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Equine Sports Science BSc (Hons)

  • Level(s) of Study: Undergraduate
  • UCAS Code(s): DC36 / DC37
  • Start Date(s): September 2023
  • Duration: Three years full-time or four years with placement
  • Study Mode(s): Full-time / Sandwich
  • Campus: Brackenhurst Campus
  • Entry Requirements:
    More information

Introduction:

This course will give you a sound knowledge and understanding of the physiological principles of equine sports science, and enable you to relate them to different equestrian disciplines. It is specifically designed for students wishing to further their knowledge of the science behind the production, management and training of performance horses, and will develop their practical application of key scientific principles.

You'll be based at our Brackenhurst Campus where you'll benefit from our extensive Equestrian Centre. Throughout the course you'll use the centre to gain the practical and research skills needed for careers in the equine industry. We also offer student livery at the centre.

  • 90% of our BSc (Hons) Equine Sports Science graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of finishing their degrees (of those available for work or study, latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020/21).
  • You can spend six months on international exchange with a partner university in Australia or Canada during your second year of study. The equine team have close links with the University of Guelph, Canada.
  • Your course complements study towards the internationally recognised British Horse Society (BHS) examinations and United Kingdom Coaching Certificate (UKCC). We also offer sport scholarships to elite athletes across a range of sports, including high-level riders.
  • We're ranked first in the UK for teaching quality in Animal Science courses (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024).

What you’ll study

Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves

Our current students and recent graduates tell you all about their time at NTU and what they've gone on to do next.

Student Profiles

Adam Channer

Equine Sports Science / Equine Science

The Equine Sports Science course has a bit of something for everyone, and such a great range of modules and teaching staff.

Lizzie Baugh

Equine Sports Science / Equine Science

It’s a fantastic course which covers a wide variety of topics which can then be applied on a practical level.

Imaan Rasul-Healer

Equine Sports Science / Equine Science

The course is really great, especially because of the smaller class size which means you have a better relationship with other students and staff

Abbi McGlennon

Equine Sports Science / Equine Science

This course is always keeping up to date with recent research and events, which keeps it interesting and relevant whilst still teaching the core elements.

Jack Tacey

Equine Sports Science / Equine Science

The whole idea of working on something that nobody has ever researched before speaks to my curious nature. I can’t recommend it enough!

Aleksandra Dimitrova

Equine Sports Science / Equine Science

My favourite part of the course has been hearing from guest lecturers. It is always good to hear advice from someone who is experienced in the industry.

Video Gallery

Learn more about our equine science courses here at NTU and see how the subject is empowering women to pursue a career in STEM and further scientific knowledge. You can also take a tour of our facilities and watch an online taster session.
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Staff Profiles

Sarah Upton - Senior Lecturer

School of Animal Rural & Environmental Sciences

Dr Upton (née Redgate) is the Course Leader for the MSc in Equine Performance, Health and Welfare; MRes Equine Health and Welfare and MRes Equine Performance.

Cassie White - School Employability Manager

School of Animal Rural & Environmental Sciences

Cassie White lectures on the undergraduate and post graduate equine courses and acts as module leader for the Diploma and Certificate in Professional Practice across the Undergraduate provision for the

Lauren Birkbeck - Principal Lecturer

School of Animal Rural & Environmental Sciences

Lauren Birkbeck is the Course Leader for the BSc (Hons) Equine Sports Science programme. She holds an Honours degree in Equine Sports Science, a Masters by Research degree in Sport

Careers and employability

Your future career

Graduates from this course are well-placed to take up a variety of careers within the equine sports industry, in nutrition, veterinary-related, the racing industry and equine charities.

90% of our BSc (Hons) Equine Sports Science graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of finishing their degrees
(of those available for work or study, latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020/21).

Our graduates work for companies such as:

  • the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA)
  • The Jockey Club
  • Newmarket Equine Hospital

Some have also gone on to secure places on the prestigious British Horse Racing Authority Graduate Development Programme. You could also progress on to postgraduate study.

Excellent placement opportunities

You will have the option to take a year's placement in industry.

Why undertake a placement?

  • You will gain vital experience in a vocational position.
  • It will boost your CV and build useful contacts for your future career.
  • There are some exciting and challenging opportunities available within organisations such as Kentucky Equine Research, and Sydney, Edinburgh and Liverpool Universities.
  • You will also have the opportunity to carry out research for your final year dissertation.
  • Your placement opportunity may lead to a supplementary Certificate or Diploma in Professional Studies.

Students have gained valuable experience through recent placements such as:

  • Australian Equine Behaviour Centre (Andrew McLean)
  • Bellerive Stud, Australia
  • Bennett Equine Sport Rehabilitation
  • Fittocks Stud Newmarket
  • Hartstone Equestrian Ltd
  • Pakiri Beach Horse Riding, New Zealand

NTU Enterprise

You'll also have the opportunity to turn your ideas into a viable business with help from NTU Enterprise, NTU's purpose-built Centre for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, a support centre to help students create, develop and grow their own businesses.

Campus and facilities

How to apply

Ready to join us? Then apply as soon as you can. Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the instructions for applying. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.

Writing your application and personal statement

Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. So include all of your qualifications and grades, including resits or predicted grades.

Your personal statement is a really important part of your application. It’s your chance to convince us why we should offer you a place! You’ve got 4,000 characters to impress us. Make sure you use them to show how your skills and qualities are relevant to the course(s) you’re applying for. For more hints and tips, take a look at our page on how to write a good personal statement.

Keeping up-to-date

After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU on our Your Application page. Good luck with your application!

Getting in touch

If you need any more help or information, please email our Admissions Team or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200.

You can apply for this course through UCAS. If you are not applying to any other UK universities, you can apply directly to us on our NTU applicant portal.

Application advice

Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example.  After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

Writing your personal statement

Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:

Advice on writing a good personal statement

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

The University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.

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