Canine Therapy (with Foundation Year)

Specialise in canine massage and hydrotherapy and learn how canine therapists enhance dog wellbeing. You’ll gain practical experience in our specialist canine centre.

Our course offers a mix of vocational and academic study that will prepare you for a career in the field of canine therapy.

It covers topics such as canine anatomy, physiology and biomechanics, as well as focusing on canine massage and hydrotherapy.

As a student in Writtle, you’ll use specialist equipment in our Lordship Canine Centre, including a hydrotherapy pool and underwater treadmill. You’ll gain recognised skills in hydrotherapy as you take part in commercially run sessions with real cases, helping to compile structured care plans for injured or post-operative animals.

Our highly qualified teaching team includes experienced veterinary physiotherapists and veterinary surgeons.

As a graduate of our Canine Therapy course, you’ll have the knowledge and skills to run your own business or work as part of a multidisciplinary team.

There are a number of ways to study this course. As well as our 3-year full-time degree (6 years part-time), you have the option of studying over:

• 4 years including a foundation year, to gain a BSc (or 8 years part-time)

All BSc students study the same modules, with the addition of foundation year modules for those taking the 4-year course.

Year 1: Academic and Personal Management Skills, Biological Concepts (Introduction to Laboratory Skills), Maths for IT and Science, Chemistry for Life Sciences, Applied Industry Techniques, Independent (Themed) Project. Year 2: Introduction to Professional Skills, Canine Anatomy and Physiology, Functional Anatomy, Introduction to Animal Biomechanics, Nutrition and Feeding, Canine Behaviour Management, Introduction to Canine Therapy. Year 3: Business Skills, Research Methods, Canine Health, Disease and Pain Management, Exercise Physiology, Extrinsic Factors Affecting Canine Performance, Animal Therapeutic Techniques, Canine Hydrotherapy. Year 4: Capstone Project, Animals in Motion, Sports Medicine, Canine Massage Therapy, Advanced Principles and Practice of Hydrotherapy, Ethics and Welfare.