BSc (Hons) Veterinary Physiotherapy*

Physiotherapy following veterinary referral can help animals recover from a variety of conditions such as back pain, sprains, strains, fractures and sporting injuries. It can also be used following orthopaedic, neurological or general surgery, as well as improve biomechanics and athletic ability.

As such its use within the veterinary field is increasing. Animals can undergo a wide range of treatments including manual techniques, electrotherapies and exercise therapy.

As a student you will be participating in a fulfilling journey, during which you will grow and develop the necessary skills to be an integral part of the veterinary profession. This rewarding career will allow you to work within the wider veterinary profession, working autonomously under veterinary referral and in a variety of business settings from freelance to referral hospitals. You will play a vital role in improving the lives of animals whilst forging strong bonds with animals and their owners.

As you progress you will develop and then bolster the necessary skills to succeed in this emerging field of practice. Our supportive team and carefully structured course will help you consolidate your learning. Periods of in-house and external clinical rotation enable you to meet the requirements and clinical hours necessary for professional registration, whilst boosting your confidence and allowing you to succeed. Demand for highly skilled, clinically experienced veterinary physiotherapists is ever-increasing and our integrated programme allows you to explore lots of opportunities within and beyond the course. 

Whilst academically challenging, the course has a huge practical component, with specialist teaching and authentic assessment throughout. You will be taken on a learning journey from first principles through to full evidenced-based practice. You will discover the importance of clinical reasoning and will be supported in the development of skills to research and apply new knowledge as you continually improve your competences. As you progress towards your final goal you will achieve stepping-stone qualifications in massage therapy and hydrotherapy.  

Clinical teaching is delivered in small groups by our team of qualified veterinary physiotherapists and veterinary surgeons, in first-class facilities, with dedicated clinical areas. As you progress, you will become increasingly involved in running, shaping, and driving our on-site small animal clinic and ambulatory equine service, complemented by integrated placement weeks throughout your course. This will open future career prospects and provide you with the tools needed to enter the real world confidently and competently. 

This undergraduate programme is subject to accreditation by the Register of Animal Musculoskeletal Practitioners for membership. It will provide the knowledge and skills for you to become a veterinary services professional and work closely with veterinary surgeons.



What does HF mean? You might notice that the modules on this page have the letters HF before the title. This denotes a module that has been developed as part of the Harper Forward Curriculum Review, through which new versions of existing courses and some entirely new courses have emerged. Teams of university employees have worked with past and present students, employees, industry organisations and more to build these programmes, ensuring every route is able to shape the types of graduate each sector needs, is aligned to relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals and is built to ensure every student leaves the university embodying a specific set of Harper Graduate Attributes, namely that they Care for people and planet, have a Global mindest, have vital Digital skills, seek continued personal Growth, can apply Practical skills as well as knowledge and are both Inspired and Inspirational

Careers

Veterinary physiotherapists work alongside veterinary surgeons and nurses within vet practices and hospitals in the treatment of animals. A number of physiotherapists work closely with the equine sports industry within racing or other sporting disciplines. Others work independently, setting up their own businesses working with horse and dog owners.

Entry requirements for 2024

Use the drop-down tool to select the qualifications you have or are working towards to see what grades would be required for access to this programme. If you can’t see your qualification or would like any assistance with entry requirements, please contact the Admissions team: admissions@harper-adams.ac.uk

Course fees

The latest fees for this course can be found in our fees and funding section. You will also find course related costs, specific to this course in this area.