Canine Therapy
Specialise in canine massage and hydrotherapy and learn how canine therapists enhance dog wellbeing. You’ll gain practical experience in our specialist canine centre.
As a student in Writtle you’ll explore subjects like canine anatomy, physiology and biomechanics, with a special emphasis on canine massage and hydrotherapy.
Our course combines vocational and academic studies to equip you for a career in canine therapy. You’ll work towards a recognised Level 3 Hydrotherapy qualification as you take part in commercially run sessions with real cases. This qualification enables direct registration with the Canine Hydrotherapy Association and National Association of Registered Canine Hydrotherapists.
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Hear more about our Canine Therapy degree from our staff and students.
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Acquire recognised skills in hydrotherapy.
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Learn from experienced veterinary surgeons, hydrotherapists and physiotherapists.
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Use specialist facilities including a canine therapy centre and hydrotherapy pool.
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Help compile massage and hydrotherapy care plans for injured or post-operative animals.
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Register with professional associations as a qualified hydrotherapist.
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Apply for membership of the Animal Health Professions’ Register as a graduate.
Study at an award-winning university
We were named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.
Course options
Key facts
Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.
- Introduction to Professional Skills (30 credits)
- Canine Anatomy and Physiology (15 credits)
- Functional Anatomy (Canine) (15 credits)
- Introduction to Animal Biomechanics (15 credits)
- Nutrition and Feeding (15 credits)
- Canine Behaviour Management (15 credits)
- Introduction to Canine Therapy (15 credits)
- Business Skills (15 credits)
- Research Methods (15 credits)
- Canine Health, Disease and Pain Management (15 credits)
- Exercise Physiology (Canine) (15 credits)
- Extrinsic Factors Affecting Canine Performance (15 credits)
- Animal Therapeutic Techniques (15 credits)
- Canine Hydrotherapy* (15 credits)
- Capstone Project (30 credits)
- Animals in Motion (15 credits)
- Sports Medicine (15 credits)
- Canine Massage Therapy (30 credits)
- Advanced Principles and Practice of Hydrotherapy* (15 credits)
- Ethics and Welfare (15 credits)
To prepare you for university study, you can take a foundation year at the start of this course. Find out more about foundation years.
- Academic and Personal Management Skills (20 credits)
- Biological Concepts (Introduction to Laboratory Skills) (20 credits)
- Maths for IT and Science (15 credits)
- Chemistry for Life Sciences (15 credits)
- Independent (Themed) Project (20 credits)
- Applied Industry Techniques (30 credits)
Our highly qualified teaching team includes experienced veterinary physiotherapists and veterinary surgeons.
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Jess RogersLecturer in Veterinary Physiotherapy
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Katie WalkerLecturer
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Lauren HuntLecturer in Veterinary Physiotherapy
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Ellie ProwseDemonstrator in Veterinary Physiotherapy
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Amber-Jane MasonLecturer
Facilities
Study Canine Therapy at ARU in Writtle and use specialist facilities including our Lordship Canine Centre. Our Canine Therapy Clinic features a hydrotherapy pool, two underwater treadmills and clinical consultation rooms in a commercially operated environment that mimics real-world settings.
You can also access our Pet Behaviour Centre, a dedicated facility for pet behaviourists. It features a consultation room, outdoor paddocks and a training hall. It's a commercial space where students are able to observe activities.
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Our Canine Therapy Clinic features a new hydrotherapy pool, two underwater treadmills and clinical consultation rooms. There are also classrooms and lecture rooms.
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Our underwater treadmill therapy for dogs offers numerous benefits, primarily related to rehabilitation, pain management, and fitness improvement.
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Alongside the Therapy Clinic, our dog grooming centre is equipped with grooming tables, a bathing area and preparatory spaces.
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Accreditation
Our 3-year degree course is accredited by the Animal Health Professions Register (AHPR). As a graduate, you'll be able to apply for membership of the Register.
You'll be eligible to join the National Association of Registered Canine Hydrotherapists (NARCH) and Canine Hydrotherapy Association (CHA) in competitions due to the inclusion of the hydrotherapy qualification within this course.
Careers
Our BSc (Hons) Canine Therapy is a 'two in one' qualification as it includes a vocational award. This means that as a graduate, you'll be ready to work as a therapist – either independently or as part of a clinical team.
As the course has a focus on hydrotherapy and massage, you may choose to work in these popular areas.
You may find yourself helping with post-surgery recovery, managing chronic conditions, increasing the range of motion and balance in senior patients, enhancing the performance of competing athletes, helping with a weight control programme or improving the general wellbeing of family pets.
Alternatively you could consider research assistant posts, lecturing and health advisory roles.
Graduation doesn't have to be the end of your time with us. You might decide to at ARU and study for a Masters, such as our MSc Animal Welfare and Conservation.
Entry requirements
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Fees and paying for university
Apply for Canine Therapy
UK students
Call our Clearing line
01245 686868
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