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Healthcare

How to Become a Physiotherapist in Scotland

Assess and treat patients with movement, injury and long-term conditions across NHS and private practice.

Biology + one further science required

Only 3 Scottish universities offer physiotherapy

HCPC registration required

NHS Band 5 entry salary

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Highers You Need

Typical entry: ABBB–AABB at Higher. You also need English (C) and Maths (C) at National 5.

Required Highers

  • Biology or Human Biology— required at most Scottish universities
  • One further science (Chemistry, Physics, or Maths)
  • English

Route to Qualification

Degree: BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy (4 years at university).

1

BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy (4 years)

4 years

Scottish Universities Offering This Course

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

  • Queen Margaret University (Edinburgh)
  • Robert Gordon University (Aberdeen)
  • Glasgow Caledonian University

Professional Registration

To practise as a Physiotherapist 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

£33,247

Newly qualified

Mid-career salary

£41,608–£50,702

5–10 years experience

NHS Scotland Agenda for Change Band 5 newly qualified (2025–26). Band 6 senior/specialist physiotherapist scale.

EduSCOT note

Work experience in a physiotherapy setting is strongly recommended before applying — universities ask for evidence of understanding the profession at selection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Highers do you need to become a Physiotherapist in Scotland?▾
To become a Physiotherapist in Scotland, you typically need Higher Biology or Human Biology, One further science (Chemistry, Physics, or Maths), English. The typical grade offer is ABBB–AABB. You also need English (C) and Maths (C) at National 5 level.
Which Scottish universities offer BSc?▾
The following Scottish universities offer routes into Physiotherapist careers: Queen Margaret University (Edinburgh), Robert Gordon University (Aberdeen), Glasgow Caledonian University. Scottish-domiciled students are eligible for tuition fee funding through SAAS.
How long does it take to become a Physiotherapist in Scotland?▾
The main degree route takes 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 Physiotherapist in Scotland?▾
Starting salary for a Physiotherapist in Scotland is typically £33,247. Mid-career salary is typically £41,608–£50,702. NHS Scotland Agenda for Change Band 5 newly qualified (2025–26). Band 6 senior/specialist physiotherapist scale.
Is there an apprenticeship route to becoming a Physiotherapist in Scotland?▾
There is currently no Graduate Apprenticeship route for Physiotherapist in Scotland. The standard route is the BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy (4 years).
Does SAAS cover tuition fees for Physiotherapist 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.