Four-year, full-time course
The McTimoney College of Chiropractic offers a Master of Veterinary Chiropractic (MVetChiro) course awarded by Ulster University. This course is the only one of its kind and is recognised by the Register of Animal Musculoskeletal Practitioners (RAMP) and Animal Health Professions Register (AHPR).
Veterinary chiropractors are experiencing high demand, with a multitude of opportunities available in maintenance, rehabilitative, and competition performance roles. Many practitioners choose to specialise in these areas or focus on specific species, such as equine, canine, or farm animals.
Veterinary chiropractors often operate as self-employed individuals, serving their local communities and maintaining close connections with veterinary practices. The combination of specialisation and local presence allows them to deliver targeted and personalised care to their animal patients, making a significant impact on the well-being and performance of the animals they treat.
This trailblazing course is the first Master of Veterinary Chiropractic of its kind, in the world and is specifically designed to give you the necessary skills, knowledge and hands-on experience you need to become safe and competent in the application of chiropractic for animals.
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
Applicants are expected to have one of the following qualifications:
- A Levels: a minimum of CCC in 3 subjects to include 2 science subjects; Biology plus any other science including Chemistry, Psychology, Physical Education, Mathematics or Physics.
Or
- an Access to HE Diploma through successful completion of the Access Diploma in Health (College of Health) or equivalent.
Or
- Candidates with BTEC Extended Diploma, minimum of Merit Merit Merit (MMM) in a related pathway, including BTEC Animal Science or BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science.
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be 18 years or over when the course starts.
- Passes in five GCSE subjects, including English and maths.
- Three ‘A’ level passes at Grade C or above, two of which should normally be in science subjects, particularly biological science.
- Relevant higher qualifications may qualify.
- Knowledge of basic science is necessary.
Candidates may be accepted under special provision if they fail to meet the specified entry requirements provided that they have suitable alternative science based qualifications. Other qualifications will also be taken into consideration under the APEL (Accreditation of Prior Experience and Learning) system. In addition to having some knowledge of basic science, candidates should have experienced a chiropractic treatment and seen the treatment applied to an animal.
The four-year MVetChiro course is also aimed at students who already have some work and life experience as well as those completing college education. Students therefore may be older than the average Higher Education entrant and may be undergoing a career or life change. A wide range of backgrounds and academic experience is represented in any student group. A commitment to the profession is seen as of equal value as the ability to work at an academic level, though all students will be required to submit work at degree level.
Students who do not meet the academic requirement through formal education are urged to contact our admissions team to discuss options for consideration; advice will always be given to enable students to gain the necessary qualification they may lack. An Access course is available that may be appropriate for some candidates.
All students are expected to 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. Additionally, access to the internet is compulsory, as it becomes progressively an essential tool to facilitate learning.
If English is not your first language
If English is not your first language and you do not hold an honours degree that was delivered in English, you will be required to provide certified proof of ability in written and spoken English to, at least, IELTS 6.0 overall (with a minimum of 5.5 in each component).
Entry Test
We reserve the right to ask you to sit an entrance exam.
Interviews
No offers are made without interview. Candidates will be selected to progress to interview based on the qualifications, work experience, personal statement and reference provided in their application. Interviews take place throughout the year.
Applicants called for interview are assessed by a panel for their sense of vocation, motivation and qualities of determination and aspiration.
Application Process
All applications for the Master of Veterinary Chiropractic course must follow the application process below to be considered for enrolment.
Start by applying through UCAS using the details shown below. You can visit our application page for direct links to the UCAS course pages.
- Institution Code Name: McTimoney College of Chiropractic/College of Health
- Institution code: C41
- Course Code: VC20
- Campus Code: A (Abingdon)
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The Admissions Team will review your application and work with you to ensure you meet all the course requirements.
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You will be invited to an interview with the College, providing us with an opportunity to gain a deeper insight into your character and qualifications.
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After you have successfully completed your interview, our Admissions Team will contact you personally to discuss the exciting options available.
Intake Dates
| General Applications | Clearing Applications Close | Intake Dates |
| June 2024 | September 2024 | September 2024 |
*Please note the College will accept late applications through clearing right up to the commencement week of the course.
Course Progression
| Modules | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 |
| Anatomy, Physiology & Performance | ||||
| Veterinary Sciences | ||||
| Practice, Professionalism & Ethics | ||||
| Clinical Skills | ||||
| Research |
Course Modules
| Year 1 | Credits | |
| Anatomy, Physiology and Performance I | Compulsory | 30 |
| Anatomy, Physiology and Performance II | Compulsory | 30 |
| Practise, Professionalism and Ethics I | Compulsory | 20 |
| Veterinary Sciences I | Compulsory | 20 |
| Clinical Skills I | Compulsory | 20 |
| Year 2 | ||
| Anatomy, Physiology and Performance III | Compulsory | 20 |
| Anatomy, Physiology and Performance IV | Compulsory | 20 |
| Practise, Professionalism and Ethics II | Compulsory | 20 |
| Clinical Skills II | Compulsory | 20 |
| Research I | Compulsory | 20 |
| Year 3 | ||
| Anatomy, Physiology and Performance V | Compulsory | 20 |
| Practise, Professionalism and Ethics III | Compulsory | 20 |
| Veterinary Sciences III | Compulsory | 30 |
| Clinical Skills III | Compulsory | 30 |
| Research II | Compulsory | 20 |
| Year 4 | ||
| Practise, Professionalism and Ethics IV | Compulsory | 20 |
| Research III | Compulsory | 30 |
| Clinical Skills IV | Compulsory | 30 |
| Clinical Skills V | Compulsory | 20 |
| Clinical Skills VI | Compulsory | 20 |
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
| Payment Type | Value | |
| Course Fee | Annual payment | £9,000 |
| International Student Fee | Annual payment | £15,000 |
| International Application and Registration Fee | Single payment | £500 |
| College Registration Fee (Home & EU students) | Single payment | £150 |
| McTimoney Animal Association Student Membership | Single payment | £100 |
In addition to your course fees, there may be additional charges associated with your studies, which include:
| Value | |
| Resit fee – Assignments and written exams | £75 |
| Resit fee – Practical assessment | £100 |
| Resit fee – Clinical assessment | £250 |
| Repeat 15 credit module | £400 |
| Repeat 20 credit module | £530 |
| Repeat 30 credit module | £800 |
| Value Range | |
| Personal liability insurance for years 3 and 4 | £85 – £100 |
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 £9,000, together with a Maintenance Loan, dependent on your personal circumstances. These can help cover tuition fees and living costs whilst you are studying.
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.
Why Choose McTimoney College?
- Small class sizes and excellent tutor ratios
- Diverse and inclusive learning environment
- A small and friendly college environment
- State of the art teaching facilities
- High employment of new graduates
- Highly regarded industry qualifications
- Early hands on experience
- Well-experienced in-practice faculty
- Strong alumni network and career support services
- Integration of modern technology
- Strong student support structure
Choosing your course is a big decision. If you have any questions about the Master of Veterinary Chiropractic (MVetChiro), the McTimoney Admissions Team is ready to provide the answers. Kindly complete the form below, and we will promptly respond to your questions.
