Master of Veterinary Chiropractic (MVetChiro)

How the Course is Taught

The Master of Veterinary Chiropractic (MVetChiro) is an ideal path for both recent A-level graduates and those seeking a career change. With blended delivery, it suits diverse backgrounds. This comprehensive course integrates basic and applied animal science knowledge with veterinary-level symptom analysis and evaluation of individual cases, all complemented by clinical training in animal chiropractic techniques.

During the final two years of the course, you will gain valuable hands-on experience by meeting clients and treating animal patients under supervision at various practical venues across the UK. This practical exposure ensures that upon graduation, you will be well-prepared and equipped for the challenges of the professional world.

Term time schedule:

• The academic year runs from September to June.
• Lectures are delivered throughout the week.
• Lectures are normally face-to-face, but some teaching is delivered online.

Years 1 – 3:

• Students are introduced to a wide range of practical and academic learning.
• Students acquire academic knowledge that enables them to understand the systems and functioning of the equine, canine and other animal bodies.
• Students develop clinical skills in the assessment and diagnosis of patient presentations.
• Students are taught soft tissue treatment skills and undertake clinical reviews of patients.
• Modules in veterinary sciences, clinical pathophysiology, diagnosis and research methods are included during this period.
• Students are taught about the business and professional commitments associated with being a registered professional.

Year 4:

• Students extend their knowledge and abilities in academic, practical, and professional terms.
• Practical palpation and chiropractic adjustment skills are undertaken within clinical hours. These are provided to prepare students for their clinical assessments.
• Students complete an in-depth practical portfolio demonstrating their fitness-to-practise and skills in lifelong learning, alongside their dissertations.

Entry Requirements

Core Academic Requirements

All applicants must be 18 years of age or older at the start of the programme. Candidates must hold a minimum of five GCSEs at Grade 4/C or above, including English Language and Mathematics.

In addition, candidates must typically achieve a minimum of 96 UCAS tariff points through one of the following pathways:

Candidates must meet one of the following criteria:

• A-Levels:Three passes at Grade C or above. This must include at least one science (Biology is preferred, but Chemistry, Physics, or Applied Science are accepted).
• Veterinary Nursing: A Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (e.g., City & Guilds or RCVS-accredited).
• BTEC Extended Diploma: A minimum of Merit Merit Merit (MMM) in a related pathway, such as Animal or Equine Management
• Certificates: Level 3 Certificates from exam boards such as AQA, OCR, or City & Guilds.
• Access to HE Diploma: Successful completion of an Access Diploma in Health or an equivalent science-based qualification.
• Level 3 Certificates: Technical certificates from recognised awarding bodies (e.g., AQA, OCR, or City & Guilds) in relevant subjects.

Experience & Professional Standards

• Equine Experience: Applicants must demonstrate sufficient equine experience and be confident in handling horses. This includes practical proficiency in tasks such as trotting up and picking out feet. If you currently lack this experience, please contact our Admissions Team for advice on how to achieve these competencies before applying.
• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS): All students must undergo a DBS check to be fully registered on the programme.

Mature Students & Alternative Pathways (APEL)

We welcome students from diverse backgrounds, including those changing careers or returning to education. We value the professional and life experience mature students bring to the cohort.

• APEL (Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning): If you do not meet the 96 UCAS point requirement but possess significant professional experience in animal health or manual therapy, your application will be considered on its individual merits.
• Admissions Support: We offer an Access Diploma in Health for candidates requiring further academic preparation. Please contact our Admissions Team for tailored advice.

Additional Criteria

• Interview: No offers are made without an interview. Candidates are assessed on their sense of vocation, motivation, determination, and clinical aptitude for animal work.
• Driving: Students must be able to drive and travel independently to various UK locations by the commencement of Year 3 to facilitate clinical requirements.
• English Language: If English is not your first language and you do not hold a degree delivered in English, proof of ability to at least IELTS 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in each component) is required.

Technical and Study Requirements

• Students must have the facility and the ability to study in their own home and will be required to purchase certain equipment and textbooks throughout the duration of the programme. While tablets may seem convenient, many students encounter limitations that prompt them to favour the versatility and functionality of laptops. We strongly recommend that students use a laptop throughout their studies.
• Access to the internet is compulsory, as it is an essential tool for learning.

Entry Test

• The College reserves the right to require an entrance exam as part of the application process. This is typically used to confirm academic readiness and is not a mandatory requirement for all applicants.

Application Process

All applications for the Master of Veterinary Chiropractic course must follow the application process below to be considered for enrolment.

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Intake Dates

*Please note the College will accept late applications through clearing right up to the commencement week of the course.

Course Progression

Course Modules

Assessment

You will be assessed in a variety of ways depending on the module and stage development. Some of these assessments will involve animals and owners, where clinical reasoning skills as well as physical assessment skills and professionalism are all considered. You will also be encouraged to reflect and feedback on your own experiences, learning and development.

Forms of assessment can include:

• Assignments
• Exams
• Projects
• Oral presentations
• Practical assessments
• Structured clinical exams.

Location

The Master of Veterinary Chiropractic course is delivered at our Oxford site near Abingdon. Additionally, our course also makes use of many offsite venues to allow exposure to a wide variety of animals. Students must be able to drive and travel independently to various locations in the UK by the beginning of Year 3. This requirement enables our students to develop essential life skills and gain valuable hands-on experience in different settings, fostering a well-rounded and comprehensive educational journey.

Accommodation

Set in the traditional English countryside, just outside Oxford, Abingdon is one of Britain’s oldest towns, with ancient streets and riverside walks just waiting to be discovered.

It is an ideal location for those who enjoy their sport, with cycle paths, a sports and leisure centre and a host of local activities to try. There’s even the opportunity to join the local rowing club, who train along a beautiful stretch of the River Thames.

To enhance your visit, the College offers a comprehensive guide to the town’s facilities and available rooms for rent. Please contact Admissions for more details.

Tuition Fees & Associated Costs

In addition to your course fees, there may be additional charges associated with your studies, which include:

Driving Costs: Students will need to budget for costs related to driving, including vehicle access, fuel, and insurance, as they must be able to drive and travel independently to various locations in the UK by the beginning of Year 3.

Tuition Fee Funding & Maintenance Loans

Students intending to study at the college are eligible to apply for a Tuition Fee Loan up to the maximum £9,275, together with a Maintenance Loan, dependent on your personal circumstances. These can help cover tuition fees and living costs whilst you are studying.

Note: If you can’t find McTimoney College of Chiropractic on the student finance sites, please search for the College of Health Ltd.

How you apply for student finance varies depends on where you live. You will find detailed information on the application process and the amount of funding you will be entitled to on the following sites:

• Student Finance Applications – England – or for further information and guidance please visit the dedicated microsite
• Student Awards Agency for Scotland
• Student Finance Wales
• Student Finance Northern Ireland
• Student Finance Applications – EU Countries
• Student Finance Advice – International (Non-EU Countries)

You can apply for funding online and it is recommended that you submit your application early to ensure that your funding is with you by the time you commence your studies.

Please note, if at any point during your studies you change modes of study or the speed at which you complete your studies, we will be required to notify the Student Loans Company as this may have funding implications.

Bursaries

Students are also able to apply to a College Hardship Fund to support them in their studies.

Payment Plans

If you are self-funding, we offer flexible payment plans that let you spread the cost of your programme across the duration of your studies.

For advice and further information on any of the above, please visit student finances or contact us.

Postgraduate

Within the veterinary industry, graduates working as paraprofessionals in the musculoskeletal sector are expected to undertake Continuing Professional Development (CPD) according to the guidelines set by the McTimoney Animal Association and current registers (RAMP and AHPR).

Graduates can apply for membership of the McTimoney Animal Association (MAA), a professional organisation that registers, supports, and promotes graduates from the McTimoney College of Chiropractic. Practising members must fulfil CPD hours, equivalent to the requirements of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) for their registrants and adhere to a strict code of conduct and ethics while maintaining insurance. Additionally, student membership provides access to abundant resources and a supportive community of practitioners, facilitating the ongoing development of skills, exchange of information, and valuable industry experience within the animal chiropractic community.

The MAA holds a register of qualified practitioners, and the four-year full-time Master of Veterinary Chiropractic (MVetChiro) course has been recognised by the Register of Animal Musculoskeletal Practitioners (RAMP) and Animal Health Professions Register (AHPR), which means you can then go on to apply directly to either register upon qualification.