BSc

Equine Science

Key Facts

D322

  • UCAS Tariff

    120 - 104

  • Course duration

    3 years

Further details on entry requirements

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With a long history of teaching equine science and outstanding teaching facilities for this specialist subject area, the Equine Science degree at Aberystwyth University will provide you with a rigorous scientific training with an equine focus. This degree will prepare you for a professional career in the equine industry and its allied services and will equip you with the strong scientific skill set demanded by a wide variety of employers.   

Course Overview

Our Equine Science degree will provide you with a solid grounding in the biological sciences with specialism in horses. This will include topics such as physiology, genetics and metabolism, equine anatomy, equine exercise physiology, equine industry, nutrition and reproductive physiology. At the same time, your scientific training will be augmented with more applied aspects, such as equine management practice. 

Why study Equine Science at Aberystwyth University? 

  • You will have access to superb teaching and research facilities including state-of-the-art labs. 
  • You will be taught by our internationally renowned passionate teaching staff who are experts in their fields for animal science and equine research. 
  • We have superb facilities, including a large equine teaching centre with Olympic size indoor arena, all-weather manège, round pen, horse walker, weigh bridge, solarium, stables and foaling boxes with CCTV, demonstration areas and livery facilities including turnout. 
  • Our equine centre is a British Horse Society (BHS) Approved Training Centre, where you can study for your BHS qualifications.
  • Aberystwyth is located in an outstanding coastal location with miles of unspoiled beaches to gallop upon, just a few miles from the equine centre! 
  • All students on this course will have the opportunity to undertake work experience, international student exchanges, internships, bursaries and training towards BHS exams. 
Our Staff

The majority of teaching staff in the Department of Life Sciences are qualified to PhD level and are research active. Vocational courses also have staff whose background lies within industry. The Department has a large number of research only staff with whom students may have contact.

Modules September start - 2023

Please note: The modules listed below are those currently intended for delivery during the next academic year and may be subject to change. They are included here to give an indication of how the course is structured.

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Biochemistry and the Cellular Basis of Life BR15320 20
Equine Anatomy and Physiology BR10910 10
Equine Exercise Physiology BR11010 10
Exploring Genetics BR14410 10
Molecular Laboratory Skills BR12210 10
Applied Animal Biology BR13320 20
Microbial Diversity BR12110 10
Study and Communication Skills BR12410 10

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Disease Diagnosis and Control BR15420 20
Equine Industry and Study Tour BR15520 20

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Animal Breeding: Genetics and Reproduction BR25220 20
Applied Nutrition of Livestock, Horses and Companion Animals BR20720 20
Equine and Human Exercise Physiology BR21520 20
Research Methods BR27520 20

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Equine Business BR26120 20
Immunology BR22220 20
One Health Microbiology BR26520 20
Veterinary Health BR27120 20

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Behaviour and Welfare of Domesticated Animals BR35120 20
Equine Nutrition and Pasture Management BR35720 20
Equine Stud Management BR32520 20
Research Project BR36440 40

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Equine Marketing and Small Business Management BR34720 20
Veterinary Infectious Diseases BR34120 20

* Also available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh

Careers

The Equine Science degree will prepare you for a wide range of employment opportunities in equine and animal science, research and development, advisory and technical support work, enterprise management and education, in the UK and overseas. In addition, the work placement opportunities available to you will help you gain valuable industry experience. 

 Our graduates are currently pursuing careers in the following: 

  • Research scientist 
  • Working at nutrition companies 
  • Stud manager 
  • Agriculture business 
  • Scientific journalism 
  • Teaching (primary and secondary schools, FE colleges). 

 While studying Equine science, you will develop specialist skills that may include: 

  • an ability to evaluate the nutrition, training and welfare needs of horses 
  • undertaking physiological assessment and monitoring. 

What work experience opportunities exist whilst studying?  

Find out about the various opportunities that our Careers Service offers. 

Enhance your employability prospects with GO Wales and our Year in Employment Scheme. 

Teaching & Learning

What will I learn? 

In the first year you will be introduced to the anatomy and physiology of the horse, and the effects of exercise and training upon specific body systems. You will explore the biology of key functions within livestock, horses and companion animals, including digestion, reproduction, growth and development and lactation. Alongside your equine focus, you will study more generalised biological topics including genetics, metabolism and micro-organisms.  

An optional equine study tour will include visits to a range of different commercial organisations including racing training stables, studs and allied enterprises such as racecourses, and sales. Other enterprises may include veterinary laboratories, veterinary practices or schools, equine sporting events, non-thoroughbred breeding and/or training centres, and auction houses. 

In the second year you will explore topics such as the applied nutrition of horses and livestock, comparative exercise physiology, and mammalian reproductive anatomy and physiology. 

In your final year you will study animal welfare and welfare assessment methods, the scientific principles of equine grassland management, modern reproductive technology and equine stud management. A compulsory research project will allow you to perform in-depth research under the guidance of a supervisor. Your project may be based on laboratory experiments or fieldwork exercises, comprise a computer modelling exercise or involve data analysis. 

How will I be taught? 

You will be taught through a variety of methods including lectures, seminars, workshops, practicals, field visits and lab work. You will receive thorough training in concepts, research and methodology relating to equine science. You will explore this learning in laboratory research and experimentation, as well as hands-on exercises. 

Assessment 

You will be assessed through a range of methods including essays, practical exercises, oral presentations, lab reports, exams, portfolios, reflective diaries, feed analysis and / or rationing exercises, magazine articles, webpages and podcasts. 

Personal Tutor   

You will be assigned a personal tutor who will be your main contact throughout the duration of your studies. Your personal tutor can help you to settle in when you first arrive and will be available to help you with academic or personal matters. 

Student Testimonials

D322 Equine Science, is a tight-knit course involving some of the most enthusiastic and knowledgeable lecturers! The trips that are available to us are fuelled by passion for the equine industry. Modules entwine perfectly; this may seem unlikely at first, but at the end your thirst for knowledge is successfully fulfilled! The fact that the university is located in some of the most beautiful coastal scenery is nothing more than a bonus! Ria Mclean

Studying Equine Science has allowed me to gain an in-depth knowledge of biology whilst also applying what I am learning to the subject area I am interested in and want to base my career around. This specificity of this course also means I am surrounded by people who have similar interests, and we inspire one another to perform to the best of our abilities. Daniel Rutland Barrington

I enjoyed the time I spent in Aberystwyth and quickly found that the Equine Science degree encouraged me to challenge what I already knew about horses. This experience allowed me to gain a strong foundation in equestrian knowledge that I now use to integrate new information gained from continuing professional development.
Jenni - Equine Behaviour and training consultant

I returned to Higher Education as a mature student and have very fond memories of Aber and thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent there. If asked why I chose to study at Aberystwyth I would have to say that it was because of the warm welcome I received at my initial interview and for the excellent learning support facilities available
Elizabeth - Bloodstock Administrator for Tattersalls Ltd, Newmarket

I found the BSc Equine Science course really enjoyable; it offered a good balance between scientific theory and practical knowledge, not just related to horses, but other animals and humans, too. I have no regrets about choosing to study at Aber – it combines great tuition, support and facilities with a fantastic night-life. It’s a small, friendly place with stunning scenery – as a place to study, I’d recommend it to everyone
Melenie - Editorial Assistant, Horse & Rider Magazine

Typical Entry Requirements

UCAS Tariff 120 - 104

A Levels BBB-BCC with B in Biology

GCSE requirements (minimum grade C/4):
English or Welsh and Mathematics

BTEC National Diploma:
DDM-DMM with a specified subject

International Baccalaureate:
30-28 with 5 points in Biology at Higher Level

European Baccalaureate:
75%-65% overall with 7 in Biology

English Language Requirements:
See our Undergraduate English Language Requirements for this course. Pre-sessional English Programmes are also available for students who do not meet our English Language Requirements.

Country Specific Entry Requirements:
International students whose qualification is not listed on this page, can check our Country Specific Entry Requirements for further information.

The University welcomes undergraduate applications from students studying the Access to Higher Education Diploma or T-level qualifications, provided that relevant subject content and learning outcomes are met. We are not able to accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas or T-levels as a general qualification for every undergraduate degree course.
Our inclusive admissions policy values breadth as well as depth of study. Applicants are selected on their own individual merits and offers can vary. If you would like to check the eligibility of your qualifications before submitting an application, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for advice and guidance.

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