BSc (Hons) Veterinary Physiotherapy

Veterinary physiotherapists combine scientific knowledge and clinical expertise to provide treatment and rehabilitation for musculoskeletal conditions in animals, working to reduce pain, improve movement and restore normal muscle control and function.

Once perceived as an ‘extra’, veterinary physiotherapy has undergone a period of considerable growth over the last 10-15 years and practitioners now work in a range of settings – veterinary practices, veterinary therapy centres and independent practice – and always with the consent of a veterinary surgeon.

About this course

This degree introduces the methods and practices of veterinary physiotherapy, allowing you to become acquainted with the basic principles and practices.

Designed to provide the knowledge and skills required to practice as a veterinary physiotherapist, graduates meet Day-One Competency requirements and thus are eligible for independent registration with professional bodies within the industry.

Why Choose Us?

1. Delivered via Blended learning which allows for a flexible, affordable way of studying
2. Opportunity to receive the most current and up-to-date guidance within the field from a highly qualified teaching team, who remain practicing within Veterinary Physiotherapy
3. Opportunities to experience shadowing days with experts within the Veterinary Physiotherapy industry 
4. Develop in-depth knowledge of small animals in therapies, treatments and rehabilitation
5. Students will develop independence in their study skills resulting in a sound academic basis for further progression through post-graduate professional education and training with particular emphasis on the specialist veterinary physiotherapy and rehabilitation elements

Course Structure

As a full-time blended learning programme, compulsory attendance at the four-week-long practical sessions held throughout each year is combined with lectures, seminars, tutorials (offline and online) and guided self-study to build a portfolio of clinical practice.

This requires a commitment to at least 35 hours of study each week but, due to its unique delivery, the course is accessible to those who may already be employed within the wider animal industry and are able to reduce or adjust their working hours to accommodate full-time study.

The course begins in September of each year and students will undertake a range of modules totalling 360 credits over the duration of the programme; 120 credits must be achieved at each of Levels 4, 5 and 6. The final award is calculated by applying 30:70 weighting to marks achieved at Levels 5 and Level 6 respectively.

Course content

Practical skills in physiotherapy and rehabilitation are acquired in the context of a sound knowledge of musculoskeletal anatomy, biomechanics and exercise physiology in animals.

The primary focus is companion animals, mainly dogs and horses, although consideration will be given to a much wider range of species as these can be encountered in practice.

What is a typical module like?

A typical module, either 15 or 30 credits,  comprises a combination of tutor-led sessions and independent study time to be spent on reading, researching, completing assessment tasks and - for clinical modules - gaining valuable clinical practice hours..

Course attendance and pass requirements

All of the 12-week-long practical sessions throughout the three years of the course must be attended, and all modules must be passed as it is necessary for students to be proficient in all aspects of the course - both practical and theory -  in order to safely practice in the industry. 

Independent practice of hands-on and Clinical Skills, working on animals belonging to family and friends, is also key to successfully completing the programme. Evidence of this practice will be required and the hours will count towards the minimum number required to meet Day-One Competency standards.

Career progression after completion of this course

The programme is accredited by the Animal Health Professions Register (AHPR) and on successful completion of the course, students will be eligible to join the AHPR register of Veterinary Physiotherapists. 

Graduates may seek employment in a specialist role within a wider veterinary practice but they are also equipped with the professional and business skills required to allow them to work as a self-employed veterinary physiotherapist. The progressive approach to the development of sound clinical skills combined with robust academic skills also prepares students for further progression in postgraduate education and/or the field of research. 

Year 1

Students are required to study the following compulsory modules.

• Study Skills and Introduction to Data Handling (15 credits)
• Animal Behaviour, Husbandry and Welfare (15 credits)
• Cellular Anatomy and Physiology (15 credits)
• Musculoskeletal Anatomy (30 credits)
• Professional Practice, Legalities and Business Management (15 credits)
• Massage Therapy (30 credits)
• Clinical Competencies 1

Year 2

Students are required to study the following compulsory modules.

• Research Skills and Data Analysis (15 credits)
• Biomechanics (15 credits)
• Exercise Physiology (15 credits)
• Musculoskeletal Dysfunction, Tissue Damage and Repair (15 credits)
• Orthopaedics and Neurology (15 credits)
• Rehabilitation and Remedial Exercise Prescription (15 credits)
• Veterinary Rehabilitation (30 credits)
• Clinical Competencies 2

Year 3

Students are required to study the following compulsory modules.

• Honours Research Project/Dissertation (30 credits)
• Electrophysical Agents (30 credits)
• Specialist Skills (30 credits)
• Veterinary Physiotherapy (30 credits)
• Clinical Competencies 3

We consider a range of Level 3 qualifications with UCAS 104 Tariff points, specifically:

• A Level: three subjects (BCC) and must include A2 Biology and one other science subject.
• BTEC National: Extended Diploma (DMM) in Animal or Equine Management.

We also consider applicants with relevant industrial experience if over 21 years of age.

We expect a minimum of five GCSE’s, including Mathematics, English Language and a science, all at grade 4 or above (grade C or above under the A*-G system).

Students with English as a second language will be required to have gained IELTS at 6.5 overall with 6.0 in Writing.