MSc Animal Manipulation

This programme is the world’s only externally validated Masters level course teaching Animal Manipulation. As a result, it opens up a whole range of opportunities and gives you the edge in a growing market.

The MSc Animal Manipulation qualification is designed for students from a range of backgrounds. Whether you have already trained in a hands-on profession, such as a chiropractic, physiotherapy or osteopathy, or have a BSc degree in Equine or Animal Science, or are a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, this course will give you all the skills you need for independent animal practice.

In the first year you'll study a variety of academic subjects and receive a fascinating insight into the philosophy and practice of animal techniques. In the second year you'll master practical skills in animal adjusting under the supervision of an experienced practitioner. Once qualified, you'll be able to offer sought-after expertise in this specialist field.

The MSc Animal Manipulation degree is awarded by the University of Wales and is delivered by McTimoney College, which is managed by BPP University College. Some of the teaching for this programme takes place at Warwick College.


Key Information

  • Master the theory and practice of animal adjusting
  • Attend monthly weekend tutorial sessions over two years
  • Unlock opportunities for research and further postgraduate studies
  • Gain one of a kind MSc level training in chiropractic techniques for animals
  • Learn the exclusive McTimoney technique for animals
  • Taught in cooperation with Warwickshire College

Expert teaching in a specialist field

In a nutshell, we offer expert teaching in the theory and practice of adjusting animals, concentrating largely on the McTimoney technique. This is a gentle, holistic treatment that assesses the whole of the animal's body for any misalignments. You'll become a safe, competent and insightful practitioner and you might even be inspired to seek out opportunities for research and further postgraduate studies. 

This is an exciting new profession and you can be at its forefront. The course will set levels of competency and place your work in an ethical and philosophic context.

More details about the programme can be found in the programme specification handbook.

Learning outcomes

The MSc Animal Manipulation is the only course offering MSc level training in chiropractic techniques for animals and will help you develop a new career path.

The qualification is designed to give you the experience, knowledge and confidence to:

  • treat animals safely and competently
  • gain a deep understanding of your role within the animal health and welfare field, and how you can work with colleagues and owners
  • be able to communicate at a high level with other professionals involved in animal health and welfare
  • interpret research findings and understand their implication for animal treatment
  • develop a thorough knowledge of the major legal, ethical and social implications of McTimoney Animal treatment

Find out about the McTimoney Animal Association and McTimoney Chiropractic Association which set professional standards and a code of ethics for its members.

Course dates and duration

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The MSc Animal Manipulation is a unique two-year course, beginning in January each year with a limited annual intake.

How you wil be assessed

You'll be assessed using different methods depending on the course module. These currently include written examination, projects, oral presentation and practical assessment, although the methods are continually reviewed. One of the strengths of the course is that it is designed to continually build your knowledge and confidence right up to the final assessment, with all modules contributing towards your final qualification.

The MSc Animal Manipulation course offers plenty to challenge you both academically (at postgraduate level) and practically. It will also give you many opportunities to reflect on your own experience and progression throughout the course.

Continued support

Your development is very important to us. With that in mind, our tutorial staff, Course Leader and Course Manager will be on hand to give you all the support you need. We'll do all we can to help you maintain the required standard and keep you fully informed about your progress.


Modules

The MSc Animal Manipulation course programme is divided into three main areas:

  • Structural and Integrated Sciences – basic science of animal health and disease
  • Clinical and Applied Sciences – tools for assessing the normal and abnormal functioning of the animal when static and in motion, leading to your decision about whether and how to intervene appropriately
  • Practice and Professionalism – all activities subsequent to your decision about intervention i.e. the skills relating to practical adjusting, practice management and life long learning.

More details about the programme can be found in the programme specification handbook.



Entry requirements

The MSc Animal Manipulation course is open to applicants holding any one of the following (pathway specific):

  • a qualification in Chiropractics which would qualify you for registration with the General Chiropractic Council
  • a qualification in Osteopathy which would qualify you for registration with the General Osteopathic Council
  • a qualification in Physiotherapy which would qualify you for registration with the Chartered Institute of Physiotherapists.
  • Membership of the Royal Veterinary College of Surgeons

If you don't have a qualification in chiropractic, osteopathy or physiotherapy, you must successfully complete the College's pre-course programme, known as Year Zero. This is to make sure you have the requisite knowledge of science, research, professionalism and manipulation skills on entry to ensure successful completion of the main programme.


Alternatively, you can apply with one of the following:

  • a degree in Animal Science, Equine Science
  • a university degrees where 80% of the course content includes comparative anatomy, basic physiology and biochemistry.

Assessment of prior learning experience

If you don't hold formal academic qualifications you may still apply for this course under the Assessment of Prior Experience and Learning (APEL) system. If you are applying through this system you must:

  • convince the interviewers of your aptitude for animal work
  • provide a significant portfolio of evidence to demonstrate your ability to work at Masters level

If you do not have a qualification in manipulation

If you don't have a qualification in chiropractic, osteopathy or physiotherapy, you must successfully complete the College's pre-course programme, known as Year Zero. This is to make sure you have the requisite knowledge of science, research, professionalism and manipulation skills on entry to ensure successful completion of the main programme.

If you already hold a professional qualification in manipulation then you will be exempt from all elements of the Year Zero programme, except for the module on safe handling of animals. All applicants for the MSc must complete the examination for this module, and some applicants may be required to complete the module itself.

Awarding body

Awarded by the University of Wales.

International students

For details of which international qualifications are accepted for this course, please see our country-specific entry requirements.

Study locations

You can study for the MSc Animal Manipulation at our study centre in Abingdon, Oxfordshire and at Warwickshire College

McTimoney College contact details

Kimber House
1 Kimber Road
Abingdon
Oxfordshire
OX14 1BZ

Tel: 01235 523 336
Fax 01235 523 576
Email: admissions@mctimoney-college.ac.uk

Paying for your course

Year Zero Foundation Course fees for entry on to the 2013 MSc Animal Manipulation course

  • Fees (including Animal Handling Day & Examination): £1,950
  • Registration fee to the McTimoney College (once only): £120

Payable as a lump sum before the commencement of the course. The same fee levels apply whether you are a UK, EU or international student.

Year Zero Foundation 2013 dates

Dates available upon application.

MSc Animal Manipulation course fees

  • Fees (including Animal Handling Day & Examination) £4,857
  • Registration fee to the University of Wales (once only): £585
  • Animal Handling Day (including examination): £75
  • Student Union levy: £10
  • Registration fee to the McTimoney College (once only): £120

MSc Animal Manipulation 2013 dates

The next start date is January 2013. The entire year's fees are due on commencement, but, subject to satisfactory references, you can pay your fees as follows:

  • The first three months fees, plus the Registration fees, are payable at the first tutorial session in January
  • Fees may be paid monthly in advance by banker's standing order.

Loans

Career Development Loans are also available to help you with the costs of studying.

For advice and further information on any of the above, please contact Paula Greenaway at the College, or email finance@mctimoney-college.ac.uk