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Veterinary Physiotherapy

MVetPhys

Develop an in-depth knowledge and practical skills in Veterinary Physiotherapy and rehabilitation of animals. This programme combines theoretical learning with hands-on experience, allowing you to develop a comprehensive understanding of the profession.

Benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, including dedicated animal rehabilitation centres and equipment, such as hydrotherapy pools, therapeutic exercise equipment, and gait analysis tools. You'll have access to these resources to enhance your learning and practical training in veterinary physiotherapy.

 

This course is for 2026 entry and subject to validation.

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Key Information

Course Duration: 4 years full-time
Part or Full Time: Full Time
Level of Study: Integrated Master's
Typical Offer: 128 UCAS tariff points or equivalent

Course information

The MVetPhys is ideal for those passionate about improving animals' lives. It’s designed for driven, capable individuals eager to make a real difference to animals. This programme is tailored for those with the ambition and academic aptitude needed to succeed in a hands-on career. Many graduates will go on to start their own businesses in veterinary physiotherapy.

The MVetPhys is a four-year integrated master’s degree programme. This course combines undergraduate and postgraduate study into a single, continuous four-year programme. Graduates achieve a master’s degree (Level 7) qualification. Integrated Master’s degrees are especially popular in fields such as veterinary physiotherapy, engineering, and science, where a more advanced, comprehensive knowledge base is beneficial for professional practice.

As part of this course you can expect to study a range of subjects related to animal physiotherapy and rehabilitation. Some of the key topics covered in the veterinary physiotherapy programme include: Anatomy and Physiology of animals, Principles of Physiotherapy, Pathophysiology of Animal Injuries and Conditions, Biomechanics and Gait Analysis, and Clinical Practice and Hands-On Training.

You'll have the opportunity to network with experts, participate in industry placements, and gain valuable practical experience in real-world settings. These industry connections can help you build a strong professional network and enhance your career prospects upon graduation.

We are in the process of gaining accreditation with the Register of Animal Musculoskeletal Practitioners (RAMP). RAMP is a voluntary industry regulatory body which maintains a competent national register of professionals who have signed up to take responsibility to attain and maintain gold standards of practice in animal musculoskeletal treatment. Being a registered member of RAMP signifies that an individual has met the required standards of education, training, and professional practice in animal musculoskeletal therapy. This recognition enhances credibility and trust among clients, colleagues, and industry professionals.

UCAS tariff points | 128-144 UCAS tariff points, to include Biology. 

A Levels | ABB or equivalent from at least two full A Levels. This must include Biology at grade B or above. 

Vocational Awards | DDD in an Extended Diploma in a Science related subject. 

Access | 128 UCAS tariff points in an Access to Higher Education Diploma. This must include nine level 3 credits at Merit or above in Biology.  

International Baccalaureate | 128 UCAS tariff points in an IB Diploma, from at least two Highers at H4 or above, including Biology at H5 or above.   

Scottish Highers | 128 UCAS tariff points from at least two Highers, to include Higher Biology at grade A or Advanced Higher Biology at grade B or above.  You must have completed two years study at Higher Level.  

Irish Leaving Certificate | 128 UCAS tariff points from at least two Highers, to include Higher Biology at H1.  

 

Additional Information 

Successful students will need to have obtained at least 2 days of work experience with a UK RAMP Veterinary Physiotherapist as well as provide evidence of handling proficiency with horses and small animals. 

Applicants will be required to successfully engage in a compulsory assessment activity in order to enrol into the programme.

In addition to the above, we require a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 9-4 (A*-C), to include English, Maths and a Science. We will consider equivalencies including but not limited to functional skills level 2, Irish Ordinary level, National 5s, IB standard level.  

We will consider combinations of level three qualifications. 

We welcome applications from individuals with equivalent, non-UK qualifications and mature students (over 21). We may interview as part of the application process. 

The minimum academic entry requirement for this programme is 120 UCAS tariff points, providing this is combined with relevant experience.

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Your career

The field of veterinary physiotherapy offers a range of opportunities for employability, including:

  1. Working in Veterinary Clinics: Veterinary physiotherapists can work in veterinary clinics, providing rehabilitation services to animals recovering from injuries, surgeries, or chronic conditions. They may work alongside veterinarians to develop treatment plans and implement specialised rehabilitation techniques to improve the mobility and quality of life of animals.
  2. Animal Rehabilitation Centres: Many animal rehabilitation centres employ veterinary physiotherapists to provide specialised care to a variety of animals, including companion animals, working animals, and exotic species. These centres may offer services such as hydrotherapy, therapeutic exercise programs, and manual therapy to help animals recover from injuries and improve their physical function.
  3. Equine Facilities: Veterinary physiotherapists may also find employment opportunities in equine facilities, working with horses to improve their performance, prevent injuries, and manage musculoskeletal conditions. They may work with sport horses, or leisure horses to optimise their physical health and well-being through tailored rehabilitation programs.
  4. Research and Education: Some veterinary physiotherapists choose to pursue careers in research and education, conducting studies on animal rehabilitation techniques, contributing to academic publications, and teaching future veterinary physiotherapists. These professionals may work in universities, research institutions, or educational organisations to advance the field of veterinary physiotherapy through evidence-based practice and knowledge dissemination.

Work placements and experience

Work placements on-site and off-site, throughout your programme, mean you'll gain valuable industry experience progressing professional and clinical competence. Alongside the theory and practical components of the course you will develop business and multi-disciplinary team working expertise.

Graduate careers

  • Veterinary Physiotherapist (Equine and/or small animal)

  • University Lecturer

  • PhD student

Success Stories

Your support network

You'll benefit from a strong support network from day one to be the best you can be. This will range from your personal tutor and specialist academic support team (our Achievement and Success Centre) to dedicated wellbeing and employability (Innovation, Careers and Enterprise) centres.

Academic support

You’ll have your own personal tutor while you’re here who will support you to succeed in your studies. You’ll also have access to our academic and wellbeing support teams who run regular workshops and one-to-one sessions on campus and online.

Alongside this, we have a comprehensive bank of online study skills resources to help you make the most of your qualification.

Your learning experiences

You'll experience a range of teaching methods to strengthen your digestion of topics, including lectures, workshops and practical sessions, as well as supported work placement learning as part of many courses.

Your career

Each year of your course will be made up of two semesters, within which you’ll study compulsory modules on different industry-focused topics, enabling you to develop your own unique portfolio of knowledge, skills and experience, ready for your career.

The course is taught in English.

Course information

Overview

The MVetPhys is ideal for those passionate about improving animals' lives. It’s designed for driven, capable individuals eager to make a real difference to animals. This programme is tailored for those with the ambition and academic aptitude needed to succeed in a hands-on career. Many graduates will go on to start their own businesses in veterinary physiotherapy.

The MVetPhys is a four-year integrated master’s degree programme. This course combines undergraduate and postgraduate study into a single, continuous four-year programme. Graduates achieve a master’s degree (Level 7) qualification. Integrated Master’s degrees are especially popular in fields such as veterinary physiotherapy, engineering, and science, where a more advanced, comprehensive knowledge base is beneficial for professional practice.

As part of this course you can expect to study a range of subjects related to animal physiotherapy and rehabilitation. Some of the key topics covered in the veterinary physiotherapy programme include: Anatomy and Physiology of animals, Principles of Physiotherapy, Pathophysiology of Animal Injuries and Conditions, Biomechanics and Gait Analysis, and Clinical Practice and Hands-On Training.

You'll have the opportunity to network with experts, participate in industry placements, and gain valuable practical experience in real-world settings. These industry connections can help you build a strong professional network and enhance your career prospects upon graduation.

We are in the process of gaining accreditation with the Register of Animal Musculoskeletal Practitioners (RAMP). RAMP is a voluntary industry regulatory body which maintains a competent national register of professionals who have signed up to take responsibility to attain and maintain gold standards of practice in animal musculoskeletal treatment. Being a registered member of RAMP signifies that an individual has met the required standards of education, training, and professional practice in animal musculoskeletal therapy. This recognition enhances credibility and trust among clients, colleagues, and industry professionals.

Entry requirements

UCAS tariff points | 128-144 UCAS tariff points, to include Biology. 

A Levels | ABB or equivalent from at least two full A Levels. This must include Biology at grade B or above. 

Vocational Awards | DDD in an Extended Diploma in a Science related subject. 

Access | 128 UCAS tariff points in an Access to Higher Education Diploma. This must include nine level 3 credits at Merit or above in Biology.  

International Baccalaureate | 128 UCAS tariff points in an IB Diploma, from at least two Highers at H4 or above, including Biology at H5 or above.   

Scottish Highers | 128 UCAS tariff points from at least two Highers, to include Higher Biology at grade A or Advanced Higher Biology at grade B or above.  You must have completed two years study at Higher Level.  

Irish Leaving Certificate | 128 UCAS tariff points from at least two Highers, to include Higher Biology at H1.  

 

Additional Information 

Successful students will need to have obtained at least 2 days of work experience with a UK RAMP Veterinary Physiotherapist as well as provide evidence of handling proficiency with horses and small animals. 

Applicants will be required to successfully engage in a compulsory assessment activity in order to enrol into the programme.

In addition to the above, we require a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 9-4 (A*-C), to include English, Maths and a Science. We will consider equivalencies including but not limited to functional skills level 2, Irish Ordinary level, National 5s, IB standard level.  

We will consider combinations of level three qualifications. 

We welcome applications from individuals with equivalent, non-UK qualifications and mature students (over 21). We may interview as part of the application process. 

The minimum academic entry requirement for this programme is 120 UCAS tariff points, providing this is combined with relevant experience.

Employability

Your career

The field of veterinary physiotherapy offers a range of opportunities for employability, including:

  1. Working in Veterinary Clinics: Veterinary physiotherapists can work in veterinary clinics, providing rehabilitation services to animals recovering from injuries, surgeries, or chronic conditions. They may work alongside veterinarians to develop treatment plans and implement specialised rehabilitation techniques to improve the mobility and quality of life of animals.
  2. Animal Rehabilitation Centres: Many animal rehabilitation centres employ veterinary physiotherapists to provide specialised care to a variety of animals, including companion animals, working animals, and exotic species. These centres may offer services such as hydrotherapy, therapeutic exercise programs, and manual therapy to help animals recover from injuries and improve their physical function.
  3. Equine Facilities: Veterinary physiotherapists may also find employment opportunities in equine facilities, working with horses to improve their performance, prevent injuries, and manage musculoskeletal conditions. They may work with sport horses, or leisure horses to optimise their physical health and well-being through tailored rehabilitation programs.
  4. Research and Education: Some veterinary physiotherapists choose to pursue careers in research and education, conducting studies on animal rehabilitation techniques, contributing to academic publications, and teaching future veterinary physiotherapists. These professionals may work in universities, research institutions, or educational organisations to advance the field of veterinary physiotherapy through evidence-based practice and knowledge dissemination.

Work placements and experience

Work placements on-site and off-site, throughout your programme, mean you'll gain valuable industry experience progressing professional and clinical competence. Alongside the theory and practical components of the course you will develop business and multi-disciplinary team working expertise.

Graduate careers

  • Veterinary Physiotherapist (Equine and/or small animal)

  • University Lecturer

  • PhD student

How you'll study

Your support network

You'll benefit from a strong support network from day one to be the best you can be. This will range from your personal tutor and specialist academic support team (our Achievement and Success Centre) to dedicated wellbeing and employability (Innovation, Careers and Enterprise) centres.

Academic support

You’ll have your own personal tutor while you’re here who will support you to succeed in your studies. You’ll also have access to our academic and wellbeing support teams who run regular workshops and one-to-one sessions on campus and online.

Alongside this, we have a comprehensive bank of online study skills resources to help you make the most of your qualification.

Your learning experiences

You'll experience a range of teaching methods to strengthen your digestion of topics, including lectures, workshops and practical sessions, as well as supported work placement learning as part of many courses.

Your career

Each year of your course will be made up of two semesters, within which you’ll study compulsory modules on different industry-focused topics, enabling you to develop your own unique portfolio of knowledge, skills and experience, ready for your career.

The course is taught in English.

Modules

What you'll study

You’ll study a number of compulsory modules as part of this degree programme. These compulsory modules are designed to develop the skills and competencies required to practice successfully in the veterinary physiotherapy industry.

Your first year will focus on building knowledge and developing skills that are critical to success with your patients as a veterinary physiotherapist

Compulsory Modules 

Initially you will learn about animal behaviour and welfare in relevant species including important aspects such as the influence of pain and stress.

Topics relating to management and handling will be covered on site and these aspects will be linked together on your first set of placements.

Modules will also cover anatomy, biomechanics and physiology relating to function and adaptation of animals during training. An introduction to veterinary physiotherapy practice will ensure you are knowledgeable about legislation, scope of practice and professional networks within the multidisciplinary team. 

In your second year you'll build underpinning knowledge with topics relating to Neuromusculoskeletal pathology and veterinary diagnostics.

Compulsory Modules 

You will advance your theoretical base of biomechanics by applying this to locomotion and functional assessment which will be expanded further in your first clinical skills module.

There are also placement hours to undertake in this year, focusing on the multidisciplinary team, gaining wider knowledge to ensure awareness of the wider industry you will be working within. 

Year one, two, three and four contain your clinical placements, split between those in-house and offsite with clinical educators.

Compulsory Modules

In this year you will progress to clinical placements in canine and equine settings working on your practical competencies supervised by experienced and qualified veterinary physiotherapists. 

When not on placement, modules will cover how to apply evidence-based treatments and rehabilitation, as well as developing your research skills.

Year one, two, three and four contain your clinical placements, split between those in-house and offsite with clinical educators.

Compulsory Modules

In your final year you will advance your clinical skills and demonstrate a level of independence giving you confidence ready for clinical practice after graduation.

When not on placement, modules will cover how to apply evidence-based treatments and rehabilitation, as well as developing your research skills by completing a project to fulfil the requirements for your science degree.

Modules

Overview

What you'll study

You’ll study a number of compulsory modules as part of this degree programme. These compulsory modules are designed to develop the skills and competencies required to practice successfully in the veterinary physiotherapy industry.

Level four (year one)

Your first year will focus on building knowledge and developing skills that are critical to success with your patients as a veterinary physiotherapist

Compulsory Modules 

Initially you will learn about animal behaviour and welfare in relevant species including important aspects such as the influence of pain and stress.

Topics relating to management and handling will be covered on site and these aspects will be linked together on your first set of placements.

Modules will also cover anatomy, biomechanics and physiology relating to function and adaptation of animals during training. An introduction to veterinary physiotherapy practice will ensure you are knowledgeable about legislation, scope of practice and professional networks within the multidisciplinary team. 

Level five (year two)

In your second year you'll build underpinning knowledge with topics relating to Neuromusculoskeletal pathology and veterinary diagnostics.

Compulsory Modules 

You will advance your theoretical base of biomechanics by applying this to locomotion and functional assessment which will be expanded further in your first clinical skills module.

There are also placement hours to undertake in this year, focusing on the multidisciplinary team, gaining wider knowledge to ensure awareness of the wider industry you will be working within. 

Level six & Level seven (year three)

Year one, two, three and four contain your clinical placements, split between those in-house and offsite with clinical educators.

Compulsory Modules

In this year you will progress to clinical placements in canine and equine settings working on your practical competencies supervised by experienced and qualified veterinary physiotherapists. 

When not on placement, modules will cover how to apply evidence-based treatments and rehabilitation, as well as developing your research skills.

Level six & Level seven (year four)

Year one, two, three and four contain your clinical placements, split between those in-house and offsite with clinical educators.

Compulsory Modules

In your final year you will advance your clinical skills and demonstrate a level of independence giving you confidence ready for clinical practice after graduation.

When not on placement, modules will cover how to apply evidence-based treatments and rehabilitation, as well as developing your research skills by completing a project to fulfil the requirements for your science degree.

The modules contain a mixture of scheduled learning – lectures, seminars and practical sessions, alongside independent learning. Students are expected to dedicate at least two to three hours of independent study per contact hour. The course also includes work placement learning as part of a module.

The course is taught in English.

Year Contact learning Placement learning Independent learning
Level four (year one) TBC TBC TBC
Level five (year two) TBC TBC TBC
Level six & Level 7 (year three) TBC TBC TBC
Level six & Level 7 (year four) TBC TBC TBC

You’ll be assessed through a mixture of written, oral and practical exams, as well as written assignments. Many of the modules will be marked based on a mixture of assessment types, whilst others will be based solely on one type of assessment. Written feedback will be provided for all assignments, specific exam feedback is available via the module team.

Year Written exam Practical exam Coursework
Level four (year one) TBC TBC TBC
Level five (year two) TBC TBC TBC
Level six & Level seven (year three) TBC TBC TBC
Level six & Level seven (year four) TBC TBC TBC

Year one, two, three and four of this course are taught over two semesters, normally consisting of 12 weeks of scheduled teaching and then assessment weeks, with an overview below.

      • Scheduled teaching takes place between 8:30 to 20:30 Monday to Friday
      • Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities
      • Work placements may entail different days and hours
      • Timetables are available during enrolment week
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Please visit our student finance page for information on tuition fees and student loans, as well as non-repayable grants, bursaries and scholarships, eligible to different groups, to support with study costs.

Below, you'll find extra costs associated with studying this course.

Clothing and footwear (circa £150)

We recommend you purchase appropriate clothing and footwear before you enrol, or during enrolment week. We’ll let you know exactly what you could to purchase in your enrolment guide.

Additional costs

Throughout the degree, you are expected to source any external placements that meets the accredited criteria. This may have additional travel costs.

We may host various extra-curricular activities and courses, prices may vary dependent on the nature and duration of the course and external provider, but these are not compulsory.

Accommodation and living costs

Please visit our student accommodation page for details.

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Programme Specifications: These are detailed, validated documents containing academic specifics for each programme. They include descriptions of the programme, its aims, learning outcomes, year and module structure, as well as teaching, learning, and assessment strategies.

Module Specifications: Each Programme consists of several Modules. Our Module Specifications outline the topics covered and the expected outcomes for students studying each Module.

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Finance

We can help you understand how it all works, and what you need to do next. Find out everything you need to know about tuition fees, student loans and bursaries and scholarships. In 2021/22, we provided assistance to over 1/3 of our students through bursaries, scholarships and grants, totalling a little under £1million.

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When you become a student at Hartpury, you become part of our community. As a small university, we provide personalised support based on your individual requirements and aspirations. Our teams cover wellbeing, achievement and success, learning support, careers, and more. From wellbeing, safety and employability, to finance, accommodation and IT, our staff will answer your questions or get you set up with someone who can.

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97% of our graduates are in employment, further study or other purposeful activity (Graduate Outcomes, 2024). 

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PG Animal Canine Hydrotherapy Research 2
Hartpury University Equine
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Gain valuable hands-on experience

Animal facilities

Benefit from state-of-the-art animal facilities that provide students with hands-on learning opportunities and practical experience in animal physiotherapy and rehabilitation.

The animal facilities are designed to simulate real-world veterinary settings, allowing you to practice your skills in a controlled environment under the guidance of experienced professionals.

Animal facilities

Become a game changer

World-class equine facilities

Benefit from multi-million-pound equine facilities, used by world-class riders and horses from across the globe.

From research opportunities in our rider performance and hydrotherapy centres, to client-facing positions in our commercial therapy centre, you’ll develop professional skills for the future.

Equine facilities

380-hectares of award-winning commercial farmland

Agriculture facilities

If you’ve got the passion to drive the sector to a more sustainable future, we’ve got everything else you need to put your learning into practice and contribute to studies that are helping to drive the industry forward sustainably.

You’ll have access to 380-hectares of award-winning commercial farmland across five sites, with the latest agricultural technology available as part of our 10-year Digital Innovation Farm project.

Agriculture facilities

Register your interest

Important information

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information, however our programmes are reviewed and developed regularly. Changes or cancellation of courses may be necessary to ensure alignment with emerging employment areas, to comply with accrediting body requirements, revisions to subject benchmark statements or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make necessary changes and will notify all offer-holders of changes as and when they occur.

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