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.

The programme is available on a full time or part time basis either to PgDip or MSc level. The full time PgDip and MSc programmes require students to study on campus in the UK, while the part time PgDip and MSc programmes can be studied remotely.

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. Full time students will complete the research project module concurrently with their PgDip modules. Part time students will complete the research project module in an additional year of part time study.

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 core 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 (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 part time students studying from non-UK countries where there are University of Liverpool Approved Clinical Educators.

Master's:

The MSc is available full time based at the University of Liverpool's Leahurst campus, or part time remotely.

Full time students will complete the research project module concurrently with their PgDip modules. This will include supervisor meetings and project work depending on the project.

Part time students will complete the research project module in an additional year of part time study. Depending on the country of study and access to an appropriate local ethical review committee, there may be some limitations to the range of research options available.

The taught coursework modules provide materials on our Virtual Learning Environment supported by practical periods in the form of core practical workshops 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.

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

Part time students who are resident in Australia and New Zealand or nearby countries

Students who are resident in Australia and New Zealand, or nearby countries have the option of attending some core practical workshops in Queensland.

There is an additional supplement of £1120 per student per week (of core practical workshops) for those students who take up the option of attending core practical workshops in Australia. This will mean:

For part time students - up to an additional £3360 (£1120 in year 1 and £2240 in year 2)

All students who are resident in Australia and New Zealand are welcome to attend the core practical workshops in the UK at no additional costs.

Assessment

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

Fees 2025/26

Part time PgDip

£10,620 UK students (over 2 years)
£12,744 OSI students (over 2 years)

Full time PgDip

£10,620 UK students
£13,418 OSI students

Full time MSc

£13,320 UK students
£17,580 OSI students

Part time MSc
- £13,320 UK students
- £15,177 OSI students

Accommodation and travel costs for core practical workshops and clinical placements are not included in the fees

The University requires payment of tuition fees at registration for the whole of the coming academic session or for the duration of a programme that is to be completed in less than a year. However, arrangements can be made for self-supporting students to pay their tuition fees in instalments. All instalments must be arranged with the VPU Office

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

Applicant Pre-requisites

Part time PgDip:

Eligibility for registration with the Health Professions Council (or equivalent Physiotherapists Registration Board for international delegates).
One year’s recent experience working as a physiotherapist
References from a veterinarian and a physiotherapist (human or animal) in support of the applicants suitability for the programme.
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.
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 and MSc (Part time or full time)

Academic achievement of 2.2.
Eligibility for registration with the Health Professions Council (or equivalent Physiotherapists Registration Board for international delegates)
References from a veterinarian and a physiotherapist (human or animal) in support of the applicant's suitability for the programme.
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
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
Recommended work experience: One year clinical physiotherapy practice.

How to Apply

Click here for further information on how to apply.

All applicants will be interviewed for their suitability for the respective programme they have applied for.