Postgraduate Studentships - Search for funding opportunities.
Postgraduate Studentships - Search for funding opportunities.
Study Details: MSc 3 years
Writtle University College has an excellent reputation for its existing undergraduate Equine Sports Therapy course and our Integrated Masters in Vet Physio as well as our BSc in Animal Therapy that have both academic and professional input and by popular demand we are now offering an MSc Veterinary Physiotherapy as a postgraduate pathway.
This exciting course is recognised by RAMP, Accredited by AHPR and supported by NAVP. The programme is designed to develop the skills of the student to support veterinary surgeons in the rehabilitation of a variety of species and will in particular focus on equine and canine patients. It will also focus on supporting equine and canine athletes both during competition and for recovery.
It is designed to enhance competency in existing therapists and to help students with less experience achieve their goal as capable and knowledgeable veterinary physiotherapists. The programme offers successful students the opportunity to become part of the existing para-veterinary profession of veterinary physiotherapists by developing excellent understanding and knowledge of anatomical structure in relation to function, treatment, rehabilitation of a variety of animals and of core business skills for those who plan to be self-employed.
The programme will be run on a part-time basis over three years, with the majority being delivered at weekends (11 weekends for the 1st year , 19 weekends – including internal placements on site – for the 2nd year). There will be the occasional Friday or Monday that requires attendance, such as Academic Induction and examinations. The first year is quite structured and enables us to accurately predict the level of commitment required from each student to pass the modules. In the second clinical year, students differ widely in their ability to pick up and accurately apply the techniques being taught. So the requirement for self-directed practice can be substantial. There is also an increased level of contact in year 2 as students need to undertake placement days alongside the taught element, so weekends become far more frequent than during the first year. By year 3 students will be able to organise their own study time to complete the dissertation.
The first two years will comprise the Postgraduate Diploma in Veterinary Physiotherapy and if successful the student will obtain their VP practitioner status. The third year involves the dissertation and on completion the student will have a full MSc Veterinary Physiotherapy.
A successful veterinary physiotherapist will soon find that demand for their services outstrips their availability as there are a limited number of qualified therapists in the industry.
Applicants will hold an upper second or 1st class Honours degree in Animal Science or a related subject (Equine Science, Zoology, Bioveterinary Science, Veterinary Nursing) or a therapy degree (such as, Equine Sports Therapy, Animal Therapy or Human Sports Therapy) .
Applications
Applications will take into consideration:
Your academic profile
Your practical experience – relevant reference letters to be sent alongside your qualification for your application, from professional providers who supervised your placements.
Your equine handling skills – practical task videoed and sent for evaluation
Your answers to formal questions during the interview that will take place over the phone
Academic profile
When applying, you will be asked to produce a personal statement and name 2 referees from whom you will require recommendation letters on the pro-formatted template we will provide. Alongside your application, you must send copies of all your qualifications. Applications must be complete in order to be processed.
Practical experience evidence
We would like to see evidence of a minimum of:
150 hours for equine
100 hours for canine
done under the supervision of professional providers ready to vouch for your skills. Ideally the placements are done prior to the interview (letters from the providers, on headed paper, stating the date and length of the placements, the animal handling activities undertook and the skills developed, are to be sent with your application. Alternatively, proof of competition (equine or canine), BHS qualification must be sent for evaluation.
References for placements must be sent to Admissions by the 15.06.22. If placements have not been done prior to the interview, reference letters confirming that you have secured your placements must be submitted by the same date. All placements must have been effective before the beginning of the course. Placements must be less than three years old to be taken into consideration. We are looking at practical hands-on placements, not observational ones. Applicants could consider:
For equine: a yard, a riding school, a sanctuary, an equine vet practice
For canine: kennels, dog groomer, dog walker, dog day care, RSPCA, Dog trust, small vet practice, hydrotherapy centres
Owning a dog or a horse does not constitute evidence of practical handling.
video evidence
You will be asked to send a video evidence of your practical skills. The task, simple but aiming at evaluating how safely you handle a horse, will need to be videoed by someone. The video must be less than 10mns. It must not be edited and does not necessitate running commentaries. Video evidence needs to be sent before the interview date you will be attending. Failure to submit the video before the set deadline will result in losing your interview slot. Not being able to perform to adequate standards will result in no potential offer being made.
Interview
There will be two interview dates for this recruiting cycle: 06.04.22 and 13.07.22
An interview with the academic team will form part of the admissions criteria for entry onto the course. The interviewer, knowing your level of handling skills after evaluating your video evidence, will discuss your practical experience and ask more formal questions as part of the interview.
It is recommended that applicants hold a recognised qualification in either canine or equine massage.
Applications from mature students from a relevant academic background will also be considered on an individual basis.
For fees and funding options, please visit website to find out more
Please see our website https://writtle.ac.uk/Finances
A successful veterinary physiotherapist will soon find that demand for their services outstrips their availability as there are a limited number of qualified therapists in the industry.
Stage 1
Biomechanics and Gait Evaluation
Advanced Functional Anatomy
Pathophysiology of Injury and Disease
Academic and Professional Skills
Stage 2
Physiotherapeutic Techniques and Clinical Skills
Rehabilitation and Remedial Exercise
Clinical Practice for Veterinary Physiotherapists
Stage 3
Taught Masters Degree – Dissertation
Writtle University College is one of the one of the oldest specialist institutions in the UK and has been putting science into practice through indust...
