BSc (Hons) Applied Animal Science with Therapy

Develop your therapeutic knowledge and launch your career making a difference to the lives of animals. This degree will equip you with a range of scientific animal therapy skills. You’ll work with both the animal and human to make sure animals are healthy and performing at their best.

You’ll study animal anatomy and physiology – in particular the musculoskeletal system – genetics, health, disease and nutrition. Whilst studying the human element of this course, you’ll learn about scientific communication and working in a therapy setting.

Key Information

Course Duration: 3 or 4 years full-time; part-time available

UC UCAS Code: D322

Part or Full Time: Full Time / Part Time

Level of Study: Undergraduate Degrees

Placement Year: Optional

Typical Offer: 112 UCAS tariff points or equivalent

Course information

Download Programme Specification

Draw on the industry experiences of your lecturers, a team of veterinary professionals, hydrotherapists and nutritionists, as you learn the theory and apply it in practice.

Your work placement will enable you to develop industry-standard skills whilst gaining real-life experience. You could work in our canine and equine therapy centres on site, or undertake a placement in industry.

This degree doesn’t qualify you to become an animal therapist or physiotherapist, but it does allow you to focus on your therapy of choice and make an informed decision on your next step or career goal.

UCAS tariff points | A typical offer for this course is 112 UCAS tariff points or equivalent.

GCSE | A minimum of 5 GCSE A* to C, (or 9 to 4 where numeric grades are being awarded) or equivalent, to include English Language and Mathematics.

A-level | Typical offer is BBC or equivalent. This must include a minimum of two A Levels including one in Biology at grade D or above.

Vocational Award | Typical offer is a DMM in an Extended Diploma in a relevant subject.

Access | Typical offer is 112 UCAS tariff points in an Access to Higher Education Diploma to include a minimum of a pass in a Biology module at Level 3.

IB | Typical offer is 112 UCAS tariff points in an IB Diploma, to include a minimum of two Highers at H3 or above including one in Biology. This must also include Maths and English Language at a minimum of Standard Level S3 if equivalent GCSEs have not been obtained.

Scottish Highers | Typical offer is 112 UCAS tariff points in an IB Diploma, to include a minimum of two Highers at H3 or above including one in Biology.
This must also include Maths and English Language at a minimum of Standard Level S3 if equivalent GCSEs have not been obtained.

Irish leaving Certificate | Typical offer is 112 UCAS tariff points in the Irish Leaving Certificate. This must include a minimum of two Highers including one in Biology at H4 or above. This must also include Maths and English Language at a minimum of Ordinary Level.

OCR Cambridge Technical | Typical offer is a DMM in a Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma in a relevant subject.

T Levels | Typical offer is Merit in your T Level overall grade in a relevant subject

We may interview mature applicants and those with non-traditional qualifications to ensure this is the right course for you.

The minimum academic entry requirement for this programme is 80 UCAS tariff or equivalent providing this is combined with relevant experience.

Please contact us for further information.

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Your career

Industry opportunities on this course are diverse to ensure you develop the skills, experience and connections needed for your graduate career. Many of our students secure graduate roles with their work placement employers.

Work placements and experience

These form part of your core modules, alongside an optional integrated placement year. We’ll support you to secure a placement with a UK-based employer, to match your interests and career goals. Placements can be paid or unpaid, depending on the position. Students have worked with a variety of both equine and canine therapy centres.

Our commercial canine and equine therapy centres also offer opportunities for students to gain industry experience ready for their careers – either on work placements or as part of voluntary roles.

Field trips and guest lecturers

Field trips and industry professionals in lectures form an important part of your learning, enabling you to experience different businesses, careers and best practices.

Recent field trips have included Guide Dogs for the Blind and Crufts. Extra fees may be required.

Students have also heard from expert guest lecturers specialising in the therapy, veterinary and dog training professions.

Graduate destinations

As an Applied Animal Science and Therapy graduate, you may go on to work in a variety of sectors such as animal nutrition, therapy, health and diagnostics. You’ll also have the transferable skills you need for other graduate careers. Our careers team can support you to find and prepare to secure your perfect role. Possible graduate destinations include:

Canine or Equine Hydrotherapist (with further qualifications)
Animal Physiotherapy (postgraduate study)
Animal Therapy
Animal Nutrition
Research Assistantships
Masters and PhD programmes
Laboratory Technicians

Success Stories

Your support network

You'll benefit from a strong support network from day one to be the best you can be. This will range from your personal tutor and specialist academic support team (our Achievement and Success Centre) to dedicated wellbeing and employability (Innovation, Careers and Enterprise) centres.

Academic support

You’ll have your own personal tutor while you’re here who will support you to succeed in your studies. You’ll also have access to our academic and wellbeing support teams who run regular workshops and one-to-one sessions on campus and online.

Alongside this, we have a comprehensive bank of online study skills resources to help you make the most of your qualification.

Your learning experiences

You'll experience a range of teaching methods to strengthen your digestion of topics, including lectures, workshops and practical sessions, as well as supported work placement learning as part of many courses.

Your career

Each year of your course will be made up of two semesters, within which you’ll study compulsory and optional modules on different industry-focused topics, enabling you to develop your own unique portfolio of knowledge, skills and experience, ready for your career. The course is taught in English.

Course information

Overview

Draw on the industry experiences of your lecturers, a team of veterinary professionals, hydrotherapists and nutritionists, as you learn the theory and apply it in practice.

Entry requirements

UCAS tariff points | A typical offer for this course is 112 UCAS tariff points or equivalent.

GCSE | A minimum of 5 GCSE A* to C, (or 9 to 4 where numeric grades are being awarded) or equivalent, to include English Language and Mathematics.

A-level | Typical offer is BBC or equivalent. This must include a minimum of two A Levels including one in Biology at grade D or above.

Vocational Award | Typical offer is a DMM in an Extended Diploma in a relevant subject.

Access | Typical offer is 112 UCAS tariff points in an Access to Higher Education Diploma to include a minimum of a pass in a Biology module at Level 3.

IB | Typical offer is 112 UCAS tariff points in an IB Diploma, to include a minimum of two Highers at H3 or above including one in Biology. This must also include Maths and English Language at a minimum of Standard Level S3 if equivalent GCSEs have not been obtained.

Scottish Highers | Typical offer is 112 UCAS tariff points in an IB Diploma, to include a minimum of two Highers at H3 or above including one in Biology.
This must also include Maths and English Language at a minimum of Standard Level S3 if equivalent GCSEs have not been obtained.

Irish leaving Certificate | Typical offer is 112 UCAS tariff points in the Irish Leaving Certificate. This must include a minimum of two Highers including one in Biology at H4 or above. This must also include Maths and English Language at a minimum of Ordinary Level.

OCR Cambridge Technical | Typical offer is a DMM in a Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma in a relevant subject.

T Levels | Typical offer is Merit in your T Level overall grade in a relevant subject

We may interview mature applicants and those with non-traditional qualifications to ensure this is the right course for you.

The minimum academic entry requirement for this programme is 80 UCAS tariff or equivalent providing this is combined with relevant experience.

Please contact us for further information.

Employability

Your career

Work placements and experience

Our commercial canine and equine therapy centres also offer opportunities for students to gain industry experience ready for their careers – either on work placements or as part of voluntary roles.

Field trips and guest lecturers

Field trips and industry professionals in lectures form an important part of your learning, enabling you to experience different businesses, careers and best practices.

Recent field trips have included Guide Dogs for the Blind and Crufts. Extra fees may be required.

Students have also heard from expert guest lecturers specialising in the therapy, veterinary and dog training professions.

Graduate destinations

Canine or Equine Hydrotherapist (with further qualifications)
Animal Physiotherapy (postgraduate study)
Animal Therapy
Animal Nutrition
Research Assistantships
Masters and PhD programmes
Laboratory Technicians

How you'll study

Your support network

Academic support

Alongside this, we have a comprehensive bank of online study skills resources to help you make the most of your qualification.

Your learning experiences

Your career

Modules

What you'll study

You’ll gain an in depth understanding of the key topics in the field of animal science and therapy. This course is comprised of both compulsory and optional modules, which you'll be able to choose from to suit your interests and career goals.

Core subjects will include animal science, with a special focus on animal therapy and specifically, hydrotherapy. Optional modules change each year in line with student, industry and research demands - you'll find recent topics studied below. You can attend introductory sessions for optional modules before deciding which ones to study.

While this degree doesn’t qualify you to become a therapist, it exposes you to the scientific principles which underpin animal health, performance, therapy and rehabilitation.

Module credits

On successful completion of your modules, you’ll gain academic credit that accumulates towards your award. The marks you gain in your second and final year contribute towards your final degree classification.

This year will focus on key topics such as anatomy and physiology and give you a fundamental understanding of the key topics which underpin your learning. Develop knowledge and practical skills to study at higher levels in the course.

Compulsory Modules

Anatomy and Physiology

Learn about basic veterinary anatomy and physiology with specific emphasis on the musculoskeletal system to relate to animal therapy.

Animal Behaviour and Welfare

Explore key concepts in the fields of animal behaviour and animal welfare.

Animal Nutrition

Study key nutritional principles and learn how these relate to health and disease in animals.

Animal Genetics

An introduction to the fundamental concepts of genetics and hereditary conditions in animals.

Animal Health and Disease

Gain an understanding of the factors that affect disease transmission and signs of health in common companion animal species.

Professional and Academic Skills in Animal Biology

Develop key academic and professional skills and the personal attributes needed to be successful in a career in the animal industry.

Professional Practice in the Animal Sector

Develop key academic and vocational skills and the personal attributes needed to be successful in a career in the animal industry. This module includes a requirement to undertake work experience with a pre-approved provider.

You’ll cover a range of concepts, including animal therapy, hydrotherapy and animal structure and motion. Depending on the modules you select, you'll explore themes such as training, behaviour, microbiology and animal health and disease, allowing you to develop your personal interests.

Compulsory Modules

Introduction to Hydrotherapy

Discover key aspects of hydrotherapy in both equine and canine centres.

Animal Therapy 1

The first of two animal therapy specific modules that introduce a wide range of animal therapies.

Animal Structure and Motion

Understand the basis of biomechanics and animal locomotion.

Animal Disease and Parasitology

Gain knowledge of advanced disease diagnosis, treatment and key pathogenic cause of disease in both companion and production animals.

Research Methods for Agricultural and Animal Scientists

This module introduces students to the process of academic research, methods of research and analysis, helping to prepare them for reading research literature and conducting research projects in the future.

Optional Modules

Animal Microbiology

This module will also provide students with the opportunity to develop clinical awareness of animal behaviour and develop skills to interpret behavioural expression during patient interactions.

Companion Animal Behaviour and Training

This module will examine the behaviour and psychology of the domestic dog and cat and our ability to train these animals to meet our own needs. This module will investigate the role of training in the daily training for obedience, enrichment and husbandry practices. This will include evaluation of the different approaches to training of such animals, the ethical considerations and the justification of methods used.

Ethics and Welfare

Explore the influence of ethical theories upon attitudes towards animals and the consideration of animal ethics and welfare in a range of contexts.

Measuring Animal Behaviour

This module introduces the use of sampling and recording methods, recording media, surveys and analysis techniques to measure animal behaviour and welfare across a wide range of species.

New Venture Creation

This module allows students to the explore the principles and practices faced by entrepreneurs whilst working through the process of developing a new commercial venture. The assessment offers students the chance to engage with their own new business idea and present to both business professionals and academic staff in a ‘dragon’s den’ style pitch.

Applied Animal Nutrition

Study key nutritional principles and learn how these relate to health and disease in animals.

Professional Experience in the Animal Sector 1

Reflect on and evaluate a period of industry experience within the animal sector.

An optional integrated placement year between your second and final years gives you the opportunity to put your knowledge and skills into practice and gain valuable industry experience.

Your final year allows you to focus on areas that are of particular interest to you and will support you in your future career. You’ll undertake a substantial research dissertation project, enabling you to experience the responsibility of planning, implementing and reporting on a specialist topic. In addition, you’ll be exposed to contemporary challenges in therapy and rehabilitation. Studying advanced theory, you'll gain an insight into where current research is focussing.

Compulsory Modules

Animal and Agriculture Dissertation

This module involves independent research and analysis in an animal or agriculture‐related field with one-to‐one support from an academic.

Therapy in Practice

Understand how the theory learned in earlier modules is applied within a practice.

Animal Therapy 2

The second module specifically exploring the types of therapies used within the animal industry.

Optional Modules

Advanced Animal Microbiology

Advanced Animal Microbiology builds on the knowledge and understanding obtained from the Animal Microbiology module at level 5. This module analyses a range of biotechnologies and diagnostics used in the study of animal microbiology, providing students with an in-depth understanding of the underlying principles behind these advanced techniques. Students will evaluate current developments in microbial molecular genetics and how this research is applied to advance treatment and control strategies in veterinary science.

Advanced Animal Nutrition

The Advanced Animal Nutrition module focuses on the ways in which current and future aspects of animal nutrition can assist in the welfare and performance of different animals, additionally focusing on animal nutritional approaches for crucial environmental sustainability.

Anthrozoology

Anthrozoology is the study of human-animal interactions, exploring the impact animals have on our lives, and the impact they have on ours.

Cognitive Ethology

Develop the ability to critically evaluate the evidence supporting cognitive abilities in non-human animals.

Epidemiology

You will study how diseases are transmitted and spread through populations and understand how the dynamics of this spread can be studied and monitored. You will use this knowledge to analyse appropriate methods to help avoid, track and control disease epidemics.

Modules

Overview

What you'll study

While this degree doesn’t qualify you to become a therapist, it exposes you to the scientific principles which underpin animal health, performance, therapy and rehabilitation.

Module credits

Level four (year one)

Compulsory Modules

Anatomy and Physiology

Learn about basic veterinary anatomy and physiology with specific emphasis on the musculoskeletal system to relate to animal therapy.

Animal Behaviour and Welfare

Explore key concepts in the fields of animal behaviour and animal welfare.

Animal Nutrition

Study key nutritional principles and learn how these relate to health and disease in animals.

Animal Genetics

An introduction to the fundamental concepts of genetics and hereditary conditions in animals.

Animal Health and Disease

Gain an understanding of the factors that affect disease transmission and signs of health in common companion animal species.

Professional and Academic Skills in Animal Biology

Develop key academic and professional skills and the personal attributes needed to be successful in a career in the animal industry.

Professional Practice in the Animal Sector

Level five (year two)

Compulsory Modules

Introduction to Hydrotherapy

Discover key aspects of hydrotherapy in both equine and canine centres.

Animal Therapy 1

The first of two animal therapy specific modules that introduce a wide range of animal therapies.

Animal Structure and Motion

Understand the basis of biomechanics and animal locomotion.

Animal Disease and Parasitology

Gain knowledge of advanced disease diagnosis, treatment and key pathogenic cause of disease in both companion and production animals.

Research Methods for Agricultural and Animal Scientists

Optional Modules

Animal Microbiology

This module will also provide students with the opportunity to develop clinical awareness of animal behaviour and develop skills to interpret behavioural expression during patient interactions.

Companion Animal Behaviour and Training

Ethics and Welfare

Explore the influence of ethical theories upon attitudes towards animals and the consideration of animal ethics and welfare in a range of contexts.

Measuring Animal Behaviour

This module introduces the use of sampling and recording methods, recording media, surveys and analysis techniques to measure animal behaviour and welfare across a wide range of species.

New Venture Creation

Applied Animal Nutrition

Study key nutritional principles and learn how these relate to health and disease in animals.

Professional Experience in the Animal Sector 1

Reflect on and evaluate a period of industry experience within the animal sector.

Integrated placement year (optional)

An optional integrated placement year between your second and final years gives you the opportunity to put your knowledge and skills into practice and gain valuable industry experience.

Level six (final year)

Compulsory Modules

Animal and Agriculture Dissertation

This module involves independent research and analysis in an animal or agriculture‐related field with one-to‐one support from an academic.

Therapy in Practice

Understand how the theory learned in earlier modules is applied within a practice.

Animal Therapy 2

The second module specifically exploring the types of therapies used within the animal industry.

Optional Modules

Advanced Animal Microbiology

Advanced Animal Nutrition

Anthrozoology

Anthrozoology is the study of human-animal interactions, exploring the impact animals have on our lives, and the impact they have on ours.

Cognitive Ethology

Develop the ability to critically evaluate the evidence supporting cognitive abilities in non-human animals.

Epidemiology

The modules contain a mixture of scheduled learning – lectures, workshops, seminars and practical sessions – alongside independent learning. You’re expected to dedicate at least two to three hours of independent study per contact hour. Some modules offer trips to locations, such as dog training facilities, to show students how their knowledge can be applied within the animal industry. Some modules may also bring in guest lecturers to provide topical and industry-relevant talks.

Year	Contact learning	Placement learning	Independent learning
Level four (year one)	29%	1%	70%
Level five (year two)	23%	0%	77%
Placement year - optional	1%	80%	19%
Level six (final year)	16%	3%	81%

You’ll be assessed through a mixture of written exams, practical exams and written assignments or coursework. Many of the modules will be marked based on a mixture of assessment types, whilst others will be based solely on one type of assessment. Feedback will be given with each assessment either via a feedback sheet or summary page, or via an academic tutorial.

Year	Written exam	Practical exam	Coursework
Level four (year one)	43%	16%	41%
Level five (year two)	53%	11%	36%
Placement year - optional	0%	0%	100%
Level six (final year)	22%	4%	74%

Each year of this course is taught over two semesters, normally consisting of 12 weeks of scheduled teaching and then assessment weeks, with an overview below:

scheduled teaching takes place between 8:30 to 20:30 Monday to Friday
Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities
work placements may entail different days and hours
part-time students may need to attend learning activities five days each week, depending on modules selected
timetables are available during enrolment week

View term dates

Please visit our student finance page for information on tuition fees and student loans, as well as non-repayable grants, bursaries and scholarships, eligible to different groups, to support with study costs.

Clothing and footwear

You’ll need to purchase appropriate clothing and footwear before you enrol, or during enrolment week. We’ll let you know exactly what you need to purchase in your enrolment guide – everything is available from our supplier’s online shop for approximately £100.

Optional field trips

While some trips are included in the course fees, there is the opportunity to engage in optional trips with additional costs involved. These trips change year on year. Any extra opportunities and the associated costs will be communicated with you.

Accommodation and living costs

Please visit our student accommodation page for details.

Fees & Finance

For further details about this course, including the programme specification and module descriptions, please visit our document library.

Resource library

Accommodation

Settle into an accommodation option to suit your taste and budget – at Hartpury University, undergraduate students can choose to live on-campus surrounded by Gloucestershire’s beautiful countryside or off-campus in the heart of Gloucester City centre. Enjoy the best of both worlds.

Finance

We can help you understand how it all works, and what you need to do next. Find out everything you need to know about tuition fees, student loans and bursaries and scholarships. In 2021/22, we provided assistance to over 1/3 of our students through bursaries, scholarships and grants, totalling a little under £1million.

Support

When you become a student at Hartpury, you become part of our community. As a small university, we provide personalised support based on your individual requirements and aspirations. Our teams cover wellbeing, achievement and success, learning support, careers, and more. From wellbeing, safety and employability, to finance, accommodation and IT, our staff will answer your questions or get you set up with someone who can.

TEF Gold

Our undergraduate provision has been awarded Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Gold in all aspects - Overall, Student Experience, and Student Outcomes.

Teaching quality

Ranked in the top 10 universities for teaching quality (The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2024).

Graduate employability

97% of our graduates are in employment, further study or other purposeful activity (Graduate Outcomes, 2023).

Academic support

We’ve been named as the top university in England for academic support (National Student Survey, 2023).

Commercial businesses, specialist equipment

Animal facilities

Success stories

Skai's story

Success Stories

Skai's story

“It's amazing that Hartpury offers the opportunity to work with different species as part of the degree. As part of the course, I did a 40-hour internship in the Animal Collection. I’ve been getting hands on with exotic animals – meerkats, skunks and prairie dogs. ”

Skai Walker

BSc (Hons) Human-Animal Interaction

"Hartpury is a great place to be if you have a passion for animals. There’s so many opportunities on offer to suit different interests. I’m a dog person but being able to experience lots of different things, from the Equine Therapy Centre to the farm, was great for my development."

Lauren Branfield, Trainee Guide Dog Mobility Instructor, Guide Dogs for The Blind

Turn your passion into your career

The physical and emotional needs of animals is at the heart of everything we do. Working with research-active staff, our students contribute to studies that are helping us understand animals like never before.

Put theory into practice and boost your CV with access to over 70 species, laboratories, animal therapy and hydrotherapy centres, a new Equine and Animal Assisted Activities Area on a 360-hectare campus that provides an ideal environment.

Important information

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information, however our programmes are reviewed and developed regularly. Changes or cancellation of courses may be necessary to ensure alignment with emerging employment areas, to comply with accrediting body requirements, revisions to subject benchmark statements or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make necessary changes and will notify all offer-holders of changes as and when they occur.

Related courses

Explore our animal degrees

Course

BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour and Welfare

Develop your expertise in animal behaviour and welfare and turn your passion into your career. Study the fascinating biology behind behaviour and consider ethical issues.

University

3 or 4 years full-time; part-time available

Full Time / Part Time

Undergraduate Degrees

Applied Animal Science with Therapy

BSc (Hons)

Key Information

Course information

Your career

Work placements and experience

Field trips and guest lecturers

Graduate destinations

Your support network

Academic support

Your learning experiences

Your career

Course information

Overview

Entry requirements

Employability

Your career

Work placements and experience

Field trips and guest lecturers

Graduate destinations

How you'll study

Your support network

Academic support

Your learning experiences

Your career

Modules

What you'll study

Module credits

Compulsory Modules

Compulsory Modules

Optional Modules

Compulsory Modules

Optional Modules

Modules

Overview

What you'll study

Module credits

Level four (year one)

Compulsory Modules

Level five (year two)

Compulsory Modules

Optional Modules

Integrated placement year (optional)

Level six (final year)

Compulsory Modules

Optional Modules

Teaching modes

Assessment and Feedback

Timetables

Fees and funding

Further course details

Accommodation

Finance

Support

TEF Gold

Teaching quality

Graduate employability

Academic support

Commercial businesses, specialist equipment

Animal facilities

Success stories

Skai's story

Turn your passion into your career

Important information

Related courses

BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour and Welfare

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