Program Overview

Equine Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation

Overview

Qualify as an equine sports massage therapist to support the overall wellbeing and performance of horses.

Course Options

• 3 years full-time
• 4 years with foundation year
• 1 year (CertHE)

Key Facts

• STUDY OPTIONS: 3 years
• START DATES: September
• LOCATION: Writtle
• ENTRY: UCAS code: DD4H
• 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

• Assessment: Course assignments, anatomy workbooks, laboratory reports, rehabilitation case study reports, poster presentations, practical assessments (yard competence and skills related to sports therapy), exams, and dissertation (Capstone Project).
• Core modules:
  • Equine Anatomy and Physiology (15 credits)
  • Equine Practical Skills (15 credits)
  • Equine Health Management (15 credits)
  • Assessment for Performance and Health (15 credits)
  • Equine Nutrition (15 credits)
  • Introduction to Equine Therapy (15 credits)
  • Saddle Fit and Farriery (15 credits)
  • Functional Anatomy (15 credits)
  • Into ARU

Year 2

• Assessment: Course assignments, anatomy workbooks, laboratory reports, rehabilitation case study reports, poster presentations, practical assessments (yard competence and skills related to sports therapy), exams, and dissertation (Capstone Project).
• Core modules:
  • Research Methods (15 credits)
  • Business Skills (15 credits)
  • Animal Therapeutic Techniques (15 credits)
  • Exercise Physiology (15 credits)
  • Introduction to Animal Biomechanics (15 credits)
  • Rehabilitation and Performance (15 credits)
  • Equine Health and Disease (15 credits)
  • Extrinsic Factors Affecting Equine Performance (15 credits)

Year 3

• Assessment: Course assignments, anatomy workbooks, laboratory reports, rehabilitation case study reports, poster presentations, practical assessments (yard competence and skills related to sports therapy), exams, and dissertation (Capstone Project).
• Core modules:
  • Capstone Project (30 credits)
  • Equine Massage and Remedial Exercise (30 credits)
  • Biomechanics (15 credits)
  • Complementary Therapies (15 credits)
  • Sports Medicine (15 credits)
  • Equitation Science (15 credits)

Facilities

• Equine Training and Development Centre
• Working stable yard
• Indoor and outdoor riding arenas
• Oval horse walker
• Therapy barn
• DIY Livery Yard for students' horses
• Access to extensive library and IT resources
• Support services, including study skills, careers advice, health and wellbeing

Careers

• Equine sports therapy
• Equine therapy rehabilitation
• Thoroughbred rehabilitation
• Hydrotherapy
• Equine welfare
• Equine nutrition
• Police force

Entry Requirements

• 96 UCAS Tariff points
• 4 GCSEs at grade C, or grade 4, or above, including English, Maths and Science
• If English is not your first language, you will be expected to demonstrate a certificated level of proficiency of at least IELTS 6.0 (Academic level) or equivalent English Language qualification

Fees and Paying for University

• Tuition fees for UK students (2025/26): £9,535 (full-time, per year)
• Tuition fees for international students (2025/26): £16,700 (full-time, per year)
• Living costs: £7,000-£9,000 per year (estimated)
• Maintenance Loan: available for UK students to help cover living costs
• Scholarships and bursaries: available for UK and international students

Apply

• UK students: apply through UCAS
• International students: apply direct
• Part-time courses: apply directly to ARU