Linda Renton

Dr Linda Renton is a Senior Lecturer in the Division of Occupational Therapy and Arts Therapies at Queen Margaret University. With over 30 years of experience at QMU since joining in 1989, she has served as Programme Leader for the MSc in Occupational Therapy for 9 years, taught across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, and participated in 8 occupational therapy programme validations.

Her educational background includes a BSc(Hons), MSc in Counselling Studies, Dip COT, and she is currently pursuing her Doctoral studies. Her clinical experience spans 8 years in mental health before transitioning to academia.

Linda's research focuses on preretirement counselling within occupational therapy. She is currently conducting research on Pre Retirement as part of her Professional Doctorate Project. Her past research includes "Counselling Skills in Occupational Therapy" completed for her MSc Dissertation. She brings expertise in curriculum design, programme validation, and e-learning to her academic role.

Linda serves as an External Examiner at two English universities and is a reviewer for the British Journal of Occupational Therapy and various occupational therapy conferences. She also coordinates ERASMUS+ Student/Teacher Exchanges with Norway, Portugal, Germany, and Denmark, and serves as Academic Link for international collaborations with Physis Psychotherapy Training Institute and Athens Metropolitan College.

• British Association of Occupational Therapists' Merit Award for "outstanding contribution to occupational therapy"
• College of Occupational Therapists' Discretionary Award for Education; Research and Continuing Professional Development

Within the university community, Linda serves on the Senate, Recognition of Prior Learning Committee, Academic Links Committee, and the Collaborations Forum. She is also a Personal Academic Tutor, Dissertation Supervisor, and Distance Learning Supervisor for students across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

Linda is affiliated with the Health and Care Professions Council and the European Network of Occupational Therapy in Higher Education.