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BSc (Hons) Equine Science

BSc (Hons) Equine Science

About the course

The course is delivered at University Centre Myerscough and awarded by the University of Central Lancashire. Our Bachelor of Science (BSc Honours) ensures that you develop skills and knowledge of the fundamental areas of equine science, whilst offering optional and elective modules to personalise your chosen route of study. You will be prepared to enter careers in areas such as research and development, welfare, breeding, nutrition and therapy. This degree allows you to understand and apply new and existing scientific principles to the management and development of the horse.

The defining element of the honours degree is the research project, where you conduct independent research on a chosen subject. Our equine undergraduate research students produce outstandingly high quality research, with many able to present their research on a national or international platform.

Based at our Preston campus with its renowned International Equine Arena, you will be putting theory into practice working with the college horses within the centre’s excellent facilities. You will benefit from our industry links for trips and guest speakers, and may also have opportunities to benefit from external research collaborations. You may progress to one of our MSc programmes to further enhance your research and specialism.

As a Myerscough equine degree student, you will benefit from individualised support within a welcoming culture, ensuring that you follow in the footsteps of our previous students with their outstanding high achievements and excellent student satisfaction.

Applicants are invited to top-up from a relevant Foundation Degree or HND into the final year of the BSc (Honours) course and will need to demonstrate skills in research methods at Level 5 to enable you to progress smoothly onto the programme. Those applicants whose previous programme of study has not covered research skills at the appropriate level will be asked to complete a bridging module "Research Methods", which may be taken during the summer prior to entry onto the course.

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Course modules

Year 1

Academic and Professional Skills

This module develops the students’ key academic, professional and transferable skills in order to help the transition from further to higher education; from more dependent to more independent modes of learning.

Elective

Students can select from a range of modules, which may include Equitation, Business Management, Equine Training (subject to timetable restrictions).

Equine Behaviour (Option)

This module aims to develop an understanding of equine behaviour and methods through which to measure and modify behaviour.

Equine Biology

This module develops understanding of the biological principles focusing on anatomy and physiology of the horse.

Equine Management (Double module)

This module aims to increase the student’s ability practically around the horse, whilst delving deeper into the research surrounding the overall care. The module will prepare students to work safely around the college horse to ensure they can work independently with the horses within other modules.

Equine Therapy (Option)

This module builds an understanding of the types of injuries that the horse may be susceptible to and the therapeutic and rehabilitation techniques currently practised.

Year 2

Elective

Students can select from a range of modules, which may include Breeding and Stud Management, Industry Project, Business and Entrepreneurship, and Developing the Horse and Rider (subject to timetable restrictions).

Equine Biomechanics

The specific aims are to understand the relationship between equine anatomy and movement, and soundness and performance; and to develop understanding and practical skills in the methodologies for measuring biomechanical parameters.

Equine Exercise Physiology (Option)

This module gives students understanding of the mechanisms of energy metabolism and physiological adaptations of the horse to exercise and training and means of monitoring performance.

Equine Nutrition

The module aims are to build on knowledge gained within the equine biology module, to develop knowledge of nutritional requirements in a wide variety of horses, recognise the significance of poor ration formulation within the industry and the environmental management of arable crops.

Ethics of the Horse Industry (Option)

This module builds on a basic understanding of animal training and behaviour to enable the student to evaluate ethical issues surrounding current practices within the horse industry.

Professional Practice and Consultancy for the Equine Sector

This module aims to develop an awareness of ethical concepts relevant to equine business. The module will develop the ability, competence and confidence to market consultancy services and develop a professional image by communicating and negotiating with potential clients within the equine sector.

Research Methods

Experimental design and data analysis are core themes in this module. It will introduce concepts of statistical testing and further develop skills in presenting and interpreting results of scientific investigations. The module will give students vital skills in formulating research questions and designing an effective experiment.

Year 3

Advances in Animal Science and Technology

This module examines advances in the development of knowledge and technologies applied to animal science industries.

Developments in Equine Nutrition (1.5 module Option)

The student will critically analyse and evaluate the interface between nutrition in a variety of complex settings within the equine industry including rehabilitation and performance.

Developments in Equine Reproduction (1.5 module Option)

This module aims for the student to be able to critically review and evaluate the impact of advances in equine reproduction.

Manipulation of the Equine for Performance (1.5 module)

This module consolidates most areas of previous learning to encourage the students to consider the morality of humans’ treatment of performance horses. The specific aim of the module is to critically review current practices that are applied through humans’ use of the performance horse.

Research Project (Double module)

Students will be given the opportunity to design and carryout a piece of investigative research into a topic that interests them. This will allow them to demonstrate the skills that they have developed throughout the course including the abilities to design an original investigation, to work independently, and to produce a coherent and critical report.

Entry requirements & additional information

Entry requirements

5 GCSE passes at Grade C (4) or above (including Maths and English or equivalent)

Plus 104 UCAS Tariff points from one or more of the following:

· 3 A-levels (A2) at C or above

· BTEC/C&G Level 3

· 4 Scottish Highers at C or above

· 4 Irish Highers at C or above

· International Baccalaureate at 24 points

AS levels, BTEC Subsidiary Diploma and Scottish Intermediate 2s may be used to contribute to entry requirements but they are not sufficient for entry on their own. Alternative equivalent qualifications will also be considered positively.

Applicants who believe they may be eligible for Accreditation of Prior Certificated and/or Experiential Learning (APCL/APEL) for certain modules will be considered on an individual basis.

Applicants for whom English is a second language must be able to demonstrate proof of International English Language Testing System (IELTS) at level 6.0 (with no component score lower than 5.5) or equivalent.

All offers may be subject to successful interview.

Please note there is a maximum weight limit of 14.5 stone for the riding modules.

Learning and assessment

Learning Environment:

This course makes the most of the extensive equestrian facilities on site including a wide range of horses, large indoor and outdoor arenas and up-to-date specialist therapy and research equipment. Students will also have access to specialist IT hardware and software. Learning activities on the course are diverse, including lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops. Students will be expected to undertake extensive independent study and research to support lectures, seminars and assessments. Group work and group presentations will form an important part of the course.

Assessment:

Students will face a variety of assessments including examinations, essays, technical reports, group and individual work, presentations, practical assessments, individual study projects and case studies.

Additional Information:

Study trips are organised to supplement the learning in specific modules. Examples include, Twemlowes AI and Embryo Transfer Centre, Newmarket, Northern Equine Therapy Centre, Sync Equine, British Society of Animal Science annual conference, Thoroughbred Rehabilitation Centre, many elite athletes have opened their yards to Myerscough student visits. Enrichment trips have included Horse of the Year Show, ladies day at Aintree and Badminton Horse Trails. Guest speakers often visit and include industry experts in areas such as equine reproduction, nutrition, training and behaviour, coaching and elite equestrian athletes. Students are encouraged and supported to showcase their research projects at national and international conferences, including the International Society for Equitation Science and the European Federation of Animal Practitioners.

What work experience can I get?

Through core modules and electives students will gain hands on experience in a variety of scenarios to build skills that can be used in a working environment.

There is no formal work placement on this course. The Academic and Vocational Skills and Industry Project modules will utilise both on and off site working environments to provide the opportunity for students to develop real practical and technical skills and help prepare them for employment in their chosen subject area.

Progression

On successful completion of the course, students may apply for MSc degrees.

Careers

Graduates will be in a position to apply for posts available in the equine industry (and other related industries) including:

Equine or animal research

Nutritionists

Consultants

Bloodstock agents

Equine insurance

Lecturers

Equine journalism

Veterinary Drugs Representative

Professional accreditations

During their course of study students are encouraged to study for the appropriate British Horse Society Stage qualification. Training for Stages I, II and III as well as Preliminary Teaching Test is offered on site as an additional part-time course subject to additional fees and application.

Special requirements

1 Morning, Evening and Weekend Duties: will be required on the College Yard during the first year of the course. Morning and evening yard duties are timetabled between 9am and 5pm. Weekend yard duties are carried out on a rota basis, usually comprising of 4 – 6 weekends spread throughout the year.

2 Equipment and/or Clothing: Riding hat to current standards (PAS105, ASTMF1163; SNELL E2001), riding boots, gloves, jodhpurs plus schooling and jumping whip and body protector subject to current standards for jumping lessons (if riding).

Additional costs for items that are essential for the course include:

· £100 - If riding: Jodhpur boots, long leather or riding boots

· £90 - Jodhpurs (plain navy or black), riding hat, hair net, gloves

· £10 - Laboratory coat

· £80 - College polo shirt, sweatshirt and Jacket (or plain navy or black)

· £30 - Strong boots or wellingtons for yard work

Additional costs for opportunities and items that are optional for the course include:

· £33 - College padded Gillet

· £25 - College rugby shirt

· £400 - Field trips and visits (including possible overseas trips)

· £70 - If jumping; Body protector

· £75 - If riding: Long & short whip, non-suede gaiters, white shirt and tie

· £22 - Waterproof trousers

Latest news, Equine studies

University Centre Myerscough, St Michael's Road, Bilsborrow, Preston, PR3 0RY

For all enquiries please see our contact page or call 01995 642222.

UK Provider Registration Number: 10004478