MSc Veterinary Physiotherapy

How to apply Come to a Postgraduate Open Event

Introduction

Gain advanced skills in veterinary physiotherapy to enhance performance, promote recovery and support the long-term wellbeing of horses and dogs.

Already have an ARU degree? You may be eligible for our Alumni Scholarship for students starting postgraduate courses.

Why ARU

  • Our flexible weekend delivery enables students to balance their studies with full-time work
  • Lecturers bring diverse strengths and professional experience, all dedicated to student success
  • On-site canine commercial clinics offer realistic, hands-on experience in professional settings
  • State of the art equine therapy facilities provide advanced learning environments
  • Our final-year Major Project allows students to specialise and contribute to the growing body of veterinary physiotherapy research
  • A strong focus on employability, research and evidence-based practice prepares students for professional success

Our three year part-time course is designed for those already working in the industry who want to make a meaningful impact in animal health and rehabilitation. If you're already a therapist, this course will enhance your skills and broaden your experience. You'll deepen your understanding of anatomical structure in relation to function, treatment and rehabilitation, while also developing core business and professional skills that open doors to self-employment, clinical practice and wider industry opportunities.

With most teaching held on weekends, you’ll attend 12 weekends in your first year, followed by 18 weekends in your second year, which include internal placements within commercial settings and access to external equine facilities. Occasional weekday attendance for activities like academic induction or exams will also be required, and these dates will be confirmed at the beginning of each academic year. Your final year is dedicated to your independent research dissertation, which you can complete flexibly around your professional schedule.

Course options

Course options

Key facts

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Entry requirements

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Fees and paying for university

Facilities

Two students in a stable yard, one holding a horse on reins while the other assesses one of its front legs

Hands-on learning

As an MSc Veterinary Physiotherapy student in Writtle you'll take part in:

  • practical animal sessions which cover surface anatomy, individual animal assessments, therapeutic interventions, and animal handling skills
  • laboratory practicals
  • a clinical observation day in Year 1, providing an introduction to professional practice
  • six clinical placement days in Year 2
Three students in a glasshouse, surrounded by flowering plants

Outstanding student support

Join our postgraduate student community and:

  • benefit from award-winning learning facilities, including extensive library and IT resources
  • learn from expert staff who will guide your research interests and career development
  • receive full support from our Employability Service, while you're studying with us and after you graduate
  • access support, should you need it, with study skills, health and wellbeing, and more.

Take a guided tour and meet our students.

Accreditation

Animal Health Professions' Register logo

Professional recognition

Our MSc Veterinary Physiotherapy is pending accreditation by the Animal Health Professions’ Register (AHPR) and recognised by Register of Animal Musculoskeletal Practitioners (RAMP).

Careers

Graduating with an MSc in Veterinary Physiotherapy opens doors to careers in private practice, veterinary clinics and specialist therapy centres. You’ll be qualified to assess, treat and rehabilitate animals, particularly dogs and horses, using evidence-based techniques. The course also supports self-employment, equipping you with business and clinical skills to help you start and manage your own practice.

Graduates from accredited programmes with advanced clinical and professional skills are highly regarded by employers and clients across the veterinary physiotherapy sector.

Graduation doesn't have to be the end of your time with us. You might decide to continue your academic career and join a research programme at ARU. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and save £400 on your fees.

Apply now for MSc Veterinary Physiotherapy

Want to talk to someone?
Do you have a question that we haven't answered so far? Talk to our application experts. You can also ask our Student Ambassadors about life at ARU.
[email protected] Call 01245 686868

We're here Monday-Thursday 9am-5pm (please note we close at 3.30pm on the first and third Thursday of the month for staff training), and Friday 9am-4.30pm.

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Aerial view of campus buildings and grounds in Writtle

Life in Writtle

Close to major cities, ARU Writtle is located on a picturesque 150-hectare campus in the heart of the Essex countryside.

Explore the Writtle campus