Course summary
We are pleased to confirm that Writtle University College and ARU (Anglia Ruskin University) are joining together. The merger will happen during the 23/24 academic year. Writtle’s full range of Higher and Further Education courses will continue to be delivered on site at the Writtle campus, enhanced by resources available at nearby ARU. If you are starting your course in September 2024, your degree will be awarded by ARU. Find out more about ARU, including our recent Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework, at aru.ac.uk. Writtle University College has an excellent reputation for its existing undergraduate Equine Sports Therapy course and our Integrated Masters in Vet Physio as well as our BSc in Animal Therapy that have both academic and professional input and by popular demand we are now offering an MSc Veterinary Physiotherapy as a postgraduate pathway. This exciting course is recognised by RAMP, Accredited by AHPR and supported by NAVP. The programme is designed to develop the skills of the student to support veterinary surgeons in the rehabilitation of a variety of species and will in particular focus on equine and canine patients. It will also focus on supporting equine and canine athletes both during competition and for recovery. It is designed to enhance competency in existing therapists and to help students with less experience achieve their goal as capable and knowledgeable veterinary physiotherapists. The programme offers successful students the opportunity to become part of the existing para-veterinary profession of veterinary physiotherapists by developing excellent understanding and knowledge of anatomical structure in relation to function, treatment, rehabilitation of a variety of animals and of core business skills for those who plan to be self-employed. The programme will be run on a part-time basis over three years, with the majority being delivered at weekends (11 weekends for the 1st year , 19 weekends - including internal placements on site - for the 2nd year). There will be the occasional Friday or Monday that requires attendance, such as Academic Induction and examinations. The first year is quite structured and enables us to accurately predict the level of commitment required from each student to pass the modules. In the second clinical year, students differ widely in their ability to pick up and accurately apply the techniques being taught. So the requirement for self-directed practice can be substantial. There is also an increased level of contact in year 2 as students need to undertake placement days alongside the taught element, so weekends become far more frequent than during the first year. By year 3 students will be able to organise their own study time to complete the dissertation. The first two years will comprise the Postgraduate Diploma in Veterinary Physiotherapy and if successful the student will obtain their VP practitioner status. The third year involves the dissertation and on completion the student will have a full MSc Veterinary Physiotherapy. A successful veterinary physiotherapist will soon find that demand for their services outstrips their availability as there are a limited number of qualified therapists in the industry.
Modules
Modules: Biomechanics and gait evaluation; advanced functional anatomy; pathophysiology of injury and disease; academic and professional skills; physiotherapeutic techniques and clinical skills; rehabilitation and remedial exercise; clinical practice for veterinary physiotherapists; taught master’s degree - dissertation.
Entry requirements
Applicants normally hold a 2.1 or 1st class Honours degree in Animal Science or a related subject (Equine Science, Zoology, Bioveterinary Science, Veterinary Nursing) or a therapy degree (such as, Equine Sports Therapy, Animal Therapy or Human Sports Therapy). Applicants holding an academic qualification in the same subjects as above but with a high 2.2, who can, however, demonstrate extensive practical experience relevant to this programme, should contact us to discuss individually before applying. Interview An interview with the academic team will form part of the admissions criteria for entry onto the course. The interviewer will first assess your handling skills during a practical test. Not being able to perform to adequate standards during the test will result in no potential offer being made. Then, the interviewer will discuss your practical experience. Finally, more formal questions will be asked as part of the interview procedure. It is recommended that applicants hold a recognised qualification in either canine or equine massage. Applications from mature students from a relevant academic background will also be considered on an individual basis.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £5709 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £5709 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £5709 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £5709 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £5709 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £5709 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Provider information
Anglia Ruskin University
East Road
Cambridge
CB1 1PT