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EduSCOT
Healthcare

How to Become an Occupational Therapist in Scotland

Help people of every age do the everyday things that illness, injury or disability has made hard.

BBBB Highers typical (minimum BBCC at QMU)

4-year degree, HCPC registration on graduation

Practice placements throughout the course

Works in NHS, councils, schools and private practice

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Highers You Need

Typical entry: BBBB at Higher. You also need English (C) and Maths (C — B at RGU) and A science (B at RGU) at National 5.

Required Highers

  • English— QMU prefers it; RGU requires it

Recommended (not required)

  • Biology or Psychology— A science or social science is expected by both providers
  • A discursive subject (e.g. Modern Studies, History)

Route to Qualification

Degree: BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy (QMU) or MOccTh Occupational Therapy (RGU) (4 years at university).

1

BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy — 4 years, HCPC-approved

4 years

2

MOccTh Occupational Therapy — 4-year integrated masters

4 years

Scottish Universities Offering This Course

Scottish-domiciled students can apply through UCAS and have tuition fees funded by SAAS.

  • Queen Margaret University
  • Robert Gordon University

Professional Registration

To practise as a Occupational Therapist in Scotland, you must register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Registration is required by law and must be maintained through continuing professional development.

Salary in Scotland

Starting salary

~£32,000

Newly qualified

Mid-career salary

up to £48,000

5–10 years experience

National Careers Service occupational therapist profile (read 14 September 2026): £32,000 starter to £48,000 experienced. NHS Scotland posts sit on Agenda for Change bands.

EduSCOT note

Occupational therapy is the allied health profession pupils ask about and few schools explain. Entry grades are a full band below medicine and physiotherapy, the course is four years with placements from the first year, and every graduate registers with the HCPC before practising. Both Scottish providers whose requirements are stated above want English plus a science or social science — Biology and Psychology are the natural pair.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Highers do you need to become a Occupational Therapist in Scotland?▾
To become a Occupational Therapist in Scotland, you typically need Higher English. The typical grade offer is BBBB. You also need English (C) and Maths (C — B at RGU) and A science (B at RGU) at National 5 level.
Which Scottish universities offer BSc?▾
The following Scottish universities offer routes into Occupational Therapist careers: Queen Margaret University, Robert Gordon University. Scottish-domiciled students are eligible for tuition fee funding through SAAS.
How long does it take to become a Occupational Therapist in Scotland?▾
The main degree route takes 4 years. Alternative routes include: MOccTh Occupational Therapy — 4-year integrated masters (4 years). After completing the degree, registration with Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) is required before you can practise.
What is the salary for a Occupational Therapist in Scotland?▾
Starting salary for a Occupational Therapist in Scotland is typically ~£32,000. Mid-career salary is typically up to £48,000. National Careers Service occupational therapist profile (read 14 September 2026): £32,000 starter to £48,000 experienced. NHS Scotland posts sit on Agenda for Change bands.
Is there an apprenticeship route to becoming a Occupational Therapist in Scotland?▾
There is currently no Graduate Apprenticeship route for Occupational Therapist in Scotland. The standard route is the BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy — 4 years, HCPC-approved.
Does SAAS cover tuition fees for Occupational Therapist degrees in Scotland?▾
Scottish-domiciled students studying BSc at a Scottish university are eligible for SAAS (Student Awards Agency Scotland) tuition fee funding. For 4-year undergraduate degrees, SAAS covers tuition in full. Professional or postgraduate stages (such as a Diploma in Legal Practice or pre-registration year) may not be covered — check the SAAS website for your specific course.