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
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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.
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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).
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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.
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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.
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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 Work
Video Gallery

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
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