Course overview
Why Veterinary Physiotherapy?
Within the Veterinary profession the use of physiotherapy from highly skilled and clinically experienced Veterinary Physiotherapists to aid the recovery and wellbeing of our animals is on the increase
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 a Veterinary Physiotherapist, you will play a vital role in improving the lives of animals whilst forging strong bonds with animals and their owners.
The course
This course will allow you to qualify as Veterinary Physiotherapist in general practice, or with a specialism in the treatment of horses or dogs, depending on your chosen pathway in the final year of study. As such your end qualification will be one of:
- MSci Veterinary Physiotherapy
- MSci Veterinary Physiotherapy (Equine Specialism)
- MSci Veterinary Physiotherapy (Canine Speciaism)
- MSci Animal Rehabilitation Science
An integrated Masters programme, the course will take you from Level Four right through to Level Seven (postgraduate) over four years, leaving you with advanced physiotherapy skills and knowledge, as well as training you to become a competent business professional, potentially running your own therapeutic practice.
Your studies will cover veterinary patient behaviour, veterinary physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, animal management, anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, musculoskeletal conditions, rehabilitative conditioning and exercise, research skills, business and management practice, pain management, and modules specific to your chosen field of specialism.
Your learning experience
As a student you will undertake in a fulfilling journey, during which you will grow and develop the necessary skills to be an integral part of the veterinary profession, working autonomously under veterinary referral or in a variety of business settings from freelance to referral hospitals.
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.
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
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 the external clinical rotations throughout your course. This will open future career prospects and provide you with the tools needed to enter the real world confidently and competently.
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
120 - 168 UCAS Tariff Points
Work experience: A minimum of 2 weeks (10 days) work experience carried out since July 2025, is required. This should comprise at least 5 days in a canine practice and 5 days in an equine practice.
| Qualification |
Grade(s) |
| GCE A Levels |
grades BBB or equivalent. A2 Science is mandatory with one subject from the following: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Physical Education. |
| Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma |
D*D*D. (1080 GLH) This must be in a Science subject area and we do not accept Equine Management or Equine Science versions of this qualification. |
| City & Guilds Advanced Extended Technical Diploma |
D*D*D. (1080 GLH) For the Animal Management course we require the following modules to be taken: Fundamentals of Science, Chemistry for Biological Technicians, Cell Biology and Genetics, and Biochemistry and Microbiology. We do not accept Equine Management or Equine Science versions of this qualification. |
| T-Level |
Animal Care and Management - Merit, including the 'Animal Management and Science' optional specialism. |
| Scottish Highers |
AABB to include a Science at grade A from one subject from the following: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Physical Education |
| Irish Leaving Certificate |
Four H2 to include a Science at H2 from one subject from the following: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Physical Education. |
| GCSEs |
Minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade C/4 including English Language, Maths and Science. |
