About this course
- Entry year: 2012/13
- Course code: D39112
- Applications: University
- Level: Postgraduate
- Department: Allied Health Professions
- Campus: Hartpury College
- Duration: 3 years
- Delivery: Part-time
- Programme leader: Jenny Dye
- Key fact: The course is endorsed by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and is being run with input from the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy (ACPAT).
Introduction
The MSc Veterinary Physiotherapy is designed to optimise the demands of veterinary physiotherapy services by enhancing the competencies of Chartered Physiotherapists. Individuals will be encouraged and supported through critical reflection on the similarities and differences relating to practice in the human field of physiotherapy. The initiative strives to develop technically competent, effective and safe veterinary physiotherapy practitioners in line with current professional standards.
In particular the course promotes the philosophy of life-long learning and encourages students to develop their skills in critical thinking. You will be encouraged to critically analyse research and evidence and apply your findings to practice.
The course is endorsed by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and is being run with input from the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy (ACPAT).
The course aims to help you recognise your role and responsibilities in the field of veterinary physiotherapy and animal welfare. It will enhance your clinical skills as well as your capacity to deal with complex relationships between animals, their owners/handlers, and other healthcare professionals. The course will also introduce you to the legal, ethical and financial issues involved in veterinary physiotherapy/private practice. The course will provide a stimulating, supportive and sensitive learning environment which will enable you to maximise your learning and facilitate your development as a self-directed and reflective learner.
Structure
Content
The course is offered on a part-time basis with the taught aspect of the programme being delivered in ‘blocks’ of study (each ‘block’ is usually between two and six days in length and there are approximately six ‘blocks’ of attendance per year) utilising both week days and weekends. Additionally there will be times when students are required to attend for individual days, for example where assessments are scheduled. In addition you will be required to undertake periods of clinical placement.
Teaching and learning
A variety of learning strategies are used such as self-reflection, experiential, sharing and exploring ideas with individuals, all of which support the development of a reflective practitioner who recognises and values the contributions of others. There is an emphasis on the most practical and pragmatic approaches to help the animal and care handler. The course facilitators aim to be as supportive as possible to students to enable the most successful learning outcome.
Overall the course is delivered via blended learning including distance learning, face-to-face sessions and clinical practice. The facilities available at Hartpury College provide access to a wide range of small and large animals as well as appropriate laboratory teaching facilities.
Special Features
Study facilities
Hartpury College has a high standard of teaching facilities and an excellent library. Information technology facilities include multimedia laboratories and various health and social care databases enabling you to carry out searches of available literature relating to topics of interest.
The campus is equipped with excellent equine and animal science facilities including laboratories, hydrotherapy, treadmills, a world class championship arena and many more.
Entry
Entry requirements
Students will be Physiotherapists registered with the Health Professions Council and must demonstrate the ability and motivation to study at M Level. You will also need to register with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and ACPAT, for insurance purposes. Finally, you will need to demonstrate a strong desire to work with animals and their owners/handlers and have some previous experience of handling a range of animals.
Suitable applicants may be interviewed prior to admission
Fees
Please note that non-standard fees apply to this programme, for further detail on fees please contact Admissions@uwe.ac.uk
For funding options, please see our funding and scholarships information.
For information on financial assistance to support your learning please visit the direct.gov website or telephone 0800 100900.
How to apply
Please apply online using the link on the right hand side of this page.
For further information
Page last updated 14 December 2011