Course description
Gain practical skills in animal therapy, working with large and companion animals at ARU Writtle. Our BSc (Hons) Animal Therapy degree has a particular focus on horses and dogs.
You’ll learn from an experienced team of tutors including veterinary surgeons, nutrition and behaviour specialists, biomechanists, and staff qualified in veterinary physiotherapy, animal manipulation (McTimoney), massage and myofascial release.
Writtle is the perfect place to get hands-on experience, with the campus being home to dedicated canine and equine therapy centres, a small animal unit and a working farm.
As a BSc (Hons) Animal Therapy graduate, you’ll be able to apply for membership of the Animal Health Professions’ Register (AHPR).
Our Animal Therapy degree runs alongside the MVetPhys Veterinary Physiotherapy course. You may have the opportunity to move on to the MVetPhys course at the end of your first year. To do this, you’ll need to achieve a 50% overall stage average and get a pass in both the equine and canine OSPE (practical exams).
Please note that this course is subject to validation and some details, including modules, may change.
Upcoming start dates
Suitability - Who should attend?
For information on admission requirements, please contact the provider.
Training Course Content
Year One
Core modules
- Introduction to Veterinary Physiotherapy Assessment (30 credits)
- Anatomy and Physiology with Applied Surface Anatomy (Canine) (30 credits)
- Nutrition, Behaviour, Ethics and Welfare (30 credits)
- Study Skills (15 credits)
Year Two
Core modules
- Canine and Equine Hydrotherapy and First Aid (15 credits)
- Research Methods (15 credits)
- Introduction to Manual Therapies and Remedial Exercise (30 credits)
- Exercise Physiology (15 credits)
- Functional Anatomy (15 credits)
- Introduction to Animal Biomechanics (15 credits)
- Animal Health, Disease and Pain Management (15 credits)
Year Three
Core modules
- Capstone Project (30 credits)
- Business and Client Management (15 credits)
- Applied Clinical Anatomy (15 credits)
- Applied Massage and Rehabilitation Techniques (30 credits)
- Veterinary Pathophysiology and Biomechanics (30 credits)
Course delivery details
BSc (Hons) | 3 Years
Modules are subject to change and availability.
Assessment
We'll assess your progress in a number of ways to ensure practical and academic competence, including assignments, reports, written examinations, observed structured practical examinations, observed structured clinical examinations, oral presentations, debates, and your dissertation.
Why choose Writtle University College
Ranked Top University-Sector Institution in East Anglia for overall student satisfaction!
*Based on NSS 2022 Based on Taught Data
Beautiful rural campus situated close to the city of Chelmsford, 40 minutes from London and the coast.
Expenses
- UK student fees - £9250 per year
- International student fees – £15,900 per year
Continuing Studies
Careers
As a BSc (Hons) Animal Therapy graduate, you'll be ready to work as an equine or canine massage therapist or explore career paths in related industries. You can register with the Animal Health Professions' Register.
Students who complete the first year of their Animal Therapy degree to a high standard (50% overall stage average and a Pass for both Equine and Canine OSPE practical exams), may have the opportunity to transfer to ourMVetPhys Veterinary Physiotherapy integrated Masters degree. This four-year qualifies you to work as a veterinary physiotherapist.
Graduation doesn't have to be the end of your time with us. You might decide to at ARU and study for a Masters, such as ourMSc Animal Welfare and Conservation.
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Welcome to Writtle College! Writtle College, a further education provider, now part of ARU, is located at the ARU Writtle campus on the outskirts of Chelmsford, Essex. We offer a wide range of exciting courses in land-based, creative and sports...