MSc / PgD
Veterinary Physiotherapy
Key Facts
Final award: MSc
Intermediate award: PgD
Duration: Three years part-time.
Entry requirements: Candidates would be expected to have obtained a minimum of a 2:1 in an animal science/health, veterinary nursing or physiotherapy degree and have animal handling experience. We also welcome applications from Veterinary Surgeons.
For all applicants, evidence of previous qualifications is required.
English Language Requirements:
Click here for the English language levels accepted by Harper Adams University College for overseas candidates.
The course
Harper Adams University College has a long history of successfully delivering animal science related courses, in conjunction with animal healthcare organisations, for individuals and their employers. This programme is another example of collaboration, this time with the National Association of Veterinary Physiotherapists (NAVP). Delivery, therefore, will be provided by colleagues from Harper Adams and Reaseheath College, technical specialists who are members of NAVP and also external academics; specialists in their own fields, all supported by the REEDNet project which is being led by Harper Adams.
The programme fulfils the need to support Veterinary Surgeons who treat both companion and large animals. The Veterinary Physiotherapist (VP) can provide this support during an animal’s recovery from injury or surgery as well as in preparation of the athletic animal. Considering the number of animals owned and cared for in the UK and a general wish for high standards of animal health and welfare, there is now a growing need for well-educated and highly qualified, accredited VPs to provide this sort of service.
This programme would typically be delivered on a part-time basis and studied over three academic years, with students completing the ‘taught’ modules within the first two years and completing the Masters Dissertation within an individually negotiated timescale over a one to two year period.
Please note that the course begins in July.
How will it benefit me?
Veterinary physiotherapy is now well established as a mainstream treatment and offers the opportunity to become part of a growing professional community. Successful completion of this programme will provide individuals with more extensive opportunities for graduate employment as a VP in the animal health sector by developing the specific scientific, technical and business skills required. On successful completion, students will gain a recognised Higher Education postgraduate qualification as well as professional membership to NAVP, which is recognised by both practising veterinary surgeons and lead sector insurers as valid providers of specialist veterinary physiotherapy.
Application process
Applications for entry in 2012 close on 16th March 2012. If you would like to apply for a place, please complete and return the application form to:
Heather Hogan
Postgraduate Office
Harper Adams University College
Newport, Shropshire, TF10 8NB
There will be two interview/open days held in January and April where individuals will be selected from the applications received. The first one in January will be for those applications received before the 18th December; the April open day will be for all those applications received before the final closing date.
If you are shortlisted for one of the interview/open days we will be in touch with a date and time.
A waiting list is also kept in case applicants decline, or fail to take up, their offer.
Further information
For course structure information select the 'Course structure' tab, or download our Frequently Asked Questions PDF.
Due to the course being a part time course only, Harper Adams are unable to accept International Students who will require a Tier 4 Visa. If you require more information on this please visit the UK Borders Agency website.
Contact Information
For further information on any aspect of postgraduate study, or to receive an application form please contact:
Heather Hogan
Postgraduate Administrator
Telephone: 01952 815289
Fax: 01952 814783
Email: Send Heather Hogan a message
Course Structure
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year one focuses on the pre-clinical aspects. (All at level 7 unless indicated) |
Year two takes a clinical approach. (All at level 7 unless indicated) |
All at level 7 unless indicated | |||
| PgD Veterinary Physiotherapy | MSc Veterinary Physiotherapy | ||||
| Professional Skills for Veterinary Physiotherapy (level 6) | 15 | Physiotherapy Techniques | 15 | Research Project | 60 |
| Comparative Veterinary Anatomy and Locomotion | 30 | Remedial Exercise Prescription | 15 | ||
| Biomechanics, Injury & Disease | 15 | Professional Practice for Veterinary Physiotherapists | 30 | ||
| To be undertaken in alignment with each module throughout the PgD: |
|---|
| Skills Enhancement Log |
Teaching and learning methods used will include formal lectures, laboratory practicals, demonstrations and professional clinics. Typically, modules will be assessed by a combination of formative in-course and summative end-of-module time constrained assessments, contributing in varying proportions to the final module outcome. Importantly, practical competency tests in four of the seven PgD modules must be completed successfully in order to pass that relevant module. High quality ‘hands-on’ skills are recognised as vital for such a practical profession and as such all students must successfully complete a Skills Enhancement Log over the period of the PgD.
Careers
There are many career opportunities available to the qualified VP such as direct or self employment within a veterinary practice, teaching and research positions in academic institutions and also within the growing sector of sports performance development. Currently, there is more demand than there is supply. Therefore, much work is turned away simply due to lack of time on the part of the VP. In the future, employment as a VP may depend on the individual being a member of either NAVP or the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy (ACPAT) due to the increasing regulation of complementary therapies within the animal health sector.
Application Process
Applications for entry in 2012 close on 16th March 2012. If you would like to apply for a place, please complete and return the application form to:
Heather Hogan
Postgraduate Office
Harper Adams University College
Newport, Shropshire, TF10 8NB
There will be two interview/open days held in January and April where individuals will be selected from the applications received. The first one in January will be for those applications received before the 18th December; the April open day will be for all those applications received before the final closing date.
If you are shortlisted for one of the interview/open days we will be in touch with a date and time.
A waiting list is also kept in case applicants decline, or fail to take up, their offer.
