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BSc (Hons) Equine Science

BSc (Hons) Equine Science

About the course

The course is delivered at University Centre Myerscough and awarded by the University of Central Lancashire. Our Bachelor of Science (BSc Honours) ensures that you develop skills and knowledge of the fundamental areas of equine science, whilst offering optional and elective modules to personalise your chosen route of study. You will be prepared to enter careers in areas such as research and development, welfare, breeding, nutrition and therapy. This degree allows you to understand and apply new and existing scientific principles to the management and development of the horse.

The defining element of the honours degree is the research project, where you conduct independent research on a chosen subject. Our equine undergraduate research students produce outstandingly high quality research, with many able to present their research on a national or international platform.

Based at our Preston campus with its renowned International Equine Arena, you will be putting theory into practice working with the college horses within the centre’s excellent facilities. You will benefit from our industry links for trips and guest speakers, and may also have opportunities to benefit from external research collaborations. You may progress to one of our MSc programmes to further enhance your research and specialism.

As a Myerscough equine degree student, you will benefit from individualised support within a welcoming culture, ensuring that you follow in the footsteps of our previous students with their outstanding high achievements and excellent student satisfaction.

Applicants are invited to top-up from a relevant Foundation Degree or HND into the final year of the BSc (Honours) course and will need to demonstrate skills in research methods at Level 5 to enable you to progress smoothly onto the programme. Those applicants whose previous programme of study has not covered research skills at the appropriate level will be asked to complete a bridging module "Research Methods", which may be taken during the summer prior to entry onto the course.

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Course modules

Year 1

Academic and Professional Skills

This module develops the students’ key academic, professional and transferable skills in order to help the transition from further to higher education; from more dependent to more independent modes of learning.

Elective

Students can select from a range of modules, which may include Equitation, Business Management, Equine Training (subject to timetable restrictions).

Equine Biology

This module develops understanding of the biological principles focusing on anatomy and physiology of the horse.

Science of Equine Training & Behaviour

This module aims to develop application of training techniques as a solution to given behavioural problems. This will be achieved through developing an understanding of a range of training methods and behavioural modification techniques.

Applied Equine Husbandry

This module aims to provide students with the basic principles of equine care which are fundamental and underpin the requirements of whichever area of the equine industry the student finds employment within. Comparisons will be made to husbandry practices within the UK and abroad.

Ethical Practices in the Equine Industry

The aim of this module is to build on a basic understanding of animal welfare ethics to enable the student to evaluate ethical issues surrounding current practices within the equine industry.

Year 2

Elective

Students can select from a range of modules which can be chosen from the FdSc and BA routes subject to timetabling.

Equine Biomechanics

The specific aims are to understand the relationship between equine anatomy and movement, and soundness and performance; and to develop understanding and practical skills in the methodologies for measuring biomechanical parameters.

Equine Exercise Physiology

This module gives students understanding of the mechanisms of energy metabolism and physiological adaptations of the horse to exercise and training and means of monitoring performance.

Equine Nutrition

The module aims are to build on knowledge gained within the equine biology module, to develop knowledge of nutritional requirements in a wide variety of horses, recognise the significance of poor ration formulation within the industry and the environmental management of arable crops.

Research Methods

Experimental design and data analysis are core themes in this module. It will introduce concepts of statistical testing and further develop skills in presenting and interpreting results of scientific investigations. The module will give students vital skills in formulating research questions and designing an effective experiment.

Professional Development for Careers in the Equine Sector

This module aims to prepare students for careers within the equine sector, considering roles within a business and self-employment.

Year 3

Advances in Animal Science and Technology

This module examines advances in the development of knowledge and technologies applied to animal science industries.

Research Project (Double module)

Students will be given the opportunity to design and carryout a piece of investigative research into a topic that interests them. This will allow them to demonstrate the skills that they have developed throughout the course including the abilities to design an original investigation, to work independently, and to produce a coherent and critical report.

Innovations in the Equine Nutrition Industry (Option)

The module aims to explore the relationship between nutrition, health, ill health, feeding practices and performance, including related innovations.

Innovations in the Equine Breeding Industry (Option)

This module enables the student to critically review and evaluate the innovations make throughout the equine breeding industry including stud management techniques, youngstock management and advancing technologies.

Applied Equine Behaviour & Welfare

This module aims to critically appraise current modern management techniques and their impact on the behaviour and welfare of horses. Influences on horse welfare and behaviour will be reviewed and discussed in relation to stakeholder responsibilities.

Manipulating the Equine for Performance

This module aims to critically appraise current approaches to manipulating the horse for performance. The module will provoke debate around moral and ethical limits of acceptability of humans’ treatment of performance horses.

Entry requirements & additional information

Entry requirements

5 GCSE passes at Grade C (4) or above (including Maths and English or equivalent)

Plus 104 UCAS Tariff points from one or more of the following:

  • 3 A-levels (A2) at C or above
  • BTEC/C&G Level 3
  • 4 Scottish Highers at C or above
  • 4 Irish Highers at C or above
  • International Baccalaureate at 24 points
  • Access to HE Diploma in a relevant discipline

AS levels, BTEC Subsidiary Diploma and Scottish Intermediate 2s may be used to contribute to entry requirements but they are not sufficient for entry on their own. Alternative equivalent qualifications will also be considered positively.

Applicants who believe they may be eligible for Accreditation of Prior Certificated and/or Experiential Learning (APCL/APEL) for certain modules will be considered on an individual basis.

Applicants for whom English is a second language must be able to demonstrate proof of International English Language Testing System (IELTS) at level 6.0 (with no component score lower than 5.5) or equivalent.

All offers may be subject to successful interview.

Please note there is a maximum weight limit of 14.5 stone for the riding modules.

Learning and assessment

Learning Environment:

This course makes the most of the extensive equestrian facilities on site including a wide range of horses, large indoor and outdoor arenas and up-to-date specialist therapy and research equipment. Students will also have access to specialist IT hardware and software. Learning activities on the course are diverse, including lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops. Students will be expected to undertake extensive independent study and research to support lectures, seminars and assessments. Group work and group presentations will form an important part of the course.

Assessment:

Students will face a variety of assessments including examinations, essays, technical reports, group and individual work, presentations, practical assessments, individual study projects and case studies.

Additional Information:

Study trips are organised to supplement the learning in specific modules. Examples include, Twemlowes AI and Embryo Transfer Centre, Newmarket, Northern Equine Therapy Centre, Sync Equine, British Society of Animal Science annual conference, Thoroughbred Rehabilitation Centre, many elite athletes have opened their yards to Myerscough student visits. Enrichment trips have included Horse of the Year Show, ladies day at Aintree and Badminton Horse Trails. Guest speakers often visit and include industry experts in areas such as equine reproduction, nutrition, training and behaviour, coaching and elite equestrian athletes. Students are encouraged and supported to showcase their research projects at national and international conferences, including the International Society for Equitation Science and the European Federation of Animal Practitioners. Students also have the opportunity to trial for our competition BUCS equestrian team and as part of successful trial for this, have additional weekly riding sessions.

What work experience can I get?

Through core modules and electives students will gain hands on experience in a variety of scenarios to build skills that can be used in a working environment.

There is no formal work placement on this course.

Progression

On successful completion of the course, students may apply for MSc degrees.

Careers

Graduates will be in a position to apply for posts available in the equine industry (and other related industries) including:

Equine or animal research

Nutritionists

Consultants

Bloodstock agents

Equine insurance

Lecturers

Equine journalism

Veterinary Drugs Representative

Professional accreditations

During their course of study students are encouraged to study for the appropriate British Horse Society Stage qualification. Training for Stages I, II and III as well as Stage 2 Coach may be offered on site (subject to numbers) as an additional part-time course subject to additional fees and application.

Special requirements

1 Morning, Evening and Weekend Duties: will be required on the College Yard during the first year of the course. Morning and evening yard duties are timetabled between 9am and 5pm. Weekend yard duties are carried out on a rota basis, usually comprising of 4 – 6 weekends spread throughout the year.

2 Equipment and/or Clothing: Riding hat to current standards (PAS105 2011, ASTMF1163 2004a onwards; SNELL E2016), riding boots, gloves, jodhpurs plus schooling and jumping whip and body protector subject to current standards (purple label Level 3 2009) for jumping lessons (if riding).

Additional costs for items that are essential for the course include:

· £100 - If riding: Jodhpur boots, long leather or riding boots

· £90 - Jodhpurs (plain navy or black), riding hat, hair net, gloves

· £10 - Laboratory coat

· £80 - College polo shirt, sweatshirt and Jacket (or plain navy or black)

· £30 - Strong boots or wellingtons for yard work

Additional costs for opportunities and items that are optional for the course include:

· £33 - College padded Gillet

· £25 - College rugby shirt

· £600 - Field trips and visits (including possible overseas trips)

· £70 - If jumping; Body protector

· £75 - If riding: Long & short whip, non-suede gaiters, white shirt and tie

· £22 - Waterproof trousers

Latest news, Equine studies

University Centre Myerscough, St Michael's Road, Bilsborrow, Preston, PR3 0RY

For all enquiries please see our contact page or call 01995 642222.

UK Provider Registration Number: 10004478