Equine Science (with integrated year in industry)

Why study Equine Science at Aberystwyth University?

• The syllabus of this course with the integrated year in industry is identical to its sister course BSc Equine Science (D322). Your work experience must be relevant to this degree and the year is assessed which will count towards your final degree grade.
• Students will have to organise their work experience under the guidance of our Director for Employability. There is no guarantee that the work experience will be paid. (If you cannot obtain a placement, then you must transfer to its sister course BSc Equine Science D322).
• During your year in work experience, you will pay a discounted tuition fee of which the information can be found here.
• Superb teaching and research facilities including state of the art labs.
• Internationally renowned passionate teaching staff who are experts in their fields for animal science and equine research.
• A fantastic equine centre with Olympic size indoor arena, all-weather manège, round pen, horse walker and livery facilities including turnout.
• Opportunities for work experience, foreign exchanges, internships, bursaries and training towards BHS exams.
• A modern equine facility providing livery, competition and educational resources.

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 Science;

• Working at nutrition companies;

• Stud management;

• Agriculture Business;

• Scientific journalism;

• Teaching (primary and secondary schools, FE colleges).

Studying Equine science, you will develop specialist skills may include:

• Ability to evaluate the nutrition, training and welfare needs of horses;

• Undertake physiological assessment and monitoring.

Your year in industry:

In the 2016 Highflyers reports, 32% of graduate vacancies are taken by those who have previously worked for a company on a placement or/ a internship.  Make no mistake, you will develop confidence and gaining experience in the industry will stimulate your enthusiasm for the subject.

Completing a year in industry will allow you to:

• Apply the learning from your course to the work environment;
• Make industry contacts;
• Develop practical skills related to your area of study;
• Apply your practical skills and technical knowledge after returning to study;
• Enhance your CV and better prepare yourself for a job after graduating;

Students on this scheme should note that the department institute does not have automatic placements for every applicant. You will be responsible for finding securing the work experience, however, you will have the assistance of our institute Work Experience Coordinator and our dedicated careers advisor (James Cuffe, jpc11@aber.ac.uk). If you fail to find work experience you will be able to convert your course to the three-year version of your subject.

What will I learn?

The breakdown below will provide you with an illustration of what you may study during the four 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 your third year you will undertake your work experience placement in an industry that is relevant to your course. Failure to secure your work experience for this year, students will be able to transfer to its sister course D322. 

In the final year you may 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.

More information:

The University's scientific community and the Institute's supportive staff will greatly assist you in your equine training. You will also benefit from the many opportunities within the institute and the university to develop your theoretical and practical expertise so that, upon graduation, you are perfectly positioned for the next stage of your career.

You will be assigned a personal tutor throughout your degree course, who will help you with any problems or queries, whether these are academic-related or personal issues. You should feel free to contact them at any time for help and advice.

You will also have the opportunity to complete a Personal Development Plan (PDP) at Aberystwyth. This is a structured process of self-appraisal, reflection, and planning, which will enable you to chart your personal, academic and professional development throughout your time at university. By recording your academic performance, and highlighting the skills you already have and those you will need for future employability, the PDP portfolio will equip you with the necessary tools to plan effectively, develop successful approaches to study, and consider your future career options and aspirations.