Veterinary Physiotherapy

Build expert skills in animal rehabilitation and prepare for a rewarding career in veterinary physiotherapy.

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.

Why ARU?

• Learn from expert tutors who are qualified veterinary physiotherapists and veterinary surgeons.

• Use state-of-the-art equine and canine therapy centres, and work with real clinical cases.

• Join an innovative four-year course, progressing to a Masters degree after three years.

• Treat real patients in our commercial facilities, offering 1,900 appointments yearly – an educational journey unlike any other!

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.

Year 1:
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)

Year 2:
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)

Year 3:
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)

Year 4:
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)

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.