Veterinary Physiotherapy MSc

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Liverpool

Program Overview

The Veterinary Physiotherapy MSc at the University of Liverpool is a specialist programme for qualified physiotherapists who want to use their existing skills to assess, treat and rehabilitate animals. It brings together veterinary science, physiotherapy, practical training and research, making it a strong option for physiotherapists who want to move into animal rehabilitation, particularly with horses and dogs.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: This is a one-year full-time programme with six taught modules delivered across three 12-week trimesters. Students study Principles of Veterinary Physiotherapy & Approach to the Animal Patient, Anatomy & Biomechanics for the Veterinary Physiotherapist, and Orthopaedics of the Common Domestic Species for the Veterinary Physiotherapist, developing a solid understanding of animal anatomy, movement, assessment and common conditions.

Students then progress to Neuromotor System in Performance & Disease, Veterinary Physiotherapy Practice 1 and Advanced Veterinary Physiotherapy Practice, building more advanced knowledge of animal performance, disease and rehabilitation. MSc students also complete an independent research project, giving them the opportunity to explore a topic related to veterinary physiotherapy in greater depth.

Focus Areas

Veterinary physiotherapy, animal rehabilitation, animal anatomy, biomechanics, orthopaedics, neuromotor systems, animal performance, clinical assessment, veterinary physiotherapy practice, advanced rehabilitation and research.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to apply physiotherapy principles to animal patients, with particular experience involving horses and dogs. The programme also develops clinical reasoning, animal handling, rehabilitation and research skills through practical learning and the MSc research project.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The programme is recognised by the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy (ACPAT) as an upgrading route for Category A membership. Applicants must already be eligible for registration with the relevant physiotherapy regulatory body, making the programme particularly suitable for qualified physiotherapists who want to specialise in animal therapy.

Reputation (Professional Recognition)

The programme is delivered through the University of Liverpool's Veterinary Postgraduate Unit at the Leahurst Campus, providing access to a specialist veterinary learning environment. Its recognition by ACPAT adds professional value for physiotherapists who want to build a career in animal therapy, while the combination of veterinary science, practical training and research provides focused preparation for this specialist field.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Veterinary Physiotherapy MSc at the University of Liverpool has a strong practical focus, allowing qualified physiotherapists to apply their existing knowledge to animal care. Students spend time at the university’s Leahurst Campus, work with horses and dogs, and gain experience through practical sessions and veterinary practice placements. The programme combines face-to-face learning, online study, clinical discussions and research, giving students a balanced mix of practical and academic experience.

Students gain practical and research experience through:

Leahurst practical training: Students complete 20 practical days at the University of Liverpool’s Leahurst Campus, working with clinical educators and putting their learning into practice.
Veterinary practice placements: Students complete a further 10 days in veterinary practices, gaining experience in real clinical settings.
50 days of practical training: The programme includes 50 days of practical training, giving students plenty of opportunities to develop and apply their veterinary physiotherapy skills.
Hands-on animal experience: Students work with horses and dogs during practical learning, helping them become more confident in handling and treating animal patients.
Practical workshops: Modules covering animal anatomy, biomechanics, orthopaedics and rehabilitation include practical learning that connects theory with real clinical situations.
Virtual Learning Environment: Students use the university’s Virtual Learning Environment to access course materials and support their learning outside practical sessions.
Online library access: The Virtual Learning Environment provides access to the University of Liverpool’s online library, supporting research and independent study.
Journal clubs and academic meetings: Students can participate in journal clubs and meetings with academics and other students, helping them discuss current research and develop their understanding of evidence-based practice.
Group interaction: Students work with their cohort through assessed and informal meetings, online discussions and face-to-face practical sessions.
Research project: MSc students complete an independent research project, supported by supervisors and focused on a topic related to veterinary physiotherapy.
Clinical educator support: Practical training at Leahurst is supported by clinical educators, allowing students to develop their skills under professional guidance.
Digital tools: The official programme information specifically mentions the Virtual Learning Environment, online discussion boards and online meetings, but does not identify any specialist physiotherapy software.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Veterinary Physiotherapy MSc at the University of Liverpool is designed for qualified physiotherapists who want to move into the specialist field of animal rehabilitation. By combining physiotherapy knowledge with veterinary science, practical training and research, the programme helps graduates build the expertise needed to work with animal patients, particularly horses and dogs.

Typical career directions include Veterinary Physiotherapist, Animal Rehabilitation Therapist, Equine Physiotherapist, Canine Physiotherapist, Veterinary Physiotherapy Researcher and Clinical Educator.

Students can develop their professional opportunities through:

Professional recognition: The programme is recognised by the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy (ACPAT) as an upgrading route for Category A membership, providing professional recognition within animal therapy.
Clinical experience: Students gain hands-on experience at Leahurst Campus and complete additional training days in veterinary practices, helping them become familiar with real animal-care environments.
Veterinary environment: The programme is delivered through the University of Liverpool’s Veterinary School, allowing students to learn within a specialist veterinary setting.
Research development: MSc students complete an independent research project with supervisor support, helping them develop skills in research and evidence-based veterinary physiotherapy.
Professional connections: Students interact with clinical educators, academics, veterinary professionals and other physiotherapists, giving them opportunities to develop useful professional contacts.
Career development: Combining physiotherapy expertise with veterinary knowledge and practical animal experience can support progression into specialist animal rehabilitation and veterinary physiotherapy roles.
Employment statistics and salary: The official University of Liverpool programme information does not provide specific graduate employment statistics or salary figures for this programme, so a course-specific figure cannot be stated reliably.
Specialist facilities: Training takes place through the Veterinary Postgraduate Unit at Leahurst, giving students access to a dedicated veterinary education and clinical environment.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the MSc, graduates can continue developing their expertise through further postgraduate research, including potential doctoral-level study, or undertake additional professional development in veterinary physiotherapy. The research experience gained through the MSc can provide a useful foundation for those interested in research, teaching or academic careers.