SA¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½

Lucy Faulkner

Veterinary Physiotherapy

What started your journey at SA¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½, Lucy?

Well, I’ve always known I wanted a career working with animals, so I spent a lot of time looking at different university courses that would give me that opportunity. What stood out about Harper Adams was the Veterinary Physiotherapy degree — it really intrigued me. It was one of the few courses that allowed me to work with both dogs and horses, rather than having to choose between them. That combination was a big part of why I chose Harper.

Then when I came for my interview, I got such a good feeling about the place. The campus had a lovely atmosphere, the facilities were great, and the staff were friendly and knowledgeable. The interview process itself felt really welcoming and relaxed — not at all daunting like some of the others I’d been to.

You mentioned your interest in working with different kinds of animals — how did that play out during your placements?

For my placements, I worked with the RSPCA on the equine side, mainly dealing with behavioural cases, which was a great learning experience. I also spent time at a small animal orthopaedic and neurological referral practice, where I got to see more complex cases up close.

Alongside that, I worked on various horse yards throughout my studies and after graduating, which helped build up my hands-on experience. During Covid, I also started a small online business making handmade goods — it was something creative to focus on at the time, and it’s actually helped me in setting up my own veterinary physiotherapy business since!

You talked about your Veterinary Physiotherapy business, how has your time here at Harper Adams prepared you for this next step?

My Veterinary Physiotherapy course absolutely gave me all the skills and knowledge I needed to feel confident in my role, and I use what I learned every day. Like I said, since graduating, I’ve started my own veterinary physiotherapy business, working with dogs, cats, and horses. I’ve been fortunate to treat a wide range of animals — from top showjumpers and dressage horses to a retirement village of cats at a local rescue centre.

Beyond the technical side, the social experiences at university really helped prepare me for the client-facing part of the job — being able to adapt to different situations and build strong relationships with clients has been invaluable.

Looking ahead, I want to keep growing my business, but I’m also interested in possibly pursuing further study or research down the line.

Would you recommend ‘here’ at Harper Adams to someone looking for those hands-on skills?

Definitely! Harper is a great place to learn and grow. The courses are designed with real-world jobs and practical skills in mind, so you’re well-prepared for life after university. It’s also a fun environment, with a strong sense of community and identity that really makes you feel at home.