Your Head of Department and Programme Manager explain more about your first week and life on your course. Your video will be available later in the summer, ahead of enrolment.
For sessions based in the animal facilities you may be required to wear boots, so it is recommended you purchase a sturdy pair if you don’t already have them. It is also recommended that you have a waterproof coat. You don't need any other specific kit for your course, but you may wish to buy Hartpury-branded items.
Explore books via Books You Need.
Thursday 10 September, 10am, University Learning Hub (ULH)
Your Academic timetable is available now. Your Induction timetable will follow later in the summer. Please keep checking this page for the latest information. We'll also email you with updates.
Your Head of Department and Programme Manager explain more about your first week and life on your course. Your video will be available later in the summer, ahead of enrolment.
For sessions based in the animal facilities you may be required to wear boots, so it is recommended you purchase a sturdy pair if you don’t already have them. It is also recommended that you have a waterproof coat. You don't need any other specific kit for your course, but you may wish to buy Hartpury-branded items.
Explore books via Books You Need.
Thursday 10 September, 10am, University Learning Hub (ULH)
Your Academic timetable is available now. Your Induction timetable will follow later in the summer. Please keep checking this page for the latest information. We'll also email you with updates.
Your Head of Department and Programme Manager explain more about your first week and life on your course. Your video will be available later in the summer, ahead of enrolment.
While you don't need any kit for your course, you may wish to buy Hartpury-branded items of clothing/sports kit.
Information on our shop is available here.
Explore books via Books You Need.
TBC
Your Academic timetable is available now. Your Induction timetable will follow later in the summer. Please keep checking this page for the latest information. We'll also email you with updates.
Your Head of Department and Programme Manager explain more about your first week and life on your course. Your video will be available later in the summer, ahead of enrolment.
While no special equipment is required for your course, some sessions may be held outdoors across various campus areas. Students are advised to wear sensible shoes and dress for the weather. Students will be notified in advance of the dates and times of these sessions.
You may also wish to buy Hartpury-branded clothing and/or sports kit.
Information on our shop is available here.
Our Library offers an extensive collection of books available for loan throughout your course to support your studies. The list below is a suggestion for those who might want to own some of the titles used to inform their degree.
Animal behaviour and welfare-related titles
Postgraduate studies titles
Explore books via Books You Need.
Thursday 10 September, 10am, University Learning Hub (ULH)
Your Academic timetable is available now. Your Induction timetable will follow later in the summer. Please keep checking this page for the latest information. We'll also email you with updates.
Your Head of Department and Programme Manager explain more about your first week and life on your course. Your video will be available later in the summer, ahead of enrolment.
Optional
To actively participate in hands-on activities with horses you must use;
These websites offer lots of useful (and free) information:
These books may also be useful:
These articles may also be useful and should all be either Open Access or via Hartpury Library online:
Acquadro Maran, D., Capitanelli, I., Cortese, C. G., Ilesanmi, O. S., Gianino, M. M., & Chirico, F. (2022). Animal-Assisted Intervention and Health Care Workers’ Psychological Health: A Systematic Review of the Literature Animals, 12(3), 383. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12030383
Bert F, Gualano MR, Camussi E, Pieve G, Voglino G, Siliquini R. (2016) Animal assisted intervention: A systematic review of benefits and risks - PMC Eur J Integr Med. Oct;8(5):695-706. doi: 10.1016/j.eujim.2016.05.005. Epub 2016 May 20. PMID: 32362955; PMCID: PMC7185850.
Fine AH, Beck AM, Ng Z. (2019) The State of Animal-Assisted Interventions: Addressing the Contemporary Issues That Will Shape the Future - PMC. Int J Environ Res Public Health. Oct 18;16(20):3997. doi: 10.3390/ijerph16203997. PMID: 31635430; PMCID: PMC6843928.
Flynn E, Zoller AG, Gandenberger J, Morris KN. (2022) Improving Engagement in Behavioral and Mental Health Services Through Animal-Assisted Interventions: A Scoping Review - PubMed Psychiatr Serv. Feb 1;73(2):188-195. doi: 10.1176/appi.ps.202000585. Epub 2021 Jun 23. PMID: 34157858.
Harper, N. J., Fernee, C. R., & Gabrielsen, L. E. (2021). Nature’s Role in Outdoor Therapies: An Umbrella Review International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(10), 5117. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18105117
Johnson, A; Parish-Plass, N; Kirby, M; Winkle, M; Plesa Skwerer, D; Ackerman, L; Brosig, C; Coombe, W; Delisle, E; Enders-Slegers, M J; Fowler, J-A; Hey, L; Howell, T; Kaufmann, M; Kienast, M; Kinoshita, M; Ngai, D; & Wijnen, B. (2024). Recommendations for uniform terminology in animal-assisted services (AAS) | Human-Animal Interactions 12. 10.1079/hai.2024.0003.
Pandey RP; Himanshu; Gunjan; Mukherjee R, Chang CM. (2024) The Role of Animal-Assisted Therapy in Enhancing Patients’ Well-Being: Systematic Study of the Qualitative and Quantitative Evidence - PMC. JMIRx Med. Mar 18;5:e51787. doi: 10.2196/51787. PMID: 38606668; PMCID: PMC10986847.
Rodriguez KE, Herzog H, Gee NR. (2021) Variability in Human-Animal Interaction Research - PMC Front Vet Sci. Jan 15;7:619600. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2020.619600. PMID: 33521092; PMCID: PMC7843787.
Santaniello, A., Garzillo, S., Cristiano, S., Fioretti, A., & Menna, L. F. (2021). The Research of Standardized Protocols for Dog Involvement in Animal-Assisted Therapy: A Systematic Review Animals, 11(9), 2576. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11092576
Trevathan-Minnis M, Johnson A, Howie AR. Recommendations for Transdisciplinary Professional Competencies and Ethics for Animal-Assisted Therapies and Interventions. Vet Sci. 2021 Dec 2;8(12):303. doi: 10.3390/vetsci8120303. PMID: 34941831; PMCID: PMC8706351.
Wagner C, Grob C, Hediger K. (2022) Frontiers | Specific and Non-specific Factors of Animal-Assisted Interventions Considered in Research: A Systematic Review Front Psychol. Jun 28;13:931347. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.931347. PMID: 35837630; PMCID: PMC9274084.
Wijnen, B., & Martens, P. (2022). Animals in Animal-Assisted Services: Are They Volunteers or Professionals? Animals, 12(19), 2564. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12192564
Winkle, M., Johnson, A., & Mills, D. (2020). Dog Welfare, Well-Being and Behavior: Considerations for Selection, Evaluation and Suitability for Animal-Assisted Therapy Animals, 10(11), 2188. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10112188
Wood W, Alm K, Benjamin J, Thomas L, Anderson D, Pohl L, Kane M. (2021) Optimal Terminology for Services in the United States That Incorporate Horses to Benefit People: A Consensus Document | The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine Jan;27(1):88-95. doi: 10.1089/acm.2020.0415. Epub 2020 Nov 26. PMID: 33252244.
Explore books via Books You Need.
Thursday 10 September, 10am, University Learning Hub (ULH)
Your Academic timetable is available now. Your Induction timetable will follow later in the summer. Please keep checking this page for the latest information. We'll also email you with updates.
Your Head of Department and Programme Manager explain more about your first week and life on your course. Your video will be available later in the summer, ahead of enrolment.
With any of these items you can always get them during the course of your degree, but essentials are walking boots and a waterproof coat and some clothing that you are happy to wear outdoors and you will be comfortable walking in and bending down etc.
You will be undertaking some plant and invertebrate identification, and a x10 hand lens would be useful for this, having your own hand lens will be a good future investment if you intend to work in professions where you are IDing small species or structures, for example ecology consultancy roles, or reserve management, anywhere where you are required to undertake surveys. For an example of a x10 magnification hand lens from NHBS the Triplet x10, 21mm diameter is a good option: https://www.nhbs.com/singlet-loupe-10-x-21mm-hand-lens
Although the University has some binoculars, you may wish to have your own pair. For bird watching magnifications of 8 X 42 or 10 X 42 are best.
There are NO essential texts for this programme, the below are some suggestions on the types of texts that may be useful for you, though we do have some copies in our library and kit.
Good for general survey methods to support study design;
• Sutherland, W.J. ed., 2006. Ecological census techniques: a handbook. Cambridge university press. (We have a couple of copies in the library
We have ID guides at the University, but a copy of one flower key and one grass key may be beneficial, though it may be worth waiting until you have tried different guides so that you know which type works best for you, as they are all a little different.
Explore books via Books You Need.
Thursday 10 September, 10am, University Learning Hub (ULH)
Your Academic timetable is available now. Your Induction timetable will follow later in the summer. Please keep checking this page for the latest information. We'll also email you with updates.
While you don't need any kit for your course, you may wish to buy Hartpury-branded items of clothing/sports kit.
Explore books via Books You Need.
Your Head of Department and Programme Manager explain more about your first week and life on your course. Your video will be available later in the summer, ahead of enrolment.
While your kit doesn’t need to be Hartpury-branded, you might like to buy your kit from our website.
Explore books via Books You Need.
Thursday 10 September, 10am, University Learning Hub (ULH)
Your Academic timetable is available now. Your Induction timetable will follow later in the summer. Please keep checking this page for the latest information. We'll also email you with updates.
Your Head of Department and Programme Manager explain more about your first week and life on your course. Your video will be available later in the summer, ahead of enrolment.
While your kit doesn’t need to be Hartpury-branded, you might like to buy your kit from our website.
Explore books via Books You Need.
Thursday 10 September, 10am, University Learning Hub (ULH)
Your Academic timetable is available now. Your Induction timetable will follow later in the summer. Please keep checking this page for the latest information. We'll also email you with updates.
Your Head of Department and Programme Manager explain more about your first week and life on your course. Your video will be available later in the summer, ahead of enrolment.
While your kit doesn’t need to be Hartpury-branded, you might like to buy your kit from our website.
Explore books via Books You Need.
Thursday 10 September, 10am, University Learning Hub (ULH)
Your Academic timetable is available now. Your Induction timetable will follow later in the summer. Please keep checking this page for the latest information. We'll also email you with updates.
Your Head of Department and Programme Manager explain more about your first week and life on your course. Your video will be available later in the summer, ahead of enrolment.
While your kit doesn’t need to be Hartpury-branded, you might like to buy your kit from our website.
At the time of enrolment, and for the duration of your programme at Hartpury you will need to have ACPAT Cat B membership and insurance. If you would like to take advantage of the policy that is offered by Balens (https://www.balens.co.uk/) please complete the attached below form. When you are asked for membership details please add a note such as “obtaining insurance in order to become a member”, and the team will accept this. If you could then return it to Affinities@balens.co.uk, the team will be able to arrange their policy on the ACPAT scheme with the applicable discount.
Explore books via Books You Need.
Thursday 10 September, 10am, University Learning Hub (ULH)
Your Academic timetable is available now. Your Induction timetable will follow later in the summer. Please keep checking this page for the latest information. We'll also email you with updates.
Your Head of Department and Programme Manager explain more about your first week and life on your course. Your video will be available later in the summer, ahead of enrolment.
While your kit doesn’t need to be Hartpury-branded, you might like to buy your kit from our website.
Explore books via Books You Need.
Thursday 10 September, 10am, University Learning Hub (ULH)
Your Academic timetable is available now. Your Induction timetable will follow later in the summer. Please keep checking this page for the latest information. We'll also email you with updates.
Your Head of Department and Programme Manager explain more about your first week and life on your course. Your video will be available later in the summer, ahead of enrolment.
While your kit doesn’t need to be Hartpury-branded, you might like to buy your kit from our website.
Explore books via Books You Need.
Thursday 10 September, 10am, University Learning Hub (ULH)
Your Academic timetable is available now. Your Induction timetable will follow later in the summer. Please keep checking this page for the latest information. We'll also email you with updates.
Your Head of Department and Programme Manager explain more about your first week and life on your course. Your video will be available later in the summer, ahead of enrolment.
While your kit doesn’t need to be Hartpury-branded, you might like to buy your kit from our website.
For all activity on the 3G Football & 3G Rugby pitches, studded/moulded studded boots must be worn to access the facility. Trainers, astro turf trainers or any flat soled shoes are not permitted on the 3G pitches. Please ensure you have the appropriate footwear for lessons, training and fixtures.
Explore books via Books You Need.
Thursday 10 September, 10am, University Learning Hub (ULH)
Your Academic timetable is available now. Your Induction timetable will follow later in the summer. Please keep checking this page for the latest information. We'll also email you with updates.
Your Head of Department and Programme Manager explain more about your first week and life on your course. Your video will be available later in the summer, ahead of enrolment.
While you don't need any specific kit for your course, due to your choice of optional module you may wish to purchase Hartpury University branded sports clothing to wear during practical-based sessions in the gym, field or laboratories.
For all activity on the 4G Football & 4G Rugby pitches, studded/moulded studded boots must be worn to access the facility. Trainers, astro turf trainers or any flat soled shoes are not permitted on the 4G pitches. Please ensure you have the appropriate footwear for lessons and training.
To support the completion of your research and assessments, it is strongly recommended that you posses a laptop for your studies.
Please note regarding “Recommended Books” that these will be accessible via the University Library and therefore you are not encouraged to purchase these prior to the course beginning. However, your supervisor(s) may suggest some specific materials (e.g., journals, podcasts, interviews) to view that are specific to your project domain over the months prior to the course beginning in September 2026.
Explore books via Books You Need.
Thursday 10 September, 10am, University Learning Hub (ULH)
Your Academic timetable is available now. Your Induction timetable will follow later in the summer. Please keep checking this page for the latest information. We'll also email you with updates.
Your Head of Department and Programme Manager explain more about your first week and life on your course. Your video will be available later in the summer, ahead of enrolment.
No course related kit is required. For any Hartpury-branded kit, online shops are available under the relevant tab on our students page.
Explore books via Books You Need.
Thursday 10 September, 10am, University Learning Hub (ULH)
Your Academic timetable is available now. Your Induction timetable will follow later in the summer. Please keep checking this page for the latest information. We'll also email you with updates.
Your Head of Department and Programme Manager explain more about your first week and life on your course. Your video will be available later in the summer, ahead of enrolment.
While you don't need any kit for your course, you may wish to buy Hartpury-branded items of clothing/sports kit.
Explore books via Books You Need.
Thursday 10 September, 10am, University Learning Hub (ULH)
Your Academic timetable is available now. Your Induction timetable will follow later in the summer. Please keep checking this page for the latest information. We'll also email you with updates.
Your Head of Department and Programme Manager explain more about your first week and life on your course. Your video will be available later in the summer, ahead of enrolment.
While your kit doesn’t need to be Hartpury-branded, you might like to buy your kit from our website.
For all activity on the 3G Football & 3G Rugby pitches, studded/moulded studded boots must be worn to access the facility. Trainers, astro turf trainers or any flat soled shoes are not permitted on the 3G pitches. Please ensure you have the appropriate footwear for lessons, training and fixtures.
For the duration of the programme, students will get access to HUDL Sportscode and Nacsport software through our institutional licenses. We can provide students with access to Hudl Sportscode Elite licences for personal machines. There is no requirement to purchase a Macbook for the course, as we have machines that can be loaned out, providing an agreement is signed. Students may be able to purchase their own software licenses at a student-discounted fee or gain access through a company or placement that they work with.
Explore books via Books You Need.
Thursday 10 September, 10am, University Learning Hub (ULH)
Your Academic timetable is available now. Your Induction timetable will follow later in the summer. Please keep checking this page for the latest information. We'll also email you with updates.
Your Head of Department and Programme Manager explain more about your first week and life on your course. Your video will be available later in the summer, ahead of enrolment.
As part of the professional standards of the MSc Sports Therapy programme, all students are required to wear the designated Hartpury University practical kit for all scheduled sessions. This includes academic, clinical, and placement-based activities. Wearing the correct kit is a condition of enrolment and supports both the professional identity and expectations of the programme.
Please purchase your required kit from the Hartpury online store.
Hartpury Sport - Elite Pro Sports
The required items include:
*Please note: For activities on the 3G Football and 3G Rugby pitches, only studded or moulded boots are permitted. Trainers, flat-soled shoes, or astro trainers are not allowed. Please ensure you have appropriate footwear for all lessons, training, and fixtures.
To support your academic progress, we recommend the following resources to be purchased:
Earlier editions of the above books are acceptable. Explore books via Books You Need.
Laptops
A laptop or equivalent device is essential for the programme. Please bring this with you to the PG Induction sessions. We recommend checking the minimum specification guidance before arrival. If you do not currently have access to a laptop, contact Student Finance to discuss financial hardship support: studentfinance@hartpury.ac.uk
Fitness to Practice
Before PG Induction, you are required too complete the following Fitness to Practice questionnaire. Sports Therapy Fitness to Practice – Fill in form
Please complete this form honestly and return it promptly.
For queries, contact Admissions directly.
DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) Checks
Due to the nature of the programme and the possibility of working with under-18s or vulnerable adults, all students will be required to complete a DBS check during PG Induction.
Please bring three forms of ID with you for induction, typically:
More details can be found on the UK Government DBS website.
Additional Costs
In addition to the kit outlined above, students must complete an external placement. Students should be aware that this will incur additional costs, such as travel and other placement‑related expenses, for which they are responsible.
Pre-Arrival Preparation
To support your transition into postgraduate study, we encourage you to revisit the following key areas from your prior learning. Refreshing these foundations will help you engage more confidently with both the academic and practical components of the course:
For those who are keen to prepare in advance for the modules, early familiarisation with the areas below will support your learning and success in both the Clinical Examination and Assessment for Sports Therapists and Developing the Evidence‑Informed Practitioner modules:
Thursday 10 September, 10am, University Learning Hub (ULH)
Your Academic timetable is available now. Your Induction timetable will follow later in the summer. Please keep checking this page for the latest information. We'll also email you with updates.
Your Head of Department and Programme Manager explain more about your first week and life on your course. Your video will be available later in the summer, ahead of enrolment.
While you don't need any specific kit for your course, you may wish to purchase Hartpury University branded sports clothing to wear during practical-based sessions and/or during your placement.
To support the completion of your research and assessments, it is strongly recommended that you possess a laptop for your studies.
Please note regarding “Recommended Books” that these will be accessible via the University Library and therefore you are not encouraged to purchase these prior to the course beginning. Explore books via Books You Need.
Thursday 10 September, 10am, University Learning Hub (ULH)
Your Academic timetable is available now. Your Induction timetable will follow later in the summer. Please keep checking this page for the latest information. We'll also email you with updates.
Your Head of Department and Programme Manager explain more about your first week and life on your course. Your video will be available later in the summer, ahead of enrolment.
This is an online course. There are no kit requirements.
This is an online course. There is no recommended reading.
Thursday 10 September, 6pm, online via Microsoft Teams.
While you don't need any kit for your course, you may wish to buy Hartpury-branded items of clothing/sports kit.
Explore books via Books You Need.
Thursday 10 September, 10am, University Learning Hub (ULH)
Your Academic timetable is available now. Your Induction timetable will follow later in the summer. Please keep checking this page for the latest information. We'll also email you with updates.
Please note that timetables may be subject to change.
*Subject to meeting offer conditions.