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Animal Therapy and Rehabilitation BSc (Hons) - Top Up Year

Course code: P01997

Subject area: Animal Therapy & Rehabilitation FdSc and BSc (Hons)

Study level: Undergraduate

Course level: H

Course details

Course time:

09:00 - 17:00

Days of week:

Various

Course date:

1st Aug 2025 - 31st Jul 2026

Course location:

Common Leys Farm

Contact details

Phone:

01993 208 148

The BSc (Hons) in Animal Therapy and Rehabilitation promotes an understanding of contemporary aspects of complimentary therapy and underpinning science, and their application in present-day situations.

In this top up year, students continue to undertake applied rehabilitation and hydrotherapy studies to inform improvements in methods of therapy & management within practices and finish by researching their own chosen project with a specific focus on physical therapy practices or management of such industry establishments to enhance the complimentary therapy sector.

The BSc will enable students to develop interpersonal skills and to be critically informed and resourceful individuals, aware of the wider impact of therapy and veterinary activities on patients, society and organisational stakeholders. Staff involved with the delivery, teaching and assessment of the course have a range of industry experience and academic skills and a keen involvement within research.

A Level 3 Certificate in Small Animal Hydrotherapy (accredited by ABC Awards and certificated via Abingdon & Witney College) is available for students to take alongside the BSc at no further cost. It requires compilation of a portfolio of evidence, most of which will be obtained with the required BSc modules.

Teaching typically takes place 2 days per week.

This course is validated by Oxford Brookes University. Applications are made via UCAS – code TBC.

Course units
• Therapy Centre Management

• Dissertation (Double)

• Applied Hydrotherapy

• Functional Movement and Rehabilitation

• Preventative Medicine and Veterinary Techniques

What next?
Potential careers may include animal hydrotherapist, working with the veterinary profession to support rehabilitation, practice manager, research and sales within the veterinary pharmaceutical or specialist equipment industries.

Some students may wish to progress onto MSc or PhD level study.

Entry criteria
Students will usually have completed the FdSc Animal Therapy and Rehabilitation or will have achieved an average GPA of 55% in a relevant animal related level 5 qualification of 240 CAT points, or equivalent.

It may be possible, in certain situations, to gain accreditation of prior learning to enable students to enter the course with advanced standing or gain exemption from an element/elements of the programme. This is assessed on an individual basis and is awarded in line with Oxford Brookes University’s regulations on accreditation of prior learning, available at https://www.brookes.ac.uk/uniregulations/2012-13/core/admissions/apl

Students who have completed 240 credits at levels 4 and 5 at another institution within or outside the UK may be considered, subject to individual credit rating by Oxford Brookes University.

English Language Requirements (For students whose first language is not English):

IELTS 6.0 (with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking).

We include students with disabilities and/or learning difficulties into the life of the College and seek to offer opportunities for success in all courses at all levels. If you have any particular requirements, please contact our Learning Support Adviser on 01235 216440.

Fee information
Home full-time tuition fee £7,570 per year. Home part-time tuition fee £5,045. International tuition fee £9,900 per year.

You can also find information on our fees and on Student Finance at www.abingdon-witney.ac.uk/support/fees-bursaries.

Students are required to have their own personal protective equipment for animal handling practicals; sturdy boots, overalls and indoor practical coats.

Students can purchase optional uniform. This can be ordered online - please contact the College to find out more. Costs will depend on the choices made and will range from £13 to £40.

Students who wish to complete the level 3 certificate in canine hydrotherapy alongside the top up degree will need to purchase and supply their own waterproof chest waders. Cost will depend on the make but can be purchased for around £25.

All learning resources are available in the University library and online, but students may wish to purchase their own specific textbooks. Prices range from £25-250.

Students will need to budget for transport costs between sites. Typically, the bus fare between Oxford and Common Leys is £6.40 return. There is a free shuttle bus between the Witney and Common Leys college campuses, and additionally there is free parking on site at Common Leys. Oxford has a park and ride service, where similar fees apply.

Attendance on a variety of day trips and at a number of guest lectures may be a compulsory part of the course and you will need to pay the associated fees. An ideal range would be £40-£80, dependent on trips arranged. A conservation trip to Africa trip is organised every two years and will cost around £2,200 but is optional.

As part of your course we may organise trips to assist you with your learning. Trips are optional, and you will not be penalised if you choose not to participate.

There are bursaries available to help you with other course costs. Call 01235 216 212 for more informa

Course fees

19+ Fee:

Tuition Fee: £0.00

Exam Fee: £0.00

Total Cost: £0.00

Qualifications received
Bachelor of Honours Degree in Animal Therapy and Rehabilitation (BSc (Hons). Awarded by Oxford Brookes University.
Learning & method assessment
There are many different methods of learning on this course. The teaching is a combination of theory and student centred activities where formative feedback is provided to support elements of the assessment.

Modules are assessed in most cases by a mix of coursework and examinations. Coursework will include a range of assessment methods, for example: essays, report writing, presentations, and practical observations. Examinations include short and long answer questions, multiple choice questions, and case studies.

Formal assignments will be returned to students within three weeks of the submission date.