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Equine Science BSc (Hons)

Course code: P06697

Subject area: Equine Science BSc (Hons)

Study level: Undergraduate

Course level: H

Course details

Course time:

09:30 - 20:00

Days of week:

Mondays & Tuesdays

Course date:

22nd Sept 2025 - 16th May 2028

Course location:

Oxford Brookes University

Contact details

Email:

Phone:

This degree gives you a thorough scientific understanding of the subject area, knowledge of the equine industry, and the scope to develop business and management skills. The majority of teaching on this course is carried out at Oxford Brookes, with 1 module in year 1 based at Abingdon & Witney College's commercially run thoroughbred stud at Common Leys, Witney, where you can apply your classroom learning. You also attend one module at Witney College campus.

You will go on trips to research centres, studs, racecourses and sales, enabling you to see how the industry works and preparing you for future employment. Respected industry figures also deliver guest lectures. The combination of modules from across equine, life sciences and business subject areas allows students to graduate with a combination of scientific literacy and management skills.

This is typically a 3-year degree with the option to add a placement year to gain additional industry experience to complement your academic studies.

The course provides a flexible approach that will enable students to apply theoretical knowledge to their work within the Equine industry. Students will typically attend approximately 12 hours of lectures a week and are required to spend additional time independently on self-directed study.

You will experience lectures, laboratory-based activities, seminars, peer and self-assessment, online resources and tutorial support. Trips and guest speakers from the industry help strengthen links to the workplace and development of skills for employment.

Staff involved with the delivery, teaching and assessment of the course have a range of industry experience and academic skills and a keen involvement within research.

This course is validated by Oxford Brookes University. Applications are made via UCAS - code D322.

Course units
Year 1:

The Practising Scientist

Equine Anatomy and Physiology

Equine Business

The International Equine and Thoroughbred Racing Industry

Equine Behaviour and cognition

Applied Equine Health

Year 2:

Compulsory modules:

Research Methods

Equestrian Land and Resource Management 1

Equine Medicine and Veterinary Techniques

Equine Nutrition

Exercise Physiology

Equitation Science

Optional Modules:

Equestrian Event and Racecourse Management

Genetics

Year 3:

Compulsory modules:

Dissertation

Epidemiology

Behavioural Science and Psychology

Ethics for Racing and Sports Horses

Advanced development for the racing and performance equine athlete

Applied Equine Rehabilitation

Optional Modules:

Equestrian Land and Resource Management 2

Equestrian Event and Racecourse Management

Genetics

Industry Placement and Personal Development 1 and 2

What next?
There is a range of employment opportunities for our graduates, and specialisation in your final year can help to determine your professional area.

Graduates of this Equine Science degree are equipped with an up-to-date understanding of scientific principles and management theories as well as the skills to implement them, whether progressing into employment within the equine industry or elsewhere.

Recent graduates have gained positions in research, 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.

Entry criteria
GCSE Mathematics, English Language and Double Integrated Science (or equivalent) at grade 4/C or above.

Typical offers are A Level grades BBC or equivalent to 112 UCAS tariff points (new tariff). Equivalent grades in other recognised qualifications (such as BTEC Nationals, City & Guilds, Advanced Technical Extended Diploma, or Scottish qualifications).

Practical equine experience is desirable but not a pre-requisite for entry. Mature students with relevant experience are welcomed as a positive addition to the course. Higher National Diploma and Foundation Degree routes into the course are also available.

If you do not have a science A Level, we encourage you to consider one of our foundation degrees.

English Language Requirements (For students whose first language is not English): IELTS 6.0 (with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking).

We include students with disabilities and/or learning difficulties into the life of the College and seek to offer opportunities for success in all courses at all levels. If you have any particular requirements, please contact our Learner Support Adviser on 01235 216440.

Fee information
Home students £9,250 per year. £1,155 per single Module.

International students £16,900 per year.

All fees are payable to Oxford Brookes University at enrolment. For further information, see also the Oxford Brookes University website: www.brookes.ac.uk

Students are required to have their own personal protective equipment for handling horses, and if this is not already owned then it will need to be acquired; riding hat, gloves, riding boots, yard boots. Students are required to purchase these independently and these items can be found in most country stores or equestrian tack shops.

All learning resources are available in the University library and online, but students may wish to purchase their own specific textbooks. Prices range from £25-250.

Students will need to budget for transport costs between sites. Typically, lectures, seminars workshops and practicals take place face to face at Oxford Brookes, in Year 1 students travel to Common Leys Farm Campus once a week, students living in Oxford will need to make their own way to Witney; there is a good public bus route. There is a free shuttle bus between the Witney and Common Leys college campuses so students wont need to pay for this part of their journey.

You can also find information on our fees and on Student Finance at www.abingdon-witney.ac.uk/support/fees-bursaries. Please note tuition fees may increase in subsequent years both for new and continuing students in line with an inflationary amount determined by the University and all college partners.

As part of your course we may organise trips to assist you with your learning. Trips are optional, and you will not be penalised if you choose not to participate.

There are bursaries available to help you with other course costs. Call 01235 216 212 for more information.

The rules on fee reduction are complicated and we would encourage you to talk to our Admissions staff on 01235 555

Course fees

19+ Fee:

Tuition Fee: £0.00

Exam Fee: £0.00

Total Cost: £0.00

Qualifications received
BSc (Hons) Equine Science. Awarded by Oxford Brookes University.
Learning & method assessment
There are many different methods of learning on this course. The teaching is a combination of theory and student centred activities where formative feedback is provided to support elements of the assessment.

Modules are assessed in most cases by a mix of coursework and examinations. Coursework will include a range of assessment methods, for example: essays, report writing, presentations, and practical observations. Examinations include short and long answer questions, multiple choice questions, and case studies.

Formal assignments will be returned to students within three weeks of the submission date.