Program Overview

Animal Therapy

Course Overview

The BSc (Hons) Animal Therapy course at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) is a three-year undergraduate program that focuses on providing hands-on skills in animal therapy, including techniques like massage therapy and patient assessment skills, while working with both equine and canine patients.

Course Options

• 3 years full-time
• 4 years with foundation year

Key Facts

• STUDY OPTIONS: 3 years
• START DATES: September
• LOCATION: Writtle
• ENTRY: UCAS code: JUF2
• FEES:
  • £9,535 UK students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)
  • £16,700 International students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)

Teaching and Assessment

Year 1

• Introduction to Veterinary Physiotherapy (30 credits)
• Mammalian Anatomy and Physiology (15 credits)
• Functional Anatomy (15 credits)
• Human-Animal Interaction (15 credits)
• Saddle Fit and Farriery (15 credits)
• Ethics of Animal Use (15 credits)
• Canine and Equine Nutrition (15 credits)

Year 2

• Research Methods (15 credits)
• Applied Anatomy (15 credits)
• Animal Therapeutic Techniques (15 credits)
• Rehabilitation and Performance (15 credits)
• Exercise Physiology (15 credits)
• Animal Health Science (15 credits)
• Introduction to Animal Biomechanics (15 credits)
• Working in a Multidisciplinary Team (15 credits)

Year 3

• Capstone Project (30 credits)
• Massage Therapy and Remedial Exercise (30 credits)
• Animals in Motion (15 credits)
• Sports Medicine (15 credits)
• Veterinary Pathophysiology (15 credits)
• Business and Client Management (15 credits)

Facilities

• Canine Therapy Clinic
• Equine Training and Development Centre
• Small animal unit
• Working farm

Careers

• Equine or canine massage therapist
• Veterinary physiotherapist (with further study)
• Animal welfare and conservation

Entry Requirements

• 96 UCAS Tariff points
• 4 GCSEs at grade C, or grade 4, or above, including English, Maths and Science
• IELTS 6.0 (Academic level) or equivalent English Language qualification

Fees and Paying for University

• Tuition fees: £9,535 (UK), £16,700 (International)
• Living costs: £7,000-£9,000 per year
• Maintenance Loan available for UK students
• Scholarships and bursaries available

Additional Course and Living Costs

• Riding hat or skull cap
• Riding gloves
• Steel toe cap boots
• Suitable smart clothing
• Laptop/device
• Pens and pencils
• Notebook or paper
• Folders
• Scientific calculator

Apply

• UK students: Apply through UCAS
• International students: Apply direct

Life in Writtle

• Located on a picturesque 150-hectare campus in the heart of the Essex countryside
• Close to major cities
• Explore the Writtle campus