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Equine Science

BSc (Hons)

Key facts
Overview
How to apply
Tuition fees
Learning and assessment
After you graduate
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Key facts

UCAS code

D322

Start dates

September 2024

Location

Abingdon & Witney College

Headington

Course length

Full time: 3 years

Part time: part-time study is possible

Department

Department of Biological and Medical Sciences

UCAS Tariff Points

112

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Overview

On our Equine Science degree you will study the reproduction, physiology, behaviour and nutrition of horses. 
 
We run this course in partnership with Abingdon and Witney College. You'll be taught at Oxford Brookes with some sessions at Witney Campus and the college's stud farm at Common Leys. The farm runs as a racehorse stud producing youngstock for thoroughbred sales. So you have the chance to gain real-life commercial experience. And spend time with thoroughbreds as you learn about anatomy and genetics.  
 
You'll have opportunities to publish your own research and attend relevant conferences.  
 
On graduating you will have an up-to-date understanding of scientific principles and management theories. As well as the skills to implement them, whether progressing into employment within the equine industry or elsewhere.
 
Possible careers include:

  • Horse Breeder
  • Equine Occupational Therapist
  • Academic
  • Lab Technician
  • Pedigree Analyst 
  • Artificial Inseminator
  • Broodmare Manager
  • Veterinary Assistant or Technician.
Student with horses

How to apply

Wherever possible we make our conditional offers using the UCAS Tariff. The combination of A-level grades listed here would be just one way of achieving the UCAS Tariff points for this course.

Standard offer

UCAS Tariff Points: 112

A Level: BBC

IB Points: 30

BTEC: DMM

Further offer details

Preferred subjects include: Biology, Chemistry, PE and Mathematics.

We seek to admit students who have the potential to make good scientists and accept that qualifications are not the only indicator of future potential. Typical offers also include:

  • A-level grades BB plus 2 AS-levels at grade C (112 UCAS Tariff points based on the 2017 recalculated criteria). Students studying more than one science subject may receive a lower offer
  • 1 12-unit vocational A-level grade BB plus 1 A-level or 2 AS-levels grade C
  • other recognised qualifications, eg BTEC Nationals or Scottish qualifications (equivalent to 112 UCAS Tariff points).

If your combination of qualifications doesn't match our typical offer, please contact our admissions tutor.

Entry requirements

Specific entry requirements

A Level: BBC Including a minimum of 1 science subject.

GCSE: Mathematics, English Language and Double Integrated Science (or equivalent) at grade 4 (C) minimum

You must have studied science post-16, either at A-level or equivalent. 

Please also see the University's general entry requirements.

English language requirements

Please see the University's standard English language requirements.

International qualifications and equivalences

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English requirements for visas

If you need a student visa to enter the UK you will need to meet the UK Visas and Immigration minimum language requirements as well as the University's requirements. Find out more about English language requirements.

Pathways courses for international and EU students

If you do not meet the entry requirements for this degree, or if you would like more preparation before you start, you can take an international foundation course. Once you enrol, you will have a guaranteed pathway to this degree if you pass your foundation course with the required grades.

If you only need to meet the language requirements, you can take our pre-sessional English course. You will develop key language and study skills for academic success and you will not need to take an external language test to progress to your degree.

Terms and Conditions of Enrolment

When you accept our offer, you agree to the Terms and Conditions of Enrolment. You should therefore read those conditions before accepting the offer.

Credit transfer

Many of our courses consider applications for entry part-way through the course for students who have credit from previous learning or relevant professional experience.

Find out more about transferring to Brookes. If you'd like to talk through your options, please contact our Admissions team.

Application process

Full time Home (UK) applicants

Apply through UCAS

Part time Home (UK) applicants

Apply direct to the University

International applicants

Apply direct to the University

Full time international applicants can also apply through UCAS

Tuition fees

Please see the fees note
Home (UK) full time
£9,250
Home (UK) part time
£1,155 per single module
International full time
£16,900
Home (UK) full time
£9,250
Home (UK) part time
£1,155 per single module
International full time
£17,750

Questions about fees?

Contact Student Finance on:

financefees@brookes.ac.uk

Tuition fees

2024 / 25
Home (UK) full time
£9,250
Home (UK) part time
£1,155 per single module
International full time
£16,900
2025 / 26
Home (UK) full time
£9,250
Home (UK) part time
£1,155 per single module
International full time
£17,750

Questions about fees?

Contact Student Finance on:

+44 (0)1865 534400

financefees@brookes.ac.uk

Please note, tuition fees for Home students may increase in subsequent years both for new and continuing students in line with an inflationary amount determined by government. Oxford Brookes University intends to maintain its fees for new and returning Home students at the maximum permitted level.

Tuition fees for International students may increase in subsequent years both for new and continuing students. 

The following factors will be taken into account by the University when it is setting the annual fees: inflationary measures such as the retail price indices, projected increases in University costs, changes in the level of funding received from Government sources, admissions statistics and access considerations including the availability of student support. 

How and when to pay

Tuition fee instalments for the semester are due by the Monday of week 1 of each semester. Students are not liable for full fees for that semester if they leave before week 4. If the leaving date is after week 4, full fees for the semester are payable.

  • For information on payment methods please see our Make a Payment page.
  • For information about refunds please visit our Refund policy page

Financial support and scholarships

For general sources of financial support, see our Fees and funding pages.

Additional costs

Please be aware that some courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees. Specific additional costs for this course are detailed below.

You will need to budget for public transport between Oxford Brookes and Abingdon and Witney College (Witney Campus) where practical sessions are held. This is mainly in semester 1. 

You will need to purchase suitable clothing and footwear to work on the yard for practicals. Optional branded clothing is available from the college.

There may also be additional costs for learning resources such as books, journals and printer credits to aid with the production of coursework.

Field trips

Your course tuition fee covers the cost of all mandatory field trips. The cost of an optional field trip is not included in your course tuition fee, and a separate fee will apply. Please contact our Enquiry Centre (see 'contact us' for details) if you would like more information about the field trip(s) on this course. 

Learning and assessment

Years 1 and 2 ground you in all aspects of equine science and thoroughbred management. The Skills for Life Scientists module will develop your data manipulation, statistics and IT skills. 
 
In Year 2 you'll study compulsory modules that deepen your understanding of the relationship between scientific and management principles. These are: 

  • Nutrition
  • Behaviour
  • Equine Medicines 
  • Veterinary Techniques 
  • Performance Science.

You can also choose from a range of optional modules.
 
At the end of the year you'll make an informed choice about where to spend your work placement. 
 
In Year 3 you'll spend the year on an industry placement either in the UK or abroad. You'll experience your chosen career path. Many students also use this time to collect data for dissertations in their final year.
 
In your Final Year you'll specialise further by choosing some optional modules. You'll also produce a dissertation on a subject of your choice. 

Student taking notes

Study modules

Year 1

Compulsory modules

  • Academic and Professional Skills

    Transferable skills are an asset in the careers world. In this module, you’ll be introduced to academic practice and professional skills that will aid you in your career progression. These will include the soft skills of discussion, debate, seminar, and presenting, alongside science writing, researching and statistics. You’ll also go into detail on the use of Microsoft packages such as Word Excel, PowerPoint and Publisher. Statistical programmes such as MiniTab will also be covered.
     

  • Equine Anatomy and Physiology

    Equip yourself with biological knowledge of the horse, taking a close-up look at the anatomy and physiology. You’ll analyse cell and biochemical reactions that sustain life, to the functioning and anatomy of the body’s organs and their interactions with each other. In addition, you’ll look at the evolution of the horse and adaptations to the structural systems. Wonder at the unique athleticism of the equine stature. These basic foundational concepts will form the building blocks of your understanding of some of the fastest growing areas in the equine field, including reproductive physiology, exercise physiology and nutrition. You’ll also delve into the welfare and performance of the horse at all levels, including daily horse husbandry, exercise programmes, and veterinary support.

    Furthermore, you’ll participate in lab work, such as in preparation of tissue specimens for histological (entire tissue), cytological (single cell) observations, and cadaver (deceased) specimens. 
     

  • Equine Business

    There has been no better time to investigate the impact of the equine business trade. The equine industry generates significant revenue for global economies. In this module, you’ll look at the external and competitive environment of business and the common frameworks for analysing and evaluating the impact of such on both individual businesses and industries. You’ll also gain an insight into the internal functionings of business (marketing, human resource management, and finance), followed by an exploration of the impact of globalisation and the increasing pace of change. 

  • The International Equine and Thoroughbred Racing Industry

    Explore the history and development of the modern equine and Thoroughbred industries in their national and international context. This module examines how equestrianism has developed and grown internationally, and how it is important to the economies of many countries. You’ll learn how the industries are administered, operated and financed, and you’ll examine the present industry status within a diverse range of cultures. You’ll cover business supported by equestrianism, associated industries and the international trade in Thoroughbred bloodstock. 

  • Equine Behaviour and Cognition

    Do you ever wonder what a horse is thinking? In this module, you can get a step closer to understanding how a horse’s brain functions. You’ll gain an insight into evolution, underpinning the aspects of the horse’s flight response and how it is used/suppressed in domestic situations. You’ll discover the theory behind how horses remember things and create memories. You’ll also investigate the differentiation between breed characteristics, the varied disciplines that horses are involved in, and how learning is differentiated for various disciplines that horses are involved in. Your assessment will consist of multiple choice questions (MCQ), a short presentation and a report.

  • Applied Equine Health

    In order to maintain a healthy horse who is capable of competitive success you’ll need knowledge of the equine immunity pathways, the invading pathogens, wounds and emergency first aid. In this module, you’ll learn about just that. You’ll acquire the skills to employ suitable treatment regimens using your scientific knowledge and your ability to adapt to new situations. Identifying a horse for lameness and applying appropriate first aid is an essential part of handling and working in the industry.  You’ll gain theoretical knowledge of anatomical, physiological, and biochemical processes of health, which will bolster your foundational understanding for later modules. 
     

Year 2

Compulsory modules

  • Research Methods

    You’ll get to grips with research concepts used within Equine Science, enabling you to develop a critical approach to research, and the ability to explore associated philosophical, methodological, analytical, statistical and ethical issues. You’ll equip yourself with the fundamental concepts and practices that underpin the research process including research design, literature critique and critical analysis of research. You’ll be given the opportunity to develop your own research proposal, developing your abilities to engage with literature in a critical and analytical manner. 

  • Equestrian Land and Resource Management 1

    On completion of this module you'lll have a good understanding of the importance of soil and grass science in relation to the effective management of land for horses, and how grassland management affects equine health and performance. You’ll also investigate specific areas of management that are important in ensuring the success of a wide range of equine enterprises, with a particular emphasis on human resources. You’ll also consider the legislative and regulatory frameworks under which equine enterprises operate. 

  • Equine Medicine and Veterinary Techniques

    Get in the know on how to maintain a horse at optimum health and performance. In this module you’ll gain a full insight into the scientific principles underlying health and disease in the horse. You’ll also develop a detailed knowledge of relevant veterinary techniques used in the assessment, diagnosis, and management of equine disease. On completion of this module, you’ll be able to assess and evaluate the role of the veterinary surgeon in the diagnosis of ill health/injury and treatment of disease in the horse. 

  • Equine Nutrition

    What are the key nutritional elements that a horse needs to remain at optimum health? Find out in this informative module. An in-depth knowledge of the metabolic processes that occur in a horses’s body will help you identify nutritional needs for improving and maintaining the performance of the horse. Learn how to adapt and apply your knowledge to optimise the feeding regimes of horses for their long-term success.

    Identify the principles relating to the correct feeding of the horse, and broaden your knowledge of the metabolic events taking place within the horse’s body to maximise its competitive success. Hone your theoretical knowledge of anatomical, physiological, and biochemical processes of digestion. Gain an appreciation of the different nutritional requirements for the various stages of training to help a horse achieve optimum performance. 
     

  • Exercise Physiology

    The fitness of a horse plays a huge role in athletic success. In this module you’ll delve into horse physiology, uncovering the importance of training and fitness assessment. Over the last 20-30 years this area of expertise has grown extensively, widening our knowledge of how the horse’s body adapts to exercise and training. This knowledge will boost your confidence and abilities in contributing to the successful performance of the athletic horse. 

  • Equitation Science

    Immerse yourself within the evidence-based understanding of the welfare of horses, and the symbiotic relationship between humans and horses. Expand your knowledge on how horses think and behave, in terms of what motivates them and how welfare can play an important role in both the performance horse industry and the leisure horse world. Equip yourself with the latest guidelines on equine regulations in the UK so you can confidently apply your skills in the real-world.

Optional modules

Equine Event and Racecourse Management

In this module, you’ll turn your hand to financial management tools, human resources management, and marketing. All these skills will go towards managing the complex and multifaceted job of planning events. You’ll also learn how to run an effective event safely, whether it be indoors or outdoors at racecourses. 

Genetics

Whether your interest lies in Thoroughbred or sport horse, a solid understanding of genetics and the law of inheritance is absolutely essential, to raise sound and competitive horses. You’ll firstly investigate mendelian genetics and its application in the equine industry, followed by qualitative and quantitative genetics, how the Hardy Weinberg equilibrium can be related to the equine population.

You’ll study techniques in shortlisting procedures for competition purposes, taking into consideration breed societies, including how and why they differ. You’ll take a close look at chromosomal and genetic abnormalities in order to minimise the development of inherited defects, while analysing research. 

On completion of this module, you’ll have gained the skills to complement careers within breeding, whether as stud managers, bloodstock agents, or pedigree researchers. 
 

Year 3

Optional modules

Industry Placement and Personal Development 1

As part of this placement module, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the real working environment and what it is like within a Thoroughbred or performance horse-focussed organisation. Your placement will last a minimum of 30 weeks and will give you ample time to hone your skills in the field. You’ll build on and practice the knowledge, understanding, skills and competencies acquired during your first two years of the course, developing new skills along the way. Your placement year is designed to be a formative process, where you’ll get the chance to reflect on your personal development, and develop your strengths and weaknesses.

Year 4 (or Year 3 if no placement)

Compulsory modules

  • Dissertation

    This will be your opportunity to produce an individual project, based on your degree subject. You’ll undertake a sustained scientific enquiry whereby your associated practical work may be conducted in a research laboratory or in the field, depending on the nature of your project. 

  • Ethics for Racing and Sports Horses

    This module will give you an insight into the continuously evolving equine industry and the ethical considerations involved in relation to the welfare of the domestic horse. You’ll turn your attention to the various components of the subject area, including nutrition, genetics, behaviour, veterinary medicine, and more, and you’ll identify contemporary ethical issues as part of your dissertation project.

  • Advanced Development for the Racing and Performance Equine Athlete

  • Applied Equine Rehabilitation

    Can you identify a horse that is lame and in need of emergency first aid? This module will teach you how to spot the key signs in order to apply the correct care and suitable treatment regimes to nurse a horse back to full health. You’ll gain an essential in-depth knowledge of the immunity pathways, invading pathogens, wounds and emergency first aid in order to effectively administer the required care. You’ll also consider the principles around seats of ailments and conformation with regards to horse health, lameness, and preventative techniques. 

    By the end of this module, you will have acquired theoretical knowledge of anatomical, physiological, and biochemical processes of health, which will prepare you for further modules. 
     

  • Epidemiology

    You’ll explore preventative health and welfare strategies within animal populations, equipping you with the understanding of how disease prevention strategies are developed and disease surveillance procedures are implemented.  
     
    You’ll gain knowledge about infectious diseases and immunity while applying this knowledge to preventing and controlling outbreaks within the settings of livery yards, stud farms, farms, catteries, kennels, shelters, rescue centres, animal collections, breeding establishments and veterinary practices. Zoonotic diseases is another topic that you’ll explore, while considering the importance of reducing risks to human health.

    You’ll get the opportunity to carry out diagnostic techniques and devise your own disease preventative strategies. By the end of this module you'll be equipped with skills for future managerial roles overseeing the health and welfare of animal populations. 
     

  • Behavioural Science and Psychology

    In this module you’ll gain a thorough understanding of the assessment and treatment of behavioural issues within Equestrian Science. You’ll diagnose, develop and execute retraining schedules to correct behavioural imbalance. You’ll also learn to identify when other equestrian professional help is needed, where regulations come into play, and be able to assess the elements and effects of a variety of training methods and equipment. You’ll also complement your Year 2 study by examining recent research in Equitation Science.  

Optional modules

Equestrian Land and Resource Management 2

You’ll improve your understanding of Land and Resources Management in this fascinating module which examines the choice, construction and use of a variety of work surfaces for the athletic horse, including grass and artificial surfaces. You’ll discover how the choice of surfaces used for racing and equestrian pursuits can determine horse welfare and performance. You’ll draw on your knowledge from other modules you'll have studied, including Equine Medicine and Veterinary Techniques, Equation Science and Equine Ethics and Welfare.

Equine Event and Racecourse Management

In this module, you’ll turn your hand to financial management tools, human resources management, and marketing. All these skills will go towards managing the complex and multifaceted job of planning events. You’ll also learn how to run an effective event safely, whether it be indoors or outdoors at racecourses. 

Genetics

Whether your interest lies in Thoroughbred or sport horse, a solid understanding of genetics and the law of inheritance is absolutely essential, to raise sound and competitive horses. You’ll firstly investigate mendelian genetics and its application in the equine industry, followed by qualitative and quantitative genetics, how the Hardy Weinberg equilibrium can be related to the equine population.

You’ll study techniques in shortlisting procedures for competition purposes, taking into consideration breed societies, including how and why they differ. You’ll take a close look at chromosomal and genetic abnormalities in order to minimise the development of inherited defects, while analysing research. 

On completion of this module, you’ll have gained the skills to complement careers within breeding, whether as stud managers, bloodstock agents, or pedigree researchers. 
 

Critical Care of the Neonate

What does it take to ensure a foal arrives safely and healthily into the world? Find out in this encapsulating module. You’ll develop an in-depth understanding of foetal, neonatal and foal management and medicine through the lens of pathophysiology on a range of diseases and disorders. You’ll also take a look at the relevant causes of these diseases, and will evaluate contemporary methods for treatment of common illnesses. Alongside this, you’ll consider the impact of treatment and disease on prognosis and long-term athletic ability. 

Independent Study in Equine Science

You’ll undergo a library-based study on a topic of your choice that is relevant to your programme of study, building upon your learning in Year 2. You’ll agree on your chosen topic of study with a member of staff, which must be submitted for approval by the end of week 1 in the semester in which the study is to be undertaken. It is important that you begin the necessary preliminary work at least six weeks before the start of the semester so that you are in a position to submit a well-considered learning contract by the end of week 1, with support from your supervisor.

Industry Placement and Personal Development 2

Please note: As our courses are reviewed regularly as part of our quality assurance framework, the modules you can choose from may vary from those shown here. The structure of the course may also mean some modules are not available to you.

Learning and teaching

The majority of teaching takes place at Oxford Brookes. In Year 1 you'll spend one day per week at the college's stud farm.
 
The farm runs as a commercial enterprise so you'lll gain real-life experience of the day-to-day management of a stud farm. And you’ll take part in activities that support your future career path.
 
You'll learn the vital skills that a Life Scientist needs. Our facilities include modern dissection laboratories for teaching Anatomy and Physiology modules.
 
Our teaching methods include:

  • lectures
  • seminars
  • group projects
  • independent research.

We also organise external visits and run guest lectures. This helps you stay informed about the latest industry research. You will also have opportunities to take part in research projects.

Field trips

Trips are arranged by module leaders to strengthen the learning experience and help students to link theory to practice. Visits in recent years have included a variety of studs, artificial insemination and embryo transfer specialist centres, UK and international conferences, Tattersalls sales as well as racecourses, training establishments and seed specialists.

For field trip costs see the Tuition fees section. 

Assessment

Assessment methods used on this course

Throughout the course we place emphasis on transferable skills. We assess these skills during individual modules.

Assessment methods vary according to what skills or knowledge is being assessed.

At least 50% of the assessment in all modules is coursework-based. Project work is assessed entirely by coursework.

After you graduate

Career prospects

There is a range of employment opportunities for our graduates, and specialisation in your final year can help to determine your professional area.

Recent graduates have gained positions in racecourses, biomechanics consultancies, event management and further education colleges as lecturers. Others have secured roles in owner services at Weatherbys, gained entry into veterinary colleges or continued in higher education with a Veterinary Physiotherapy MSc, for example, or other postgraduate options, such as PhDs or MBAs.

Careers as equine scientists, yard managers, insurance agents, trainee accountants, nutritionists, journalists, facility managers and equine business advisers are also potential destinations.

Free language courses

Free language courses are available to full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students on many of our courses, and can be taken as a credit on some courses.

More about free language courses

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Full-time study

Part-time study

Programme changes:
On rare occasions we may need to make changes to our course programmes after they have been published on the website. For more information, please visit our changes to programmes page.