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Equine Science

BSc (Hons)

UCAS code: D322

Start dates: September 2026

Full time: 3 years (4 years with a placement year)

Part time: part-time study is possible

Location: Abingdon & Witney College, Headington

School(s): School of Biological and Medical Sciences

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Overview

You will study subjects including anatomy and physiology; rehabilitation, behaviour and training; industry and business; and issues around the welfare of sports and thoroughbred horses.

This course is run in partnership with Abingdon and Witney College. You'll be taught at Oxford Brookes throughout the degree except for two modules in Year 1. These will be taught at the College’s small commercial thoroughbred stud based just outside Witney to enable the link between theory and practice. 

We run an equitation society, where you can join and compete even if you do not have a horse.

On graduating, you will have an up-to-date understanding of scientific principles and management theories, as well as the skills to implement them. You might progress into employment within the equine industry or on to higher education such as a Masters degree or PhD. 

Other career options might include:

  • Academic/research
  • Bloodstock/breeding
  • Marketing/business
  • Lecturing
  • Nutrition/health
  • Rehabilitation and physical therapies
  • Behaviour/training
  • Entry to veterinary schools.
     

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Student with horses

Why Oxford Brookes University?

  • Access to our own stud farm
    You have two modules at the farm but also have the benefits of being based in a beautiful city to access other lectures.
  • Small and friendly cohorts
    Led by industry and research-experienced lecturers who are committed to their own development in the equine industry. 
  • Outside of the lectures
    Trips and visits to various industry sites with access to equine professionals as guest speakers and chances to network.
  • Applying theory to practice
    Examples include behaviour and training - the module includes visits to the stud for practical experience of learning theory.
  • Disseminating new knowledge
    You have the chance to submit your own work to conferences for presentation or posters and to journals for publication.
  • Additional language modules

    Our university-wide language programme is available to full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students on many of our courses, and can be taken as a credit on some courses.

Course details

Course structure

Years 1 and 2 ground you in all aspects of equine science including the study of sports and thoroughbred horses.. The Academic and Professional Skills  module will develop your data manipulation, presentation and IT skills. In Year 2 you have the choice of two modules to enable you to streamline your degree.
 
In Year 2 you will study compulsory modules that deepen your understanding of the relationship between scientific and management principles. These are: 

  • Nutrition
  • Behaviour and training
  • Equine therapies, medicine and veterinary procedures
  • Genetics/Land management 
  • Exercise physiology

At the end of the year you will make an informed choice about where to spend your work placement if you wish to complete one.

In your Final Year you will specialise further by choosing between optional modules. You will also produce a Scientific Project  on a subject of your choice and have the chance to publish this or present aspects of your research at conferences.

Student taking notes

Learning and teaching

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

  • lectures
  • seminars/discussions
  • group projects
  • independent research.

We also organise external visits and run guest lectures. This will help you to stay informed about the latest industry research, and you will also have opportunities to take part in research projects with these businesses.

Assessment

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 are being assessed.

At least 50% of the assessment in all modules is coursework-based. This may include reports, presentations, vivas and the use of IT skills.

Field Trips

Trips are arranged by module leaders to strengthen your learning experience and help you to link theory to practice. Visits in recent years have included Newmarket (Stud and museum),, 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. 

Study modules

Teaching for this course takes place face to face and you can expect around 13 hours of contact time per week.
In addition to this, you should also anticipate a workload of 1,200 hours per year. Teaching usually takes place Monday to Friday, between 9.00am and 4.00pm.

Contact hours involve activities such as lectures, seminars, practicals, assessments, and academic advising sessions. These hours differ by year of study and typically increase significantly during placements or other types of work-based learning.

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

    You'll 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, plus 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, exploring 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 Global Equine Industry

    In this module, you'll explore the history and development of the modern equine and Thoroughbred industries in their national and international context. You'll examine 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 regimes 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'll 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? In this informative module you'll gain an in-depth knowledge of the metabolic processes that occur in a horses’s body. This will help you identify nutritional needs for improving and maintaining the performance of the horse. You'll also learn how to adapt and apply your knowledge to optimise the feeding regimes of horses for their long-term success.

    You'll 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. You'll hone your theoretical knowledge of anatomical, physiological, and biochemical processes of digestion. You'll also 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

    During this module you will Immerse yourself within the evidence-based understanding of the welfare of horses, and the symbiotic relationship between humans and horses. You'll 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. You'll 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. 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. 

  • Equine 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. This will be followed by qualitative and quantitative genetics, where you'll examine 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 also 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. 
     

  • Industry Placement and Personal Development 1 - must be taken with Industry Placement and Personal Development 2

    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

  • Scientific Project

    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. 

  • Equine ethics and welfare

    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. You'll also identify contemporary ethical issues as part of your dissertation project.

  • 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
    • 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.  

  • Equine Sports Analysis

    This module will provide you with an in-depth examination of the resources required, management of and procedures involved in training, and developing and improving the performance of horses. You'll learn to critique and develop an understanding of the current practices and principles of training horses and you'll investigate the equipment and facilities available for training horses. You'll also discuss financing, and you'll examine any current financial issues within the industry.

    Specialist techniques of developing and improving performance will be investigated and evaluated on this module. These include the modern role of sports psychology, and the use of various para-practitioners such as 
    • osteopaths
    • physiotherapists 
    • and bitting experts. 
    You'll look at various national and international governing bodies connected with development of the sport and you'll expore their influence in the development of equestrian sport.

Optional modules

  • Industry Placement and Personal Development 2 - must be taken with Industry Placement and Personal Development 1

    You'll analyse the research relevant to the specific area of the industry that was your base for your placement and apply it to industry practice and professional development.  You'll be  encouraged to identify areas of industry practice unsupported by research and consider how you can improve your understanding of these areas.  You'll develop your reflective skills which are key for your career development and this module provides the skills to reflect both on the practical work experience and your continuing professional development. Also as part of the module you'll practice career management skills by reflecting on your experiences and future aspirations. These are integral elements required to enhance your overall employability. 

  • 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. 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. 

  • Critical Care of the Neonate

    What does it take to ensure a foal arrives safely and healthily into the world? 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 6 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.

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.

Careers

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.

Entry requirements

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: 27

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.

International qualifications and equivalences

How to apply

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
£9,790
Home (UK) part time
£1,220 per single module
Home (UK) sandwich (placement)
£1,905
International full time
£18,250
International sandwich (placement)
£1,905
Home (UK) full time
£10,050
Home (UK) part time
£1,255 per single module
Home (UK) sandwich (placement)
£2,010
International full time
£19,300
International sandwich (placement)
£2,010

Questions about fees?

Contact Student Finance on:

financefees@brookes.ac.uk

Tuition fees

2026 / 27
Home (UK) full time
£9,790
Home (UK) part time
£1,220 per single module
Home (UK) sandwich (placement)
£1,905
International full time
£18,250
International sandwich (placement)
£1,905
2027 / 28
Home (UK) full time
£10,050
Home (UK) part time
£1,255 per single module
Home (UK) sandwich (placement)
£2,010
International full time
£19,300
International sandwich (placement)
£2,010

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.

For further information please see our tuition fees FAQs.

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

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.

Funding your studies

Financial support and scholarships

Featured funding opportunities available for this course.

Oxford Brookes Bursary for students starting 2024-25 or earlier Undergraduate maintenance loans for part-time UK students Undergraduate maintenance loans for full-time UK students Undergraduate tuition fee loans for UK students Oxford Brookes Bursary for Students starting 2025/26 or later 20% Alumni Discount Scheme

All financial support and scholarships

View all funding opportunities for this course

Information from Discover Uni

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.