A unique part-time MSc from Hartpury University has received reaccreditation from the governing body.

The Quality Assurance and Enhancement Network Panel of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) has approved the reaccreditation of Hartpury University's MSc/ Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) veterinary physiotherapy.

The programme is the only part-time MSc veterinary physiotherapy in the UK and applications are open for September 2024.

CSP accreditation is highly valued, as the organisation is the professional, educational and trade union body responsible for the UK's 65,000 chartered physiotherapists, physiotherapy students and support workers.

Hartpury University is also officially accredited to The Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy, as an official provider of MSc and PGDip veterinary physiotherapy training, after recently completing the formal accreditation process.

The MSc/ PGDip veterinary physiotherapy is designed for those who have completed a BSc (Hons) physiotherapy degree and who want to qualify as an animal physiotherapist.

Modules cover a diverse range of animal physiotherapy topics, plus research skills and business management. The course includes work placements and guest lectures from veterinary practices and surgeons, as well as qualified ACPAT canine and equine physiotherapists.

Successful completion of the programme will allow for professional practitioner registration with the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy (ACPAT) and the Register of Animal Musculoskeletal Practitioners (RAMP).

Dr Gillian Tabor, programme manager for the MSc veterinary physiotherapy, said: "We're very pleased that our programme has received ongoing recognition by the CSP. I'm proud to lead the course and to be part of the next generation of veterinary physiotherapists.

"It's great to see graduates of our programme not only working clinically, but also contributing to areas of research that improve evidence-based practice and optimise animal health and wellbeing, as well as enhance performance of the animals under our care."

Both the MSc and PGDip are delivered on a part-time basis, with the MSc typically taking three years and the PGDip taking two years to complete.

Students at Hartpury University benefit from access to specialist expertise in areas of canine and equine veterinary physiotherapy, as well as an active research community exploring areas of animal health, welfare, behaviour and performance.

Canine (Cotswold Dog Spa) and equine therapy centres on site enable students to access real-world cases and technologies, as well as laboratories kitted out with the latest scientific equipment.