Canine Veterinary Physiotherapy
Turn your passion for dogs into a rewarding career by mastering expert clinical skills in canine physiotherapy.
in the country for Learning Opportunities.
Source: NSS 2024
With the UK’s dog population soaring to mote than 14.5 million, there’s never been a greater demand for qualified canine physiotherapists.
This four-year degree at ARU in Writtle includes a Masters year, and combines theory with hands-on experience.
With a focus on canine health and rehabilitation, you’ll work with real cases in our Canine Therapy Clinic. You'll explore anatomy, behaviour, biomechanics, massage and electrotherapy – and work towards a recognised Level 3 hydrotherapy qualification.
Our course is pending accreditation by the Register of Animal Musculoskeletal Practitioners (RAMP) and the Animal Health Professions' Register (AHPR).
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Learn from expert tutors who are qualified veterinary physiotherapists and veterinary surgeons.
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Build your skills in our Canine Therapy Centre, a commercial facility with two underwater treadmills and a hydrotherapy pool.
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Bring the world of work to life through Live Briefs, developed with employers to give you exposure to ‘real world’ problem-solving.
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Join an innovative four-year course, progressing to a Masters degree after three years.
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
Graduate with the confidence, clinical expertise and business savvy you need to succeed in this fast-growing field.
With eligibility for professional registration, you'll be ready to thrive in veterinary teams, or to launch your own practice.
Career opportunities are varied and could range from clinics and rehab centres, to rescue organisations and education. Whatever path you follow, you'll be able to build a fulfilling career devoted to enhancing canine health and wellbeing.
Teaching and modules
Blending science with practice, our modules build expertise in assessment, treatment and canine physiotherapeutic techniques.
Dive into the exciting world of canine anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology and biomechanics.
You’ll study essential topics such as nutrition, exercise science, pharmacology, disease management and rehabilitation. Get hands-on in our Canine Therapy Clinic, as you explore safe dog-handling, first aid and therapeutic techniques. You'll also build professional skills in research, business and ethics.
As you progress, you'll take on more independent learning and explore advanced therapeutic techniques, including massage, electrotherapy and remedial exercise. You’ll learn to apply scientific principles with confidence, preparing you for a successful career in clinical practice.
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 *.
- Foundations of Canine Professional Skills (15 credits)
- Factors Affecting Canine Performance and Wellbeing (15 credits)
- Canine Anatomy and Physiology (15 credits)
- Canine Therapy Assessment: Principles and Practice
- Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Canine Nutrition, Behaviour and Welfare (30 credits)
- Ruskin Module (15 credits)
- Functional Anatomy and Biomechanics of Canine Movement (30 credits)
- Canine Principles and Applications of Manual Interventions (30 credits)
- Canine Health, Disease and Pain Mechanisms (15 credits)
- Research Methods (15 credits)
- Undergraduate Major Project (30 credits)
- Integrated Approaches to Canine Exercise Physiology (15 cresits)
- Applied Techniques in Canine Massage, Rehabilitation and Hydrotherapy (30 credits)
- Canine Biomechanics and Pathophysiology (30 credits)
- Professional Development for Career Success (15 credits)
- Postgraduate Major Project(60 credits)
- Advanced Canine Therapy: Manual, Electrophysical Agents, and Exercise Prescription (30 credits)
- Advancing Canine Clinical Skills and Professional Development (30 credits)
Our veterinary surgeons help to teach subjects such as anatomy, physiology and biomechanics. Meanwhile, our veterinary physiotherapists, who have extensive experience in equine hydrotherapy and canine rehabilitation, will be lecturing in rehabilitation, remedial exercise programmes and electrotherapy.
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Jess RogersLecturer in Veterinary Physiotherapy
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Olivia BakerVeterinary Physiotherapy Co-ordinator
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Katie WalkerLecturer
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Lauren HuntLecturer in Veterinary Physiotherapy
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Lana ChargeLecturer in Veterinary Physiotherapy
Facilities
Study on a rural 150-hectare campus and use the Lordship Canine Centre, which includes a commercially run clinic and:
- a hydrotherapy pool
- two underwater treadmills
- clinical consultation rooms
- classrooms
- lecture hall
- indoor kennel block
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 you can observe activities.
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Our Canine Therapy Clinic features a hydrotherapy pool, two underwater treadmills and clinical consultation rooms. There are also classrooms and lecture rooms.
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Learn about underwater treadmill therapy for dogs, which helps with rehabilitation, pain management, and fitness improvement.
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Gain practical experience in our CHA- and RAMP-registered Canine Rehabilitation Clinic, supporting physiotherapy and hydrotherapy sessions for the public.
