Veterinary Physiotherapy (Postgraduate Diploma / MSc)

The University of Liverpool’s Postgraduate Diploma / MSc in Veterinary Physiotherapy is a specialist programme aimed at Chartered Physiotherapists who wish to translate their knowledge and skills developed on humans into practice on animals.

The programme is recognised by the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy (ACPAT) as an upgrading route for ‘Category A’ membership.

PgDip Programme Structure

In order to be awarded the Postgraduate Diploma in Veterinary Physiotherapy, students must successfully complete the following six modules over one year full time (comprising three 12 week trimesters), or two years part time:

Principles of Veterinary Physiotherapy & Approach to the Animal Patient

Anatomy & Biomechanics for the Veterinary Physiotherapist

Orthopaedics of the Common Domestic Species for the Veterinary Physiotherapist

Neuromotor System in Performance & Disease

Veterinary Physiotherapy Practice 1

Advanced Veterinary Physiotherapy Practice

MSc Programme Structure

In order to be awarded the MSc in Veterinary Physiotherapy, students must successfully complete the above six modules, plus a Research Project. The programme is only available over one year on a full time basis.

Method of Teaching 

PgDip:

Consists of 6 taught modules which provide materials on our Virtual Learning Environment supported by practical periods in the form of residential schools and clinical placements. During trimesters, students are encouraged to work with their cohort with assessed and informal meeting opportunities. There are regular asynchronous learning opportunities with fellow students and academics online via discussion boards and scheduled synchronous evening journal clubs and meetings as well as opportunities during the face to face practical sessions.

The virtual learning environment also includes access to the University of Liverpool's online library.

Students attend a total of 4 weeks or 20 days practical training at the University of Liverpool's Leahurst campus, 20 practical days with a clinical educator and an additional 10 days in veterinary practices over the programme. The 50 days of practical training provide students with the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills learned on the programme.

Some practical training may be completed abroad for students studying from non-UK countries where there are University of Liverpool Approved Clinical Educators.

Masters:

The MSc is only available full time and research is only able to be undertaken from the UK. The MSc is based at the University of Liverpool's Leahurst campus and supported by taught coursework modules.

The taught coursework modules provide materials on our Virtual Learning Environment supported by practical periods in the form of residential schools and clinical placements. During the trimesters, students are encouraged to work with their cohort with assessed and informal meeting opportunities. There are regular asynchronous learning opportunities with fellow students and academics online via discussion boards and scheduled synchronous evening journal clubs and meetings as well as opportunities during the face to face practical sessions.

The virtual learning environment also includes access to the University of Liverpool's online library.

As part of the taught coursework modules, alongside your masters research, students attend a total of 4 weeks or 20 days practical training at the University of Liverpool's Leahurst campus, 20 practical days with a clinical educator and an additional 10 days in veterinary practices over the programme. The 50 days of practical training provide students with the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills learned on the programme.

Assessment 

Assessment is on-going throughout each module and feedback is provided by module tutors. 

Fees 

  • Part time PgDip
    • £9,000 UK students 
    • £10,800 Non-UK students 
  • Full time PgDip
    • £9,000 UK students 
    • £10,800 Non-UK students 
  • Full time MSc
    • £12,000 UK students 
    • £15,000 Non-UK students 

Accommodation and travel costs for practical placements are not included in the fees.

Applications for payment in instalments can be applied for and will be assessed on a case by case basis. Please email the VPU Office

UK students on the full time MSc are also eligible for a Government Master's loan.

Students who are resident in Australia and New Zealand

Students who are resident in Australia and New Zealand have the option of attending some residential schools in Queensland.

There is an additional supplement of £1000 per student per week (of residential school) for those students who take up the option of attending residential schools in Australia. This will mean:

  • For part time students – up to an additional £3000 (£1000 in year 1 and £2000 in year 2)
  • For full time students - up to an additional £2000, because attendance at the first residential school in the UK is compulsory.

All students who are resident in Australia and New Zealand are welcome to attend the residential schools in the UK at no additional cost.

Applicant Pre-requisites

Part time PgDip:

  1. Eligibility for registration with the Health Professions Council (or equivalent Physiotherapists Registration Board for international delegates).
  2. One year’s recent experience working as a physiotherapist
  3. References from a veterinarian and a physiotherapist (human or animal) in support of the applicants suitability for the programme.
  4. If the applicant is from a country where English is not the first Language they will be required to show evident of attainment of English at a minimum IELTS score of 7 or equivalent.
  5. Recognition of Prior Learning Policy arrangements will be applicable, as long as the prior learning represents equivalent modules and learning outcomes. APL or APEL from non-veterinary or animal physiotherapy or non M-level programmes (e.g. sports science, science, equine science) will not be considered.

Full time PgDip/MSc

  1. Academic achievement of 2.1.
    1. Applicants wishing to apply who have only achieved 2.2 will be considered on a case by case basis. In order to be considered, academic references supporting academic experience and aptitude will be required. For MSc applicants references should also support research experience and aptitude.
  2. Eligibility for registration with the Health Professions Council (or equivalent Physiotherapists Registration Board for international delegates)
  3. References from a veterinarian and a physiotherapist (human or animal) in support of the applicant's suitability for the programme.
  4. If the applicant is from a country where English is not the first Language they will be required to show evident of attainment of English at a minimum IELTS score of 7 or equivalent
  5. Recognition of Prior Learning Policy arrangements will be applicable, as long as the prior learning represents equivalent modules and learning outcomes. APL or APEL from non-veterinary or animal physiotherapy or non M-level programmes (e.g. sports science, science, equine science) will not be considered
  6. Recommended work experience: One year clinical physiotherapy practice.

How to Apply

Click here for further information on how to apply.

Application deadline for 2023/24 has been extended to 6 April 2023