Veterinary Physiotherapy (Equine)

Study at ARU in Writtle and focus on equine health and rehabilitation.

Based in the Equine Training and Development Centre, which is home to around 70 horses and state-of-the-art equipment. You’ll gain hands-on experience of assessment, rehabilitation and therapeutic techniques.

This is a four-year course that includes a Masters year. As a student here, you'll develop your clinical autonomy, research skills and professional readiness. When you graduate, you'll be ready for a successful career improving equine health and performance.

Why ARU?

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

• Use state-of-the-art equine facilities, featuring an equine yard, underwater treadmill, and therapy barns.

• Bring the world of work to life through Live Briefs, developed with employers to give you exposure to ‘real world’ problem-solving.

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

Year 1:
Foundations of Professional Skills (15 credits)
Factors Affecting Equine Performance and Wellbeing (15 credits)
Equine Anatomy and Physiology (30 credits)
Equine Therapy Assessment: Principles and Practice (30 credits)
Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Equine Nutrition, Behaviour and Welfare (30 credits)

Year 2:
Ruskin Module (15 credits)
Functional Anatomy and Biomechanics of Equine Movement (30 credits)
Equine Principles and Applications of Manual Interventions (30 credits)
Equine Health, Disease and Pain Mechanisms (15 credits)
Equine Hydrotherapy and First Aid (15 credits)
Research Methods (15 credits)

Year 3:
Undergraduate Major Project (30 credits)
Integrated Approaches to Equine Exercise Physiology (15 credits)
Applied Techniques in Equine Massage, Rehabilitation and Hydrotherapy (30 credits)
Equine Biomechanics and Pathophysiology (30 credits)
Professional Development for Career Success (15 credits)

Year 4:
Postgraduate Major Project(60 credits)
Advanced Equine Therapy: Manual, Electrophysical Agents and Exercise Prescription (30 credits)
Advancing Equine Clinical Skills and Professional Development (30 credits)

You’ll explore essential topics such as nutrition, exercise science, pharmacology, disease management and rehabilitation. Gain hands-on experience in our equine facilities, 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.