Veterinary Physiotherapy

Graduates can pursue a range of careers across animal health, rehabilitation and welfare. Many work as veterinary physiotherapists supporting the assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of horses and dogs, either independently or as part of multidisciplinary teams.

The advanced clinical, research and professional skills developed on this course can also support careers in animal rehabilitation centres, education and training, research, consultancy, animal welfare organisations, product development and the wider animal health sector. The course is also well suited to professionals looking to enhance their existing roles or develop specialist expertise.

Our graduates have gone on to establish successful veterinary physiotherapy businesses, join multidisciplinary veterinary and rehabilitation practices, and work within the wider animal health sector.

Career destinations include:

• veterinary physiotherapy and rehabilitation clinics
• veterinary practices
• hydrotherapy centres
• equine performance and rehabilitation facilities
• animal welfare organisations
• education and training
• research, consultancy, and product development
• technical and sales support
• insurance services
• clinical advisory roles.

The advanced clinical, communication and business skills developed throughout the course will prepare you for a wide range of opportunities across the animal health and rehabilitation industries.

We want you to be a step ahead when you graduate, so we offer:

• courses designed with employers
• tutors with professional industry knowledge
• hands-on learning which may include industry-led projects, placements or Professional Experience modules.

Alongside your course, there are lots of other opportunities to build your skills and experience:

• add value to your CV with an ARU Certificate of Professional Development
• get involved in a thriving volunteering programme
• develop your brilliant business ideas
• work with businesses to make a social impact.

We’re here to help you develop your CV and find that all-important role after graduation. Our Employability Service offers tailored career appointments, advice on writing your CV, help to complete job applications, and much more. You’ll have 24/7 access to an online Careers Centre too, which is packed with useful resources.

The support continues after you graduate, with lifelong access to our Alumni Career Centre.

Find out more about careers support at ARU.

This course is designed to fit around professional and personal commitments, with most face-to-face teaching taking place during residential weekends at our Writtle campus.

Teaching days typically run from 9am to 5pm and include a mix of lectures, workshops and practical sessions.

Alongside on-campus teaching, you'll engage with online learning materials and independent study throughout the programme. In Year 1, you'll attend approximately 12 teaching and assessment weekends, while Year 2 includes around 18 weekends, incorporating practical training and internal clinical placement days.

Clinical experience is integrated throughout the course, allowing you to apply your learning in real-world settings while developing practical skills and professional confidence.

You'll gain experience through internal placement opportunities, including access to our commercial canine clinics and specialist equine facilities. You'll also have opportunities to observe and work alongside practising clinicians, engaging with real cases and rehabilitation programmes.

External visits and practical experiences further enhance your understanding of professional practice, helping you develop the clinical reasoning and hands-on skills required for a career in veterinary physiotherapy.

Assessment methods are designed to reflect the knowledge, practical skills and professional competencies required in veterinary physiotherapy practice.

You'll complete a variety of assessments throughout the course, including case studies, scientific reports, presentations, clinical portfolios, practical examinations, research evaluations and online activities. Practical skills are assessed through observed structured clinical examinations (OSCEs), while your final year culminates in an independent research project focused on a topic relevant to veterinary physiotherapy and animal rehabilitation.

This diverse approach allows you to demonstrate both theoretical understanding and practical expertise while developing skills valued by employers and professional bodies.