BSc

Equine Science

You are viewing this course for September start 2022

Key Facts

D322

  • UCAS Tariff

    120 - 104

  • Course duration

    3 years

Further details on entry requirements

Apply Now

With a long history of teaching equine science and outstanding teaching facilities for this specialist subject area, our degree at Aberystwyth University will allow you to explore horse reproduction including breeding technologies, its nutrition, welfare and care for maximum performance and its management in relation to exercise physiology and health.  

Course Overview

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.
  • The department houses a fantastic equine centre with Olympic size indoor arena, all-weather manège, round pen, horse walker and livery facilities including turnout.
  • Aberystwyth is located in an outstanding coastal location with miles of unspoiled beaches to gallop upon 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.

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.

Modules September start - 2022

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

What opportunities are there for me?

Our alumni 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? 

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 Science 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. 

Course Content

What will I learn?

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

In the first year you will discover:

  • The anatomy and physiology of the horse
  • Key principles of genetics and metabolism
  • The equine industry
  • The effects of exercise and training upon specific body systems

You may also take part in a study tour, this may consist of:

  • Different equine-related organisations
  • Racing training stables
  • Studs
  • Racecourses and sales

Other enterprises examined may include veterinary laboratories, veterinary practices or schools, equine sporting events, non-thoroughbred breeding and/or training centres, and auction houses.

In your second year you will explore:

  • Applied Nutrition of horses
  • Comparative exercise physiology
  • Mammalian reproductive anatomy and physiology
  • Research skills

In the third year you will study:

  • Equine stud management
  • Advanced equine nutrition
  • Digestive disorders
  • Behaviour and welfare

How will I be taught?

We teach our students through 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.

We assess our students through:

  • Essays
  • Practical exercises
  • Oral presentations
  • Exams
  • Lab reports
  • Practical reports
  • Portfolios
  • Reflective diaries
  • Feed analysis and / or rationing exercises
  • Magazine articles
  • Webpages
  • Podcasts

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.

Back to the top