Veterinary Physiotherapy
Build expert skills in animal rehabilitation and prepare for a rewarding career in veterinary physiotherapy.
in the country for Learning Opportunities.
Source: NSS 2024
This four-year degree at ARU in Writtle includes a Masters year, and combines theory with hands-on experience.
Using specialist equine and canine therapy centres, you’ll build expert skills in animal rehabilitation – from foundational knowledge to advanced clinical techniques.
Throughout the course, you'll assess, treat and rehabilitate animals using evidence-based practice. Clinical placements, research work and professional development will help prepare you for a career in veterinary physiotherapy.
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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Use state-of-the-art equine and canine therapy centres, and work with real clinical cases.
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Join an innovative four-year course, progressing to a Masters degree after three years.
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Treat real patients in our commercial facilities, offering 1,900 appointments yearly – an educational journey unlike any other!
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
I have been able to [carry out] research into my own subjects of interest and learn a new skill that I can take with me on my journey to becoming a veterinary physiotherapist.
Gain advanced clinical skills, business acumen and research experience – and graduate ready for a career in animal health.
Backed by professional accreditation, this course will prepare you for jobs in veterinary practices, rehabilitation centres, teaching, and emerging fields like digital health and performance technology.
Teaching and modules
This course goes beyond textbooks, immersing you in hands-on learning that builds the confidence and expertise to excel as a veterinary physiotherapist while fostering personal growth and essential real-life skills.
Dive into the exciting world of animal anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and biomechanics.
You’ll explore essential topics such as nutrition, exercise science, pharmacology, disease management and rehabilitation. Gain hands-on experience in our canine and equine therapy centres, while building 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 Professional Skills (15 credits)
- Factors Affecting Animal Performance and Wellbeing (15 credits)
- Animal Anatomy and Physiology (30 credits)
- Animal Therapy Assessment: Principles and Practice (30 credits)
- Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Nutrition, Behaviour and Welfare (30 credits)
- Ruskin Module (15 credits)
- Functional Anatomy and Biomechanics of Animal Movement (30 credits)
- Principles and Applications of Manual Interventions (30 credits)
- Animal Health, Disease and Pain Mechanisms (15 credits)
- Research Methods (15 credits)
- Animal Hydrotherapy and First Aid (15 credits)
- Undergraduate Major Project (30 credits)
- Integrated Approaches to Exercise Physiology (15 credits)
- Applied Techniques in Animal Massage, Rehabilitation and Hydrotherapy (30 credits)
- Animal Biomechanics and Pathophysiology (30 credits)
- Professional Development for Career Success (15 credits)
- Advanced Animal Therapy: Manual, Electrophysical Agents, and Exercise Prescription (30 credits)
- Advancing Animal Clinical Skills and Professional Development (3o credits)
- Postgraduate Major Project(60 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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Jade TerrySenior Lecturer
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Robin GillHead of Veterinary Physiotherapy
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Hope JamesonSenior Lecturer in Veterinary Physiotherapy
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Professor Roberta BlakeProfessor
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Dr Eva MarunovaLecturer in Veterinary Physiotherapy
Facilities
Use specialist facilities including equine and canine therapy centres, on a rural 150-hectare campus.
- The Canine Therapy Clinic features a hydrotherapy pool, underwater treadmills and clinical consultation rooms. It's open to the public so you can get real-life experience.
- The Equine Training and Development Centre is home to more than 70 horses, therapy barns, an equine water treadmill, and multiple riding arenas.
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On campus, the Equine Training and Development Centre features stables, riding arenas and a therapy barn including the latest technology.
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There are around 70 horses on campus, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to get hands-on experience.
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Use the equine water treadmill to develop and apply rehabilitation and conditioning techniques for horses.
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Get experience of using electrotherapies, to support the treatment and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal conditions in canine and equine patients.
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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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Gain practical experience in our CHA- and RAMP-registered Canine Rehabilitation Clinic, supporting physiotherapy and hydrotherapy sessions for the public.
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Learn about underwater treadmill therapy for dogs, which helps with rehabilitation, pain management, and fitness improvement.
