Applied Animal Science with Therapy

Course overview

Develop your therapeutic knowledge and launch your career making a difference to the lives of animals.

This degree will equip you with a range of scientific animal therapy skills. You’ll work with both the animal and human to make sure animals are healthy and performing at their best.

You’ll study animal anatomy and physiology – in particular the musculoskeletal system – genetics, health, disease and nutrition. Whilst studying the human element of this course, you’ll learn about scientific communication and working in a therapy setting.

Draw on the industry experiences of your lecturers, a team of veterinary professionals, hydrotherapists and nutritionists, as you learn the theory and apply it in practice.

Your work placement will enable you to develop industry-standard skills whilst gaining real-life experience. You could work in our canine and equine therapy centres on site, or undertake a placement in industry.

This degree doesn’t qualify you to become an animal therapist or physiotherapist, but it does allow you to focus on your therapy of choice and make an informed decision on your next step or career goal.

What you'll study

You’ll gain an in depth understanding of the key topics in the field of animal science and therapy. This course is comprised of both compulsory and optional modules, which you'll be able to choose from to suit your interests and career goals.

Core subjects will include animal science, with a special focus on animal therapy and specifically, hydrotherapy. Optional modules change each year in line with student, industry and research demands - you'll find recent topics studied below. You can attend introductory sessions for optional modules before deciding which ones to study.

While this degree doesn’t qualify you to become a therapist, it exposes you to the scientific principles which underpin animal health, performance, therapy and rehabilitation.

Level four (year one)

This year will focus on key topics such as anatomy and physiology and give you a fundamental understanding of the key topics which underpin your learning. Develop knowledge and practical skills to study at higher levels in the course.

Level five (year two)

You’ll cover a range of concepts, including animal therapy, hydrotherapy and animal structure and motion. Depending on the modules you select, you'll explore themes such as training, behaviour, microbiology and animal health and disease, allowing you to develop your personal interests.

Optional integrated placement year

An optional integrated placement year between your second and final years gives you the opportunity to put your knowledge and skills into practice and gain valuable industry experience.

Level six (final year)

Your final year allows you to focus on areas that are of particular interest to you and will support you in your future career. You’ll undertake a substantial research dissertation project, enabling you to experience the responsibility of planning, implementing and reporting on a specialist topic. In addition, you’ll be exposed to contemporary challenges in therapy and rehabilitation. Studying advanced theory, you'll gain an insight into where current research is focussing.

Please visit our document library for more module information.

How you'll study

We're committed to supporting you to fulfil your unique potential, which is why you'll receive a minimum of 15 hours of scheduled teaching time per week in your first year - this is 25% above the UK average.

Your support network

You'll benefit from a strong support network from day one to be the best you can be. This will range from your personal tutor and specialist academic support team (our Achievement and Success Centre) to dedicated wellbeing and employability (Innovation, Careers and Enterprise) centres.

Your learning experiences

You'll experience a range of teaching methods to strengthen your digestion of topics, including lectures, workshops and practical sessions, as well as supported work placement learning as part of many courses.

Your career

Each year of your course will be made up of two semesters, within which you’ll study compulsory and optional modules on different industry-focused topics, enabling you to develop your own unique portfolio of knowledge, skills and experience, ready for your career.

Further details

The course is taught in English.

Field trips and guest lecturers

Field trips and industry professionals in lectures form an important part of your learning, enabling you to experience different businesses, careers and best practices.

Recent field trips have included Guide Dogs for the Blind and Crufts. Extra fees may be required.

Students have also heard from expert guest lecturers specialising in the therapy, veterinary and dog training professions.

Graduate destinations

As an Applied Animal Science and Therapy graduate, you may go on to work in a variety of sectors such as animal nutrition, therapy, health and diagnostics. You’ll also have the transferable skills you need for other graduate careers. Our careers team can support you to find and prepare to secure your perfect role. Possible graduate destinations include:

• Canine or Equine Hydrotherapist (with further qualifications)
• Animal Physiotherapy (postgraduate study)
• Animal Therapy
• Animal Nutrition
• Research Assistantships
• Masters and PhD programmes
• Laboratory Technicians

Canine and equine therapy centres

Our on-site commercial canine and equine therapy centres offer opportunities for you to gain industry experience ready for your career. You’ll get to work alongside trained physiotherapy and hydrotherapy professionals to enhance industry experience and skills.

Study spaces

Our University Learning Centre has books, journals, ebooks, computers and breakout study spaces. In addition, we have a Study Lounge – an informal space with sports equipment, study booths and chill-out spaces to support both studying and relaxation.

Tuition fees and financial support

Please visit our student finance page for information on tuition fees and student loans, as well as non-repayable grants, bursaries and scholarships, eligible to different groups, to support with study costs.

Below, you'll find extra costs associated with studying this course.

Clothing and footwear

You’ll need to purchase appropriate clothing and footwear before you enrol, or during enrolment week. We’ll let you know exactly what you need to purchase in your enrolment guide – everything is available from our supplier’s online shop for approximately £100.

Optional field trips

While some trips are included in the course fees, there is the opportunity to engage in optional trips with additional costs involved. These trips change year on year. Any extra opportunities and the associated costs will be communicated with you.

Accommodation and living costs

Please visit our student accommodation page for details.