Integrative Healthcare BSc (Hons)

Course code B340

What is special about this course?

The BSc (Hons) Integrative Healthcare is the only course of its kind in Scotland and has been developed in consultation with industry to closely reflect the changing requirements of the healthcare sector in the UK and abroad.

Healthcare practitioners face ever more challenges that require new and innovative approaches to addressing the healthcare needs of 21st century clients; increasingly, additional or alternative methods of care, such as complementary therapies, are being considered.

In this course, you will develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of complementary therapies, research and healthcare, while enhancing your analytical, critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. A critical awareness of current issues and developments in complementary therapies will also form part of the programme. Throughout the degree, there is an emphasis on the wide range of diverse and complex perspectives of health, particularly social policy, ethics, the law, politics, physiology and sociology.

As you progress through the programme, your learning will become more self-directed: years three and four will be fully-online, with attendance only required for a two-day induction in each of the years. Two virtual residentials will also take place in years three and four, one per semester each year. An online induction programme will be available prior to the start of each of the four years to help you get the most from your studies. This will allow you the flexibility to study from your own location.

Special features

  • The only integrative healthcare degree offered in Scotland
  • A range of options allow you to specialise in areas of particular interest to you
  • You will learn clinical skills and undertake treatments in evidence-based therapy clinics
  • The fully online flexible study methods in years three and four will allow you to work around personal and work commitments
  • You can study individual modules for professional development (CPD)

Accommodation

We offer modern student accommodation at a number of our locations.

Entry requirements

  • 3 Scottish Highers at Grade C or above, OR
  • 2 A levels at Grade C or above
  • For both of the above, Biology, Chemistry or English is preferred but not essential
  • Alternatively, Access to Integrative Healthcare and Therapies SCQF level 5/6, OR
  • NC Wellness Therapies SCQF level 6, OR
  • SVQ 3 Beauty Therapy SCQF level 6, OR
  • Beauty and Aesthetic Therapies SCQF level 6, OR
  • City and Guilds Level 3 Diploma Complementary Therapies SCQF level 6, OR
  • Essential Massage Skills: Integrative Healthcare, Soft Tissue and Sports Therapy SCQF Level 5/6, OR
  • Other appropriate SCQF level 5/6 qualifications will be considered
  • You may be required to attend an interview
  • Mature applicants without the formal qualifications listed above will also be considered on an individual basis

Advanced entry to year two may be possible with:

  • HNC Complementary Therapies (120 credits/15 HN credits), OR
  • HNC Soft Tissue Therapy (120 credits/15 HN credits), OR
  • HNC Beauty Therapy (120 credits/15 HN credits), OR
  • Other appropriate SCQF level 7 qualifications (120 credits) will be considered

Advanced entry to year three may be possible with:

  • HND Complementary Therapies, OR
  • HND Beauty Therapy, OR
  • HND Sports Therapy, OR
  • Other appropriate SCQF level 8 qualifications will be considered

Access routes

SWAP Access courses
If you are eligible to undertake Scottish Wider Access Programmes (SWAP), please visit our SWAP access list for further information on grade profiles and available subjects.

  • An appropriate NQ level award at SCQF 5 or 6
  • An SVQ/NVQ level 3
  • NC Wellness Therapies, SVQ Beauty Therapy Level 3, and City and Guilds Complementary Therapies Level 3 are preferred
  •  Essential massage skills (Integrative Healthcare, Soft Tissue, and Sports Therapy)

I did not consider any other universities, as UHI was the only place in Scotland to cover this course and so I felt very lucky to get a place! I feel my studies and having the degree gave me a confidence boost. Studying at this level I think gives others the confidence in you that you know what you are doing and shows that you believe in integrative healthcare so much that you are willing to learn as much as possible about the subject.  

I would say go for it! It can feel very daunting and be a lot of work at times but that sense of achievement when you do well or complete the modules and then eventually the course is great! You will never look back and think I wish I didn’t do that course! 

Paula studied the BSc (Hons) Integrative Healthcare at UHI Moray.  

Apply for Integrative Healthcare BSc (Hons)

I want to start in Aug/Sep 2025

We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at the University of the Highlands and Islands. We operate a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of gender, age, disability, ethnicity and socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.