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Animal Therapy and Rehabilition Foundation Degree

Course code: P01998

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:

Thursday & Friday

Course date:

1st Aug 2025 - 31st Jul 2027

Course location:

Common Leys Farm

Contact details

Phone:

01993 208 148

The FdSc in Animal Therapy and Rehabilitation promotes an understanding of contemporary aspects of complimentary therapy, its underpinning science, and their application in present-day situations.
A key feature of the FdSc programme is the emphasis on practical opportunities for work-based learning, which takes advantage of the College’s close links to the industry. In addition, practical learning is facilitated through excellent animal and equine facilities and the proximity to a wide range of external animal-based establishments. Using the latest equipment and high quality facilities students receive the very best training to go far in the industry. The course is delivered over 2 days per week with students attending both the Witney and Common Leys Farm campuses.

In the first year, students are introduced to the principles of animal behaviour, welfare and ethics alongside studying essential animal scientific theories. They develop practical animal husbandry and handling skills, and gain at least 240 hours experience working in the industry, with work experience a mandatory part of the course. Students can expect to receive their course timetable within two weeks prior to the course start date or during their induction week in September.

In the second year, students explore the complexities of therapy methods in a diverse range of contextualised scenarios such as animal disease and health, principles of hydrotherapy, emergency management, and practical therapy techniques.

The FdSc and 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.

This course is validated by Oxford Brookes University. Applications are made through UCAS – code DD32

Course units
Year 1

• Professional and Academic Skills

• Practical Animal Husbandry

• Principles of Animal Behaviour

• Animal Anatomy and Physiology

• Applied Science

• Animal Welfare and Ethics

• Introduction to Therapies

• Business in the Animal Industry

Year 2

• Research Methods for Industry (Double)

• Animal nutrition

• Practical Therapy and Rehabilitation Techniques

• Principles of Hydrotherapy

• Injuries, Diseases and Disorders

• Health and Emergency Management

What next?
Students who reach the requirement outlined below may enrol onto the BSc (hons) Animal Therapy and Rehabilitation top up programme.

Students will usually have achieved a relevant animal related level 5 qualification of 240 CAT points, or equivalent.

Students may also go into employment within therapy, welfare or veterinary centres. 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.

Entry criteria
Entrants to the FdSc programme should normally possess the following:

Either:

* A minimum of two years’ relevant work experience and a current role in an appropriate workplace setting,

* Relevant science experience; and

* A Line Manager’s letter of support and recommendation;

Or:

A minimum of 80 UCAS points, including a science subject, which could arise from the following:

* A BTEC Subsidiary Diploma, Diploma, Extended Diploma or other equivalent qualifications, such as GNVQ/NVQ or other Level 3 vocational qualifications.

* A minimum of one pass at A-level or 6-unit Vocational A-level, plus three passes at GCSE (grades 9-4/A-C), or O-level (grades A–C) normally including Mathematics, English Language and Science.

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.

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). All students must meet UK visa and immigration requirements. Further information can be found at https://www.brookes.ac.uk/students/isat/visas.

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 tuition fee £7,570 per year. Part-time tuition fee is £5,045 per year.

International tuition fee is £9,900 per year for new students, £9,650 for continuers.

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.

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 information.

The rules on fee reduction are complicated and we would encourage you to talk to our Admissions staff on 01235 555 585 to discuss your options. You can find more information on our Fees and Bursaries page - search "Fees and Bursaries" at the top of the page.

Course fees

19+ Fee:

Tuition Fee: £0.00

Exam Fee: £0.00

Total Cost: £0.00

Qualifications received
Foundation Degree in Animal Therapy and Rehabilitation (FdSc). 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.