The programme is designed for you if you already have training in hands-on therapy (including a trained chiropractor, physiotherapist, osteopath or any other fully qualified and suitably experienced practitioner), if you hold a Bachelor’s degree in equine or animal science or if you are a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.

The MSc Animal Manipulation (Chiropractic) or (Osteopathy), awarded by Ulster University, is delivered by the McTimoney College of Chiropractic, which is part of the College of Health.

Why choose MSc Animal Manipulation (Chiropractic) or (Osteopathy)?

  • Master the theory and practice of animal care
  • Learn the respected McTimoney technique for animals (Chiropractic route) or Osteopathic techniques for animals (Osteopathic route)
  • You will have the opportunity to attend monthly weekend tutorial sessions over two years
  • Unlock opportunities for research and further postgraduate study
  • Benefit from a research supervisor, accessible from year one

Full Programme Details

The MSc Animal Manipulation (Chiropractic) or (Osteopathy) is a two-year programme, beginning in January each year with a limited annual intake, and leads to the award of an MSc Animal Manipulation (Chiropractic) or (Osteopathy).

For those graduates who are chiropractors, this programme provides a route to Membership and Fellowship of the Royal College of Chiropractors and the Specialist Animal Faculty.All graduates are eligible for Membership of our industry-recognised professional body, the McTimoney Animal Association.

The overall aim of the programme is to offer sound teaching in the theory and practice of animal manipulation, with particular emphasis on the McTimoney technique (Chiropractic route). It aims to produce safe, competent and reflective practitioners as well as encouraging opportunities for research and further postgraduate studies.

Learners are assessed by a variety of means appropriate to the programme module. These may include written examination, projects, oral presentation and practical assessment. The aim is to build learners' knowledge and confidence so that they may progress through the programme and be ready for final assessment.

Learning platforms

  • Practical and classroom
  • Online

How the programme is taught

The overall aim of the programme is to offer sound teaching in the theory and practice of animal manipulation, with particular emphasis on the McTimoney technique. It aims to produce safe, competent and reflective practitioners as well as encouraging opportunities for research and further postgraduate studies. The programme aims are:

  • To provide solid teaching in the theory and practice of animal manipulation
  • To create opportunities for personal and professional development
  • To contribute to the research base of this specialisation and to encourage research amongst practitioners
  • To promote animal manipulation as a safe and practical method of treating animals
  • To provide safe, competent and reflective practitioners
  • To set levels of competency and to place the work of practitioners in an ethical and philosophic context

Assessments and Examinations

The programme features a variety of assessments including coursework and examinations.

Coursework is in the form of essays, reports or case studies, while group or individual presentations may be required to assess other competencies.

Practical and clinical assessments will simulate the requirements of the industry in a realistic setting.

The programme offers flexibility in how these assessments are undertaken, and the programmes will utilise online tools where available to deliver assessments. On occasion, some assessments may require attendance at a physical location.

Employability and Progression

By the end of the programme successful students will have acquired the experience, knowledge and confidence to:

  • Provide a safe and competent animal treatment
  • Understand their role within the animal health/welfare field, together with their relationships to other colleagues and owners/carers
  • Be able to communicate with other professionals involved in the animal health and welfare field.
  • Interpret research findings and their implications for animal treatment
  • Understand the major legal, ethical and social implications of McTimoney Animal treatment

Academic Modules

The programme 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
  • 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 animal health care

Entry Requirements

Applicants wishing to study the MSc Animal Manipulation (Chiropractic) or (Osteopathy) will require:

  • The holding of a professional qualification in Osteopathy, Chiropractic or Physiotherapy, which would qualify the holder for registration with the General Osteopathic Council, General Chiropractic Council or Health and Care Professions Council. Those applicants who do not hold a professional qualification in Osteopathy, Chiropractic or Physiotherapy must successfully complete (pass of 50%) the College's Graduate Certificate in Animal Therapy programme.

All applicants must

  • Satisfy the interviewers of their aptitude for animal work
  • Provide evidence of an up-to-date tetanus vaccination and provide adequate personal liability insurance
  • Complete an examination on safe handling of animals

Language requirements

  • IELTS 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each element)

Financial information

Programme fees

The fee for MSc Animal Manipulation (Chiropractic) or (Osteopathy) is

  • £5,500 in Year 1
  • £5,500 in Year 2
  • The purchase of textbooks, materials and travel to external venues

Additional fees

  • Registration fee to the MAA (McTimoney Animal Association) £25 per annum
  • Registration fee to the McTimoney College of Chiropractic (once only) £150
  • Animal Handling Day (including examination) £75
  • The entire year’s fees, plus registration fees are due on commencement
  • A deposit of £250 will need to be paid within 48 hours of accepting your offer, in order to secure your place.
  • Resit fees for assessments £75
  • Resit fees to repeat a 15-credit module £400
  • Resit fees to repeat a 20-credit module £530
  • Resit fees to repeat a 30-credit module £800
  • Resit practical assessment fee £100
  • Resit clinical assessment fee £250

Funding options

Students may be eligible for a postgraduate student loan to cover their fees. For more information, please visit www.slc.co.uk.

Contact us

For more information about the programme please call 01235 468575 or email admissions@mctimoney-college.org.uk.

Get more information on MSc Animal Manipulation (Chiropractic)

MSc Animal Manipulation (Chiropractic) or (Osteopathy)