Equine and Veterinary Bioscience

Why study Equine and Veterinary Biosciences at Aberystwyth University?

·         Superb teaching and research facilities including modern labs

·         Over 100ha of farmland, an equine centre

·         An advanced microscopy and bio-imaging laboratory

·         Internationally renowned passionate teaching staff who are experts in their fields

·         A fantastic equine centre with Olympic size indoor arena, all-weather manège, round pen, horse walker and livery facilities

·         A stunning coastal location with miles of unspoiled beaches to gallop upon a few miles from the equine centre!

·         Opportunities for work experience, foreign exchanges, internships, bursaries and training towards BHS exams all within a multi-award winning Institute environment

International opportunities

If you’re feeling adventurous, why not take the chance to study abroad during your degree? We have exchange agreements with universities in Europe, USA, and elsewhere, so you can apply to spend all or part of your 2nd year studying veterinary biosciences overseas. You will miss Aberystwyth, but you’ll love the new perspectives that international study can bring!

Want to study in Welsh?

Students can elect to study a number of IBERS modules in the medium of Welsh. Check out the module tab for more information!

Our Staff

The majority of teaching staff at the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences are qualified to PhD level and are research active. Vocational courses also have staff whose background lies within industry.  The Institute has a large number of research only staff with whom students may have contact.

What opportunities are there for me?

Our alumni are currently in these following fields:

• Research Scientist;
• Working at nutrition companies;
• Pharmaceuticals;
• Progression to MSc and PhD postgraduate study.

Studying Equine science, you will develop specialist skills including:

• Ability to evaluate the physiological needs of a range of species in health and disease, with a special emphasis on the horse.

More information:

What work experience opportunities exist whilst studying? 

Click here to find out about the various opportunities that our Aberystwyth University Careers team offer. 

Enhance your employability prospects with GO Wales and YES (Year in Employment Scheme) managed by our Careers department. 

As a specialist branch of Zoology, your BSc in Equine and Veterinary Bioscience opens up a range of exciting opportunities for employment and further training. In addition, the work placement opportunities available to you will help you gain valuable industry experience

If you are interested in the biology that underpins the health and welfare of the horse and range of other animals, then Equine and Veterinary Bioscience is for you. Here’s why we think Aberystwyth is the very best place to make your journey of discovery.

The breakdown below will provide you with an illustration of what you may study during the three year degree scheme.

What will I be taught?

You may investigate the subject from both clinical and welfare perspectives through to the latest developments in animal biotechnology, bioethics and infectious diseases. A detailed course structure can be found by clicking the tab 'course content'. Example subject areas include:

• Anatomy and physiology
• Principles of genetics and metabolism
• Equine exercise physiology
• Management of the performance horse
• Equine study tour
• Principles veterinary science
• Animal behaviour and welfare
• Nutrition
• Equine stud management
• Applied veterinary science
• Veterinary drugs and veterinary infectious diseases

How will I be taught?

This course will be delivered through a balanced programme of lectures, seminars, workshops, practicals, field visits, and lab work. You will have an opportunity to develop an understudy of concepts, research and methodology relating to equine and veterinary bioscience. You will explore this learning in laboratory research and experimentation, as well as hands-on exercises. You may also participate in a study tour, which will cover a range of different equine-related organizations and may include racing training stables, studs, racecourses and veterinary hospitals.

You’ll be taught by expert scientists, with an international reputation, who conduct research in a wide range of equine and animal science areas. Our lecturers are passionate teachers too, with years of experience of communicating the science of the horse and other animals.