Develop your expertise in small animal hydrotherapy with a course designed in collaboration with leading industry bodies and endorsed by the Institute of Canine Hydrotherapists (ICH), part of the Institute of Registered Veterinary and Animal Physiotherapists (IRVAP).

This career-focused programme provides hands-on experience in both pool and water treadmill-based hydrotherapy, delivered at our on-site commercial hydrotherapy centre, Empowered Canine Physio. Students will gain essential skills by working directly with real clients while developing a deep understanding of anatomy, physiology, small animal health and disease, and the principles of hydrotherapy. The course also includes an embedded small animal first aid qualification, an essential requirement for professional hydrotherapists that is endorsed by both IRVAP and the Canine Hydrotherapy Association (CHA).

For graduates of relevant degrees, such as veterinary physiotherapy, there may be opportunities for recognition of prior learning, allowing them to focus on the specialist hydrotherapy modules. Whether you're looking to start a career in small animal hydrotherapy or enhance your existing skills, this course provides the specialist knowledge and practical experience needed to succeed in this growing field.

This level four qualification has been designed in conjunction with the small animal hydrotherapy professional bodies that operate in the UK to ensure that students have the relevant skills to practice as a small animal hydrotherapist. It is endorsed by the Institute of Canine Hydrotherapists (ICH) / Institute of Registered Veterinary and Animal Physiotherapists (IRVAP). Upon successful completion of this course it would allow for application to membership of the ICH subgroup as a Canine Hydrotherapist.

Fee information can be found on our Tuition fees page.

• 80 UCAS tariff points
• Vocational Awards – DM - BTEC Diploma or MMP in Extended Diploma in a relevant subject (e.g. Animal Management, Canine Hydrotherapy)
• Access – 80 UCAS tariff points
• International Baccalaureate – 80 UCAS points in an IB Diploma. This must include a science subject.
• Scottish Highers – 80 UCAS tariff. This must include a science subject.
• Irish Leaving Certificate – 80 UCAS tariff. This must include a science subject.
• A-Levels – CDD - minimum of two full A-Levels with one of them being a science subject.
• T-Level - An overall grade of Merit in a relevant subject. 
• Undergraduate or postgraduate degree in a relevant subject (e.g. Veterinary Physiotherapy, Veterinary Nursing).
• Students with non-relevant qualifications but with sufficient work experience or professional experience will be considered on an individual basis.

Additional Information 

In addition to the above, we require a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 9-4 (A*-C), to include English and Maths. We will consider equivalencies including but not limited to functional skills level 2, Irish Ordinary level, National 5s, IB standard level.  

We will consider combinations of level three qualifications. 

We welcome applications from individuals with equivalent, non-UK qualifications and mature students (over 21). We may interview as part of the application process. 

Advanced Entry

An Advanced Entry route is available for qualified veterinary physiotherapists who can demonstrate a currency of knowledge (e.g. recent graduation, actively practicing in the field and a member of an appropriate professional body) to apply for. This route allows recognition of prior learning to be used against one module (worth 15 credits).

The practical modules will provide the relevant hands-on experience in small animal hydrotherapy that is needed for you to gain appropriate practical industry experience. The animal hydrotherapy centre is a working business so provides case studies and experience of working in a hydrotherapy centre. Staff from the hydrotherapy centre may contribute to theoretical as well as practical teaching providing their industry experience. There may be additional volunteering opportunities if students are interested in this. The principles of hydrotherapy module includes an embedded small animal first aid qualification.

Professional experience is gained through practical sessions which are conducted in our onsite small animal hydrotherapy centre. This provides experience of real clinical case studies and an appreciation of what it is like to work as a small animal hydrotherapist. As a student you will also have full access to careers support and advice though our ICE centre.

This course is for people who wish to practice as a small animal hydrotherapist in the United Kingdom.

Your support network

You'll benefit from a strong support network from day one. This will range from your lecturers, supervisors and personal tutor to our specialist academic (Achievement and Success Centre), employability (Innovation, Careers and Enterprise) and wellbeing teams.

Teaching Mode

Theoretical content will be taught online and practical content will be taught onsite. Practical hydrotherapy content will be taught in our onsite small animal hydrotherapy centre. The course includes 10 days of practical delivery which run as five 2-day blocks which happen mid-week.

You first complete your anatomy and physiology and animal health and welfare modules and then progress to complete your principles of hydrotherapy module which runs alongside the in-person practical hydrotherapy module. These two modules each contain one day of practical onsite delivery where you will undertake activities such as gait assessment and dog behaviour assessment and handling. The principles of hydrotherapy module includes a first aid certificate as well as some practical sessions which are taught in person at the hydrotherapy centre in addition to online theoretical content. The practical small animal hydrotherapy module consists entirely of practical content and therefore all sessions are taught in person. The course lasts for one academic year (12 months) and is studied part-time. The modules contain a mixture of scheduled learning – lectures, workshops and practical sessions – alongside independent learning. You’re expected to dedicate at least two to three hours of independent study per contact hour. 

Assessments

You’ll be assessed through a mixture of written tests, practical assessments and written assignments. Each module will be assessed by one type of assessment. Feedback will be given in a variety of ways including during sessions, on assessment submissions and in tutorials.

Timetables

This course is made up of two teaching blocks. Semesters normally consist of 12 weeks of scheduled teaching and then assessment weeks, with an overview below:

Some modules are offered via online learning, with some campus-based practical sessions, alongside independent research

Animal Health and Welfare for Hydrotherapists – 15 credits

This module provides key content on common conditions of small animals that are commonly seen in small animal hydrotherapy practice. This module also discusses legislation, ethics and welfare relating to common companion animal conditions seen by small animal hydrotherapists.

Anatomy and Physiology for Small Animal Hydrotherapists – 15 credits

This module covers key aspects of anatomy and physiology that are relevant to small animal hydrotherapy practice. You will focus on the musculoskeletal and neurological systems amongst others.

Principles of Small Animal Hydrotherapy – 15 credits

This module provides the underpinning theory of small animal hydrotherapy. You will cover important concepts such as the physical properties of water and the principles of swimming and water treadmill exercise. This module will incorporate some practical sessions around first aid and water testing.

Practical Small Animal Hydrotherapy – 15 credits

This is an entirely practical module that provides the hands-on experience needed to practice as a small animal hydrotherapist. You will gain experience in the onsite small animal hydrotherapy centre. This module will include clinical cases from the hydrotherapy centre.