Veterinary Physiotherapy (QA only), BSc (Plumpton College)
Start your career in veterinary physiotherapy with this three-year online degree.
This degree introduces the basic methods and practices of veterinary physiotherapy. Veterinary physiotherapists combine scientific knowledge and clinical expertise to provide treatment and rehabilitation for musculoskeletal conditions in animals, working to reduce pain, improve movement and restore normal muscle control and function. Veterinary physiotherapy has undergone a period of considerable growth over the last 10-15 years and practitioners now work in a range of settings – veterinary practices, veterinary therapy centres and independent practice – and always with the consent of a veterinary surgeon.
The programme is accredited by the Animal Health Professions Register (AHPR) and on successful completion of the course, students will be eligible to join the AHPR register of Veterinary Physiotherapists.
This degree is offered by one of the university's partner colleges, Plumpton College, based at Lewes, East Sussex.
UCAS points
104 (full requirements below)
Course/institution codes
242W
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Location
Duration
3 years full-time
Start month
September
Fees information
For fee information related to this course, please see fees section below
What you should know about this course
What you will study
Validated / Quality Assured (QA) Programmes: these are programmes approved (‘validated’) and quality assured by the University of Greenwich for delivery by one of our Partner Colleges. They lead to a University of Greenwich award.
About the course team
All teaching staff on the programme are registered veterinary nurses holding a level 4 qualification or above. A requirement of being a registered veterinary nurse is that 15 hours a year of industry relevant CPD is carried out, ensuring that the students are being taught by staff with most up-to-date industry knowledge.
Entry requirements
Typical Offer: 104 Points
Qualifications: three A-Levels/Extended Diploma
We consider a range of Level 3 qualifications with UCAS Tariff points, specifically:
A-Level: three subjects (BCC) and must include A2 Biology and one other science subject.
BTEC National: Extended Diploma (DMM) in Animal or Equine Management.
We also consider applicants with relevant industrial experience if over 21 years of age.
We expect a minimum of five GCSE’s, including Mathematics, English Language and a science, all at grade 4 or above (grade C or above under the A*-G system).
Students with English as a second language will be required to have gained IELTS at 6.5 overall with 6.0 in Writing.
For more information, use our contact form or call us on 020 8331 9000.
You can also read our admissions policy.
Further information about entry
We welcome applications from mature students.
For more information, contact the HE Office (HEoffice@plumpton.ac.uk).
Available to overseas students?
Yes
Can I use Prior Learning?
Find out more on our Recognition of Prior Learning pages.
How you will learn
Learning experience
Learning takes place through a combination of timetabled learning and independent study.
You can view more information about how each module is taught within our 'What you will study' section.
Seminars and workshops enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups. You will also be able to meet your personal tutor. Timetabled learning may fall between 9am and 9pm depending on your courses and tutorials.
Class sizes
Class sizes are about 25 students, all full time. The programme is a full-time blended learning programme, allowing students to complete their learning remotely whilst attending four compulsory attendance. The four-week-long practical sessions held throughout each year is combined with remotely delivered lectures, seminars, tutorials, and guided self-study to build a portfolio of clinical practice.
Independent learning
At university, you must develop the ability to work more independently than you have done before. In the early stages of the degree, you will receive a higher level of support from module leaders and personal tutors. In years 2 and 3, you will need to demonstrate an increasing ability to build upon.
Overall workload
Students enrolling on the course are required to commit to at least 35 hours of study each week but, due to its unique delivery, the course is accessible to those who may already be employed within the wider animal industry and able to reduce or adjust their working hours to accommodate full-time study.
Assessment
You can view how each module is assessed within our 'What you will study' section.
Each course has formal assessments which count towards your grade. Some courses may also include 'practice' assignments, which help you monitor progress and do not count towards your final grade.
Feedback summary
We aim to provide feedback on assignments taken at the college and to release examination results within 15 working days.
Dates and timetables
The academic year runs from September to June.
Full teaching timetables are not usually available until term has started. For any queries, contact the HE office (HEoffice@plumpton.ac.uk)
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Cohort | Full time | Part time | Distance learning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home | N/A | N/A | TBC |
| International | N/A | N/A | TBC |
University is a great investment in your future. English-domiciled graduate annual salaries were £10,500 more than non-graduates in 2023 - and the UK Government projects that 88% of new jobs by 2035 will be at graduate level.
(Source: DfE Graduate labour market statistics: 2023/DfE Labour market and skills projections: 2020 to 2035).
Other costs
Safety equipment
Students are required to purchase the necessary equipment and personal protective clothing and boots for working with animals during the course.
Field trips
The cost of field trips is activity dependant. Some are free, while others may require a contribution. You are not obliged to pay for field trips in order to complete your course.
Professional memberships
The standard professional memberships attached to accredited courses are covered by your tuition fees. You are welcome to take up additional professional memberships at your own cost.
Resources
Course texts and other study resources are available from Library. You may wish to purchase your own copies. You receive a small allowance for printing costs, which you can top up if required.
Scholarships and bursaries
We offer a wide range of financial help including scholarships and bursaries.
The Greenwich Bursary
This bursary is worth £700 for new undergraduate students with a low household income, entering Year 0 or 1 who meet the eligibility criteria.
EU Bursary
Following the UK's departure from the European Union, we are supporting new EU students by offering a substantial fee-reduction for studying.
Financial support
We want your time at university to be enjoyable, rewarding, and free of unnecessary stress, so planning your finances before you come to university can help to reduce financial concerns. We can offer advice on living costs and budgeting, as well as on awards, allowances and loans.
Careers and placements
Will I have a work placement?
For each year of the course students are required to complete a number of supervised clinical practice hours which are completed during the attended weeks at Plumpton College. In addition to this, students will complete a specified number of supervised clinical hours with an approved external practitioner in a work-based environment.
What sort of careers do graduates pursue?
Graduates may seek employment in a specialist role within a wider veterinary practice but they are also equipped with the professional and business skills required to allow them to work as a self-employed veterinary physiotherapist. The progressive approach to the development of sound clinical skills combined with robust academic skills also prepares students for further progression in postgraduate education and/or the field of research.
Do you provide employability services?
We offer impartial careers guidance to all of our students, email careers@plumpton.ac.uk to explore your next step or to book an appointment – we’re here to help.
Support and advice
Academic skills and study support
The College’s Inclusive Learning and Development Department offers dedicated support for HE students, this can take the form of one-to-one support, exam access arrangements. Students who have a learning disability are able to access support with making an application to the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) from the College’s Inclusive Learning and Development Department.
Support from the department
The Library boasts a collection of over 8,000 books, covering a range of key subject areas within land-based curriculum. The Library also provides students with access to a variety of magazines, periodicals and academic journals through online databases. Learning technology is central to the learning experience of students at Plumpton College and therefore is supported by dedicated staff within the College Teaching and Learning Team. The responsibilities of this team are to help support students with learning technology to enhance the overall learning experience.
Mode of study
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