BSc (Hons) Animal Therapy

• UCAS Tariff Points: 240 - 280
• GCE A Levels: 240 UCAS tariff points, to include one GCE A level grade C or above
• Irish Certificate: 240 UCAS tariff points, to include 3 x ILC higher at B1
• Scottish Highers: 240 UCAS tariff points, to include 3 x higher at B
• International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma: Minimum of 24 points (pass) (260)
• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma: MMM (240)
• BTEC Level 3 Diploma: DD (240)
• C & G Level 3 Extended Diploma: Merit (240)
• C & G Level 3 Diploma: Distinction (240)

English language requirements
If you do not have English as a first language, you will normally be required to demonstrate an IELTS overall score (or equivalent) of:

• 5.5 with a minimum of 5.0 in all elements for a Further Education course
• 5.5 with a minimum of 5.0 in all elements for a Foundation degree, Higher Certificate or Higher Diploma
• 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all elements for a degree
• 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in all elements for a postgraduate degree

If you have lower scores, you may be accepted onto a Pre-sessional English Language course, which can lead to entry to the appropriate programme of study.

STAGE ONE

• ​Introduction to Professional Skills - This module is designed to develop analytical, technological, communication and learning skills. These will be developed in an appropriate vocational context by focusing on the key features of the para-professional sector within the animal industry. This will include consideration of the types and characteristics of the individuals and organisations within thepara-professional sector and the various internal and external factors which influence their activities. Delivery of the module aims to meet the needs of a diverse student profile and will therefore adopt a flexible approach centred around the personal development planning (PDP) process and the previous experience of the student. The Introduction to Professional; Skills module is intended to provide the academic, technical and personal skills essential for successful HE study and also to build confidence in the level of professional communication necessary for future employment within the para-professional sector. The module also provides a foundation for the future development of graduate level academic and professional skills later in the course and introduces the Practical Competency Log required to be developed throughout the course by the National Association of Veterinary Physiotherapists (NAVP).
• Mammalian Anatomy and Physiology (AN) - This module is designed to develop students’ understanding of the relationship between structure and function in a range of mammalian species by exploring the anatomical diversity and physiological control of the major body systems. Taught in the first semester of the first year, it builds on concepts developed in Biological Processes and provides a theoretical basis for the practical husbandry covered in the Animal Management module.
• Functional Anatomy - This module aims to build on the students existing knowledge of anatomy and physiology in the Equine. It gives the student a detailed knowledge of the musculoskeletal structure of the horse and details the relationships between neurological function and normal/abnormal muscle function. It concentrates on the form and interactions between different parts of the body, clearly relating form to function. It gives a detailed appreciation of osetology, myology, arthrology and neurology.
• Principles of Animal Management - Animals are kept in large numbers throughout the UK as companions, as performance athletes and for commercial production. Their correct management requires a knowledge and understanding of the husbandry skills and practices associated with each species. The module will acquaint all students with the needs of a wide range of companion animal species; with the specific requirements of horses and equine breeding stock and with the performance parameters of commercial farm livestock. Student also have the option to study wildlife and animal therapy.
• Introduction to Animal Biomechanics - This module will introduce students to theories relating to movement. It will cover the basic laws of motion, projectile motion and other physical theories to aid in students’ understanding of the kinetics and kinematics of movement. Students will explore the movement of animal bodies describing different types of motion and be able to explain the anatomical and mechanical reasons behind the movement. This knowledge will be applied to a wide range of species and situations using both theory and practical based sessions.
• Canine and Equine Nutrition - This module develops students' knowledge and understanding of the biochemical basis of canine and equine nutrition. The structure of carbohydrates, proteins and fats is studied in the context of digestive physiology, energy provision and metabolism. Scientific principles are then applied to the practice of ration formulation used in feeding different types of dogs and horses. This module also develops an understanding of nutrition in the context of canine and equine health and performance.

STAGE TWO

• ​Research Methods (AN) - The module is designed to develop the knowledge, understanding, skills and thought processes necessary for effective original research. Students will study the nature and fundamentals of the research process, such as literature reviewing skills, the design of a research project, techniques for collection of research data and statistical techniques for analysing research data and drawing valid evidence based inferences.
• Exercise Physiology - The module develops an understanding of the scientific principles behind the practical training of performance horses in a variety of equestrian disciplines. Emphasis is placed on the physiological adaptations that occur as a result of physical training and the methods used to induce these responses. Recent advances and techniques in the preparation of performance horses for elite performance will be discussed.
• Animal Health and Disease - This module will introduce students to the main principles of pathophysiology with a strong focus on concepts and categorization of disorders that affect the musculoskeletal system. Students will explore the mechanisms involved in immune response and examine how pathological processes and mechanical tissue injury leads to local and possibly systemic inflammation. The principles of preventative medicine, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics will be discussed with students in order to understand the main factors affecting the efficacy and applications of a range of pharmacological agents.
• Animal Therapeutic Techniques - Students must be able to assess the movement of an animal and link this to functionality prior to therapeutic intervention; this module begins to develop the student’s observational skills. It also introduces them to a number of holistic therapies. The importance of the animal therapist is emphasised in relation to enhancing muscle function using a variety of techniques. To do this a therapist must develop through observation and touch, the ability to recognise tension, restrictions and changes in muscle tone. There will be a chance to work with animals using massage, myofascial release and trigger point therapy to begin developing these important skills. It is also essential for a massage therapist to recognise when other modalities may be needed to enhance physiological and psychological repair. Lecture/demonstrations for chiropractic, animal aromatics, acupressure and cranio-sacral therapy will be included in the module to enhance existing knowledge and gain an understanding of the concepts behind physical, energetic and healing therapies. Whilst carrying out empathetic therapy the recognition of pain is essential and students will learn how to read both subtle and more obvious body language as animals use compensatory mechanisms to deal with low-grade and chronic pain in a variety of ways including behavioural changes, depression and musculoskeletal bracing. This module covers all current issues relating to legislation in the industry, also outlining safety factors when working with animals
• Rehabilitation and Performance - This module aims to take the student through the processes of rehabilitation after injury during performance or other injuries which require a period of rehabilitation. It looks at the processes of injury and repair on the body and enables the student to link repair and timescale of injury to length of time required to return to performance. It emphasizes the importance of rehabilitation to prevent re-injury.
• Extrinsic Factors Affecting Performance - This double module aims to concentrate on a variety of factors that are important to the therapist when assessing an animal for therapeutic intervention. Saddle fitting, farriery and rider ability will have an impact on the way of going of the horse as will the use of training aids and collars versus harnesses in dogs. Track surface for the racing greyhound can cause musculoskeletal damage over time and acute injuries. These factors may be compared to the use of different riding surfaces that may impact injury in the horse. Students will also explore behavioural patterns of the horse and the dog and how each species interacts with both its natural and the domestic environment, including the effects of environmental factors such as housing, handling/riding and training methods. It will also investigate factors leading to misbehaviour in the horse and dog during performance, and what these behaviours may indicate (i.e. discomfort, fear, etc.). Clinical equine and canine nutrition will be evaluated and will include nutrition programmes for a range of disciplines and disorders.

STAGE THREE

• ​Dissertation (VP) - The dissertation is designed to enable students to gain experience in research by undertaking a substantive project which explores specific issues in greater depth than is possible elsewhere in the programme. It is a major opportunity for students to demonstrate that they have met the level H descriptors for Bachelor Degrees with Honours as detailed by QAA within their Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Students will also be expected to demonstrate the knowledge and skills expected of an Honours undergraduate as defined in the relevant QAA Benchmark Statement. The dissertation is also designed to develop independent learning, self-reliance, work planning skills and a professional approach to study.
• Animals in Motion - This module is designed to give students an appreciation of movement analysis. The module focuses on equine and canine biomechanics but also draws on research carried out on other species. The musculoskeletal system is examined with respect to its biomechanical properties in order to understand how locomotion is generated, maintained and arrested. A large part of this module will investigate different ways of analysing movement in animals through both visual assessment and the use of technology to directly measure biomechanical variables.
• Sports Medicine (VP)
• Complementary Therapies - Complementary therapies are experiencing attention in both veterinary and lay circles worldwide and this module is designed to give the student a detailed knowledge and understanding of alternative therapies. The Module includes an evaluation of the effectiveness of alternative therapy. It explores valid research carried out in other species and humans. it also evaluates the legislation relating to treatment of animals by complementary medicine.
• Ethics and Welfare - This module allows students to explore current welfare issues in the equine industry both in the UK and abroad. Topics discussed may range from deaths on the racetrack to working horses in Africa to preparing horses for international competition. Methods of measuring welfare objectively will be discussed. Comparisons will be made between management decisions based on scientific principles and those based on traditional or emotional values. The role of welfare organizations as well as the different types of legislation and codes of practice will be studied. Different philosophical viewpoints will be analysed and the ethics of keeping horses for human benefit will be considered. Ideas in this module will be explored through a variety of methods including seminars, journal club activities and lectures as well as given students chance to debate relevant issues.
• Massage Therapy and Remedial Exercise - This module enables the student to develop a practical understanding of the scientific and technical issues in relation to the functional anatomy of the horse or the dog and the principles of massage. It aims to support the student through their professional qualification and endeavours to develop a deeper understanding of gait evaluation, performance rehabilitation and remedial exercise through the use of software analysis and case study reports to underpin scientific principles. Students should be able to draw from modules such as Functional Anatomy, Animal Therapeutic Techniques, Rehabilitation and Performance and Extrinsic Factors Affecting Performance to integrate physiology, rehabilitation and subsequent return to work.