Course summary
Start your career in veterinary physiotherapy with this three-year blended (online and block attendance) degree Veterinary physiotherapists combine scientific knowledge and clinical expertise to provide treatment and rehabilitation for musculoskeletal conditions in animals, working to reduce pain, improve movement and restore normal muscle control and function. This course is accredited by the Animal Health Professions' Register (AHPR) ensuring that you will qualify with an ward that fully equips you to provide animal health services that protect animal welfare and the interests of animal owners and veterinary surgeons who will refer cases to you. Veterinary physiotherapy has undergone a period of considerable growth over the last 10-15 years and practitioners now work in a range of settings – veterinary practices, veterinary therapy centres and independent practice – and always with the consent of a veterinary surgeon. This degree introduces the methods and practices of veterinary physiotherapy, allowing you to become acquainted with the basic principles and practices. Throughout your course, you will specialise exclusively in canine and equine species and learn to work with both species. During attended weeks (typically 4 to 5 weeks per academic year), students benefit from working in the Veterinary Studies Centre with its hydrotherapy and veterinary facilities, and spend time in the Equine Arenas to practice and learn on the College's horses. Why study veterinary physiotherapy at Plumpton?
- Unique delivery model - attend college 4-5 weeks per year with the rest delivered online
- Course team includes active practicing veterinary physiotherapists with years of industry experience and expertise
- Participate and experience clinical shadowing days with canine and equine veterinary physiotherapists in the field
- Course covers both canine and equine veterinary physiotherapy practices
- Benefit from purpose-built, state-of-the-art veterinary facilities on our 800-acre estate in the Southeast of England.
- Onsite short stay accommodation available for attended weeks.
Modules
Year 1 of study Students are required to study the following compulsory modules. Study Skills and Introduction to Data Handling (15 credits) Animal Behaviour, Husbandry and Welfare (15 credits) Cellular Anatomy and Physiology (15 credits) Musculoskeletal Anatomy (30 credits) Professional Practice, Legalities and Business Management (15 credits) Massage Therapy (30 credits) Clinical Competencies 1 Year 2 of study Students are required to study the following compulsory modules. Research Skills and Data Analysis (15 credits) Biomechanics (15 credits) Exercise Physiology (15 credits) Musculoskeletal Dysfunction, Tissue Damage and Repair (15 credits) Orthopaedics and Neurology (15 credits) Rehabilitation and Remedial Exercise Prescription (15 credits) Veterinary Rehabilitation (30 credits) Clinical Competencies 2 Year 3 of study Students are required to study the following compulsory modules. Honours Research Project/Dissertation (30 credits) Electrophysical Agents (30 credits) Specialist Skills (30 credits) Veterinary Physiotherapy (30 credits) Clinical Competencies 3
Assessment method
The course is assessed via a range of assessment methods including coursework (essays, presentations, case study analysis, written examinations) as well as a final year dissertation and clinical competency practical exams (OSCEs) which involves timed scenarios with dogs and horses. Students are also required to complete a set amount of clinical hours per year and the completion of a logbook.
Qualified teacher status (QTS)
To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:
- Course does not award QTS
How to apply
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- 242W
- Institution code:
- P59
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
International applicants
We are unable to sponsor international students at this time. Please enquire with our Admissions team with regards to the distance learning nature of this course and its block attendance requirement.
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 104 points
We consider a wide range of Level 3 equivalent qualifications in science related subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Animal Science and Equine Management. Level 3 qualifications considered includes T-levels, A-levels and Extended Diplomas (L3), Irish Highers, Scottish Highers, as well as Access to HE (Veterinary Science) qualifications. In addition to the above Level 3 qualifications, candidates must have at least five GCSEs at grade 4 (or above) and this must include English Language (Grade 4 or above) and Maths (Grade 4 or above). Importantly, candidates will need to demonstrate proficiency in Biology at GCSE or above. If you are studying a L3 Extended Diploma in an Animal-related pathway, a Merit in Biology is required. Students must be a minimum of 18 years old upon entry. Students with English as a second language will be required to have gained IELTS Level 6.5 overall with Level 6.0 in writing. Please note, candidates will have to complete at least one week of work experience in a UK registered veterinary physiotherapy practice for which an employer reference must be supplied. Candidates must be able to demonstrate safe and adequate horse handling skills which may be assessed via a video prior to obtaining an offer of a place. Candidates may also be required to attend an interview (online or in person) as part of the application process.
Student Outcomes
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Channel Islands | £8248 | Year 1 |
Republic of Ireland | £8248 | Year 1 |
England | £8248 | Year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £8248 | Year 1 |
Scotland | £8248 | Year 1 |
Wales | £8248 | 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
Provider information
Plumpton College
Ditchling Road
Lewes
BN7 3AE