Two therapists working with a dog in a hydrotherapy pool
BSc (Hons) Available in Clearing

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.

Start date
September
Location
Writtle
Duration
3 years
UCAS course code
D390

Start date
September
Location
Writtle
Duration
4 years with foundation
UCAS course code
DF90

It's possible to study this course part-time. You'll take the same modules as BSc/BA (Hons) students, but sometimes in a different order or in different years.

As a part-time student you'll typically study for twice as long as full-time students; for example if the BSc/BA (Hons) course takes three years, you can expect to study over six years, though for some courses the part-time length may differ.

1st

in the East of England for undergraduates employed as managers, directors or senior officials.

Source: GOS

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, in our Canine Therapy Clinic

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 also be able to register with the National Association of Registered Canine Hydrotherapists and Canine Hydrotherapy Association thanks to the hydrotherapy qualification in this course.

Animal Health Professions' Register (AHPR) logo CHA (Canine Hydrotherapy Association) logo NARCH (National Association of Registered Canine Hydrotherapists) logo
Why ARU?
  • Acquire recognised skills in hydrotherapy.

  • Learn from experienced veterinary surgeons, hydrotherapists and physiotherapists.

  • Use specialist facilities including a canine therapy centre and hydrotherapy pool.

  • Help compile massage and hydrotherapy care plans for injured or post-operative animals.

  • Register with professional associations as a qualified hydrotherapist.

  • Apply for membership of the Animal Health Professions’ Register as a graduate.

Logo: THE Awards 2023
 

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.

Careers

Rebecca Abraham

Work experience in the hydrotherapy clinics really helped me gain confidence and see how a centre is run. Thank you for allowing me to build the business of my dreams!

Rebecca Abraham, Graduate and hydrotherapy centre owner

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 athletes, helping with a weight control programme or improving the general wellbeing of family pets.

Teaching and modules

Lauren Hunt

You'll be able to see the importance of putting evidence-based theory into practice, to help animals from all walks of life.

Lauren Hunt, Lecturer

Learn to recognise the signs of pain and disease in dogs, and explore therapeutic techniques such as massage and hydrotherapy.

You’ll cover canine anatomy and physiology, the biomechanics of canine movement and how it can be analysed. You’ll also explore factors which affect health and performance such as nutrition and feeding, and behaviour management. 

The Canine Hydrotherapy module together with the Advanced Principles and Practice of Hydrotherapy module incorporates the ten mandatory units of the SEG award Level 3 Certificate in Canine Hydrotherapy. These modules include a practical placement in our Canine Rehabilitation Clinic.

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 *.

Year 1
  • 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)
Year 2
  • 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)
Year 3
  • Major 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)
Module details

To prepare you for university study, you can take a foundation year at the start of this course. Find out more about foundation years.

Year 1
  • 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)
Module details

It's possible to study this course part-time. You'll take the same modules as BSc/BA (Hons) students, but sometimes in a different order or in different years.

As a part-time student you'll typically study for twice as long as full-time students; for example if the BSc/BA (Hons) course takes three years, you can expect to study over six years, though for some courses the part-time length may differ.

Our highly qualified teaching team includes experienced veterinary physiotherapists and veterinary surgeons.

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.

Take a guided tour and meet our students.

Entry requirements

Fees and funding

Apply for Canine Therapy

Clearing places available

UK students, apply through Clearing for a September 2025 start

UK students

Call our Clearing line

01245 686868

UK students

Apply through UCAS for 2026

International students

Apply direct

Part-time courses

Apply directly to ARU

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