To become a clinical scientist in the physical sciences in NHS Scotland, you must have a minimum of an undergraduate degree at least to 2:1 (or possess a 2:2 and a masters) in a cognate physics or engineering discipline.
You must then complete the 3-year training programme based in Scotland via a well-established national training scheme for clinical scientists entering medical physics and clinical engineering. Where necessary, the scheme places trainees on a 1-year MSc at either Strathclyde University, Glasgow University or Aberdeen University. Registered clinical scientists from other parts of the UK may have already completed the NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP).
NHS Education for Scotland commissions around 20 supernumerary clinical scientist trainees each year. The training leads to registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
The minimum academic entry requirements for undergraduate degree courses in physical sciences vary, but most universities in Scotland require SQA Higher AABB grades, including Physics and Mathematics. Some universities may also allow entry to year 2 with Advanced Highers in Physics and Maths.
Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP) – Access to Science, Technology & Mathematics (STEM) Level 6
These programmes are for adults returning to education, perhaps changing career or seeking to gain the equivalent university entry qualifications needed for a life sciences undergraduate programme. There are no formal entry qualifications, but applicants should have a good standard of general education and have been away from formal education for a minimum of 2 – 3 years.
Successful completion of the course could lead to a degree in a physical science subject by applying to universities participating in the SWAP partnership programme.
Please visit the Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP) website for more information or you can view the following videos: