Program Overview

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MSc Veterinary Physiotherapy

Introduction

Develop the skills to support veterinary surgeons in the rehabilitation of a variety of species, with a focus on equine and canine patients, with our MSc Veterinary Physiotherapy at ARU Writtle. Our accredited Masters degree also focuses on supporting equine and canine athletes during competition and recovery.

If you’re already a therapist, the course is designed to enhance your competency and further your experience. You’ll further your understanding of anatomical structure in relation to function, treatment and rehabilitation; and of core business skills – especially relevant if you plan to work as a self-employed therapist.

As a student in Writtle, you’ll get practical, hands-on experience in specialist facilities including our equine and canine therapy centres.

Most teaching takes place at weekends (11 weekends in Year 1, 19 weekends – including placements on campus – in Year 2). Occasional attendance on Mondays or Fridays will also be required, for example for Academic Induction and exams. If you are completing Year 3 (dissertation) you’re free to organise your own study time.

Our MSc Veterinary Physiotherapy is ideal if you want to develop your knowledge and take the next step in your career. Please note that it is open to UK students only.

Course Options

• 3 years part-time

Key Facts

• STUDY OPTIONS: 3 years part-time
• START DATES: September
• LOCATION: Writtle
• FEES: £14,456 UK students starting 2025/26 (total cost)

Teaching and Assessment

Year 1

Year 1 features four core modules that all students (Postgraduate Diploma, MSc) study. It includes the Functional Anatomy module which you must pass in order to progress to Year 2.

Modules are subject to change and availability.

• Biomechanics and Gait Evaluation
• Advanced Functional Anatomy
• Pathophysiology of Injury and Disease
• Academic and Professional Skills

Year 2

You'll undertake clinical placement days on campus in Year 2, as well as continuing with academic learning. Both Postgraduate Diploma and MSc students complete all modules.

Modules are subject to change and availability.

• Physiotherapeutic Techniques and Clinical Skills
• Rehabilitation and Remedial Exercise
• Clinical Practice for Veterinary Physiotherapists

Year 3

Year 3 focuses on your dissertation. You'll undertake a valuable piece of research tailored to your interests and career aspirations. You can utilise our facilities or your own environment and are free to organise within your own study time.

You will be awarded MSc Veterinary Physiotherapy if all academic and clinical components of the course are passed. If the clinical component is not passed but the academic elements are, you will be awarded an MSc Animal Health but will not obtain VP practitioner status.

• Taught Masters Degree - Dissertation (60 credits)

Entry Requirements

• A first degree with honours in a related subject and at a minimum final classification of Upper Second (2:1).
• Evidence of work experience hours totalling 250 hours, with 150 hours for Equine and 100 for Canine.
• To receive an offer of a place on this course you must be successful at interview.
• If English is not your first language you will be expected to demonstrate a certificated level of proficiency of at least IELTS 6.5 (Academic level) or equivalent English Language qualification, as recognised by Anglia Ruskin University.

Interviews

We conduct interviews for our MSc Veterinary Physiotherapy course. If invited to interview, you can sign up for a timeslot through our Applicant Portal (we'll send you details of how to access the Portal).

All interviews will be held online, and relevant links will be shared closer to the interview date.

You'll be required to submit any outstanding application material ahead of the interview. This includes copies of all qualifications, letters provided from referees, evidence of required equine and canine practical placements to include 150 hours in equine and 100 hours in canine settings. If you cannot provide evidence of completed placements, please provide evidence of secured, upcoming placements that will fulfil these requirements.

You will also be required to provide video evidence of your equine handling skills, following the instructions below. This video should be under ten minutes.

You will need to:

1. Introduce yourself to the camera wearing the appropriate PPE, please ensure we can see your face before you proceed to the following tasks.
2. Enter safely a stable where a horse is waiting for you.
3. Secure the horse using the head collar.
4. Put an adequate bridle on the horse safely.
5. Pick the left hind and clean the hoof.
6. Remove the equipment.
7. Exit the stable.

The video must not be edited. Running commentaries are not necessary.

Please send this video to [insert email] and ensure your student ID number is included in the email. The video should reach us by no later than one week before your selected interview date.

Fees and Paying for University

• Tuition fees for UK students (2025/26): £14,456 UK students starting 2025/26 (total cost)

Facilities

• Hands-on learning: As an MSc Veterinary Physiotherapy student in Writtle you'll take part in practical animal sessions which cover surface anatomy, individual animal assessments, therapeutic interventions, and animal handling skills, laboratory practicals, a clinical observation day in Year 1, and ten clinical placement days in Year 2, eight on campus and two external.
• Outstanding student support: Join our postgraduate student community and learn from expert staff who will guide your research interests and career development, benefit from extensive library and IT resources, receive full support from our Employability Service, while you're studying with us and after you graduate, and access support, should you need it, with study skills, health and wellbeing, and more.

Accreditation

• Professional recognition: Our MSc Veterinary Physiotherapy is accredited by the Animal Health Professions' Register (AHPR), and recognised by the Register of Animal Musculoskeletal Practitioners (RAMP).

Lecturers

• Hope Jameson: Senior Lecturer in Veterinary Physiotherapy
• Robin Gill: Head of Veterinary Physiotherapy
• Chloe Mabbutt: Lecturer in Equine
• Aidan McAteer: Lecturer in Veterinary Physiotherapy
• Lauren Hunt: Lecturer in Veterinary Physiotherapy
• Roberta Blake: Associate Professor
• Jade Terry: Senior Lecturer
• Jaime Finch: Deputy Head of School

Careers

Our Veterinary Physiotherapy course will help you develop the skills to support veterinary surgeons in the rehabilitation of a variety of species, with a particular focus on equine and canine patients.

A successful veterinary physiotherapist may find that demand for their services outstrips availability, as there are a limited number of qualified therapists in the industry.

With experience, you could become a senior or specialist physiotherapist. You could also set up your own animal physiotherapy practice or move into research.