psychological Association', and finally in 1971 receiving a Supplemental Charter to become the 'Royal College of Psychiatrists' we know today.

Further information:

Visit the College's website

How to contact the College

Where to find the College