Course modules
Year 1
Academic and Vocational Skills
This module provides students with first-hand experience using a relevant work environment to develop academic, practical and technical skills. Students will be encouraged to record and reflect on their own personal development during the module. The module is fundamental to the ethos of foundation degrees in providing engagement in a work environment and will provide the foundation for further development through study on the ‘Industry Project’ module at level 5.
Anatomy and Physiology of the Horse
The purpose of the module is for students to be able to describe the structure and function of the main body systems of the equine at the gross anatomical, macroscopic and microscopic level. Students will also develop laboratory skills and techniques whilst conducting investigations to increase their knowledge and understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the equine
Business Management
This module introduces key areas of management activity such as human resource management, leadership, marketing and finance to allow students to develop further knowledge and skills to improve future employability in land based industries.
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 Training (Option)
This module aims to develop a practical understanding of a range of training methods and behavioural modification techniques through theory and practical sessions.
Equitation (Option)
A broad overview of equitation within differing equine pursuits. Investigating changes in style throughout history and recent advances in research to help improve horse and rider performance.
Year 2
Breeding and Stud Management
The underlying academic principles and practices of successful breeding programmes and studs are delivered within this module.
Business and Entrepreneurism (Option)
This module will evaluate entrepreneurship and the entrepreneurial process to develop students’ business planning skills. This includes marketing and finance in order to aid the formulation of sustainable and enterprising business plans.
Developing the Horse and Rider (Option)
The module aims to develop empathic relationships between horse and rider whilst reflecting on performance and progress made throughout
Equestrian Coaching and Performance Analysis
Coaching and performance analysis will be investigated both academically and practically. The application of technological aids to help assess performance will be used to further analyse development.
Industry Project
This module applies the practical, technical and personal skills developed in the Work Skills Development. It will utilise a structured work environment for students to identify a suitable project, and work with their supervisor in developing and managing the project and reporting on the outcomes. Students will be encouraged to use the work project to develop professional working relationships and identify their chosen career options.
Management of the Equine Athlete
The underpinning theories of physiology and biomechanics required to develop and maintain the successful equine athlete are delivered in this module.
Research Development (Option)
The aim of this module is to develop the ability of students to undertake investigative research. Students will develop a range of generic research skills which will be useful in the professional context as well as in an academic context. The module will focus upon information-related academic and market research skills, research methodology, data collection techniques, data analysis and writing skills. It will develop the ability to evaluate and apply quantitative and qualitative research methods.
Website Design and Analysis (Option)
Technical skills are developed and applied to the design and development of websites and this is a practical hands –on subject. The theoretical side will cover such issues as emerging marketing / web techniques & technologies and the motivation behind such. The practical side will give you hands-on experience of developing Web pages using these techniques & technologies.
Entry requirements & additional information
- Entry requirements
- Learning and assessment
- Progression
- Careers
- Professional accreditations
- Special requirements
Entry requirements
5 GCSE passes at Grade C (4) or above (including Maths and English or equivalent)
Plus 48 UCAS Tariff points from one or more of the following:
· 2 A-levels (A2), at least one at C or above
· BTEC/C&G Level 3
· 2 Scottish Highers at C or above
· 3 Irish Highers at C or above
· International Baccalaureate at 24 points
· NVQ Level 3 in a relevant discipline
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 presentations, individual study projects, case studies based on work experience and practical assessments.
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, British Society of Animal Science annual conference, British Thoroughbred Rehabilitation Centre, many elite athletes have opened their yards to Myerscough student visits. Guest speakers often visit and include industry experts in areas such as equine reproduction, nutrition, training and behaviour, coaching, elite equestrian athletes.
What work experience can I get?
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
For students completing the Foundation Degree with pass or above, the opportunity exists to progress to the final year of the BSc (Hons) Equine Science degree. Students will need to select the research development option in year two to be eligible for the top-up.
Careers
The course prepares students for management level careers in many areas of the equine industry. These include:
Independent Business Owner
Consultant
Sales
Equine Journalism/Insurance
Bloodstock Agents
Stud Managers
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, through all years of the course. Morning and evening yard duties are timetabled between 9am and 5pm. Weekend yard duties are carried out on a rota basis.
2 Equipment and/or Clothing: suitable clothing for yard duties. If riding – riding hat to current standards (PAS015, ASTM F1163; SNELL E2001), riding boots, gloves, jodhpurs plus schooling and jumping whip and body protector for jumping lessons.
Extra Costs:
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
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Myerscough to welcome return of second Olympic Dressage legend
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Myerscough College to welcome return of Olympic Dressage legend
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Equine degree research presented at national conference
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