This course reflects the growing awareness of the need to develop a greater understanding of equine behaviour. This course covers all areas of equine behaviour, health and welfare, offering an extensive range of subjects from anatomy and physiology to equitation science. The course will help you build the fundamental knowledge of behaviour and physiology – as well as the laboratory skills – needed to optimise the welfare of horses in our care, allowing them to thrive and perform as required in industry.
If you have any questions about our Equine Science course, you can now chat to our experienced lecturers and course leaders through Unibuddy.
Why choose this course?
- 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.
- You'll benefit from regular lectures and demonstrations from equine industry guest speakers and professionals.
- We offer sport scholarships to elite athletes across a range of sports, including high-level riders.
- Your course complements study towards the internationally recognised British Horse Society (BHS) examinations and United Kingdom Coaching Certificate (UKCC).
- You'll get the opportunity to take part in field trips to a range of equestrian and research establishments.
- 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.
- We run a Rider / Groom's Academy for all students across further and higher education to support talented riders and grooms to realise their potential whilst continuing their academic studies.
- We also have an optional international equine management module which runs as a ten day field course in Switzerland based at the Swiss National Stud. The field course covers the anatomical and physiological basis of equine reproduction and evaluates the variation of worldwide management practices, due to sport and local environmental factors both in a general and breeding related context.
What you'll study
Your learning will be based upon equine behaviour, health and welfare, including the anatomy and physiology of the horse, and equitation science. You'll develop your knowledge in specialist areas including:
- equine learning and cognition
- behavioural analysis
- disease and diagnostics
- optimising equine welfare
- therapeutic use of horses
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Year One
Mammalian Anatomy and Physiology
Study the fundamental biological systems of mammals, and how these work together to maintain homeostasis.
Equine Behaviour and Welfare
Explore the roles that evolution and domestication have played in the development of innate and learnt equine behaviour. Assess the consequences of a variety of current approaches to horse management on behaviour and welfare.
Academic, Research and Professional Skills
Develop the practical, technical and communication skills required for the application of science to the equestrian industry.
Science of Equitation
Investigate and apply the science behind the riding and training of horses, whilst developing the horsemanship skills required by industry.
Equine Management and Health
Study the veterinary science of horse health, and practically apply these principles to the management of the horse.
Equine Nutrition
Learn how to apply the fundamental science of nutrition to equine feeding practices. Consider how discipline and sustainability of food sources influence nutritional management around the world.
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Year Two
Applied Exercise Physiology
Investigate the physiological responses to exercise and training in the equine and human athlete, developing your understanding of the demands of equestrian sports
Research Methods for Animal Sciences
Explore research principles as applicable to animal science, and use these to plan and execute a small group research project.
Equine Learning and Cognition
Discuss the various approaches to horse management and training and the biological basis of learning. You’ll also look at the neural adaptations that occur in relation to different types of learning and memory.
Assessing and Optimising Welfare
This module will give you an understanding of equine welfare issues, including behavioural, health and physiological factors. You’ll also evaluate current national and international research addressing optimisation of equine welfare, and look at product design and development.
Reproduction, Breeding and Genetics
Study the physiological basis of equine reproduction, and evaluate the veterinary and stud management practices and technologies used to support the selection and breeding of performance horses.
Human Animal Interaction
Discuss ideas and findings in human, equine and sports psychology and use these to design appropriate therapeutic uses of the horse. The module will also introduce you to the use of animals in a wide range of human therapies and how they can aid different areas of personal development.
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Year Three
- This is a placement year for students on the four year course.
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Final year
Dissertation
Carry out an original investigation into a topic area of your choice – plan, execute and analyse your project, demonstrating critical independent thought and key project management skills.
Emerging Issues and Ethics
Investigate and examine emerging welfare and performance issues related to the equestrian industry worldwide, and critically consider these using established ethical philosophies.
Equine Disease and Diagnostics
Understand equine diseases in regional and global context, and develop practical ability in laboratory and non-laboratory procedures used in industry and veterinary science
The Sustainable Equine
Recognise and explain developments in research that influence emerging advances for sustainability in equids. You’ll also critically evaluate current international issues relating to sustainability in the equine industry.
Advances in Equitation Science
Study the practical aspects of applying equitation science in the equine industry. You’ll look at key areas of interest and determine and develop key areas for change.
How you’re taught
You’ll learn through a combination of lectures, seminars, group discussion and practical work. Throughout the course, you’ll also hear from external industry professionals through guest lectures and visits to a range of equestrian and research establishments.
Assessment methods
Year 1 coursework (59%), written (33%) and practical (8%).
Year 2 coursework (67%), written (33%)
Year 3 coursework (83%), written (17%)
Contact hours
A full-time student on average can expect to spend 1200 hours a year learning which will typically be broken down as follows:
- Year 1 lectures/seminars/workshops (26%), independent study (74%)
- Year 2 lectures/seminars/workshops (26%), independent study (74%)
- Year 3 lectures/seminars/workshops (20%), independent study (80%)
A placement year may be taken between year 2 and year 3 of study.
96% students would agree the staff are good at explaining things (School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, NSS 2020)
Staff profiles
Careers and employability
Your career development
Upon graduation you'll be equipped to enter a variety of careers. Our graduates have entered fields as diverse as nutrition, veterinary-related roles, equine behaviour retraining, equine assisted therapy and equine charities.
Our students have gone on to work for companies such as:
- the Irish equine Aqua Centre
- the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA)
- Newmarket Equine Hospital
Some students have continued on to postgraduate study in equine and animal subjects, or embarked on second degrees in physiotherapy-related degrees.
Excellent placement opportunities
You'll be encouraged and supported to gain relevant industry experience at appropriate organisations throughout the course. Our students have previously been based at places such as behaviour clinics, rehabilitation and retraining centres in the thoroughbred industry in countries such as Australia, New Zealand, the USA and the UK.
Students have carried out placements at companies 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
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.
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Student undertaking rider research -
Student using anatomical markers -
Student bandaging horse -
Student undertaking equine research -
Studying horse anatomy -
Student jumping with horse -
Student using mechanical horse
Facilities
Study on an equne course at NTU and you'll have access to our extensive Equestrian Centre. The centre is also used by various organisations including local pony clubs and the Great Britain eventing team (senior and junior).
Throughout your course you'll use the Equestrian Centre to gain the practical and research skills needed for careers in the equine industry.
The centre is a British Horse Society (BHS) approved training and livery establishment and also holds a full local authority riding school licence.
Facilities include:
- a range of stabling types for comparative study, including social housing and combi barns pioneered by NTU
- international-size indoor and outdoor riding arenas
- a horse walker
- a Racewood equestrian simulator
- a 40 x 20 research arena surrounded by a 7-foot fence to allow loose schooling
- observation holes in the fence, allowing you to observe horses from outside the arena
Our horses
There are approximately 30 horses at the Equestrian Centre, including school masters, competition horses, and youngsters. The horses are available for:
- riding instruction
- coaching
- stable management
- research.
Student livery
We offer a limited DIY student livery. For more information please contact Zoe Cobb via email.
Our Brackenhurst Campus Equestrian Centre is home to a British Horse Society (BHS) approved training and livery establishment.
Entry requirements
What are we looking for?
- A-levels – BBC, including a Science subject; or
- BTEC Extended Diploma – DMM, including relevant Science modules; or
- City & Guilds Level 3 Extended Diploma - DMM, including relevant Science modules
- 112 UCAS Tariff points from three A-levels or equivalent qualifications, including an A-level equivalent in a Science subject; and
- GCSEs – English and Maths grade C / 4.
For this course we accept the following Science subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Human Biology and Psychology.
Applicants without A-levels will have their applications assessed for subject compatibility.
Other qualifications and experience
We consider equivalent qualifications and combinations, please see UCAS course search for details and use our calculator to help you work out how many UCAS points your qualifications relate to.
We may also consider credits achieved at other universities and your work/life experience through an assessment of prior learning. This may be for year one entry, or beyond the beginning of a course where applicable, for example, into year 2. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route.
Contextual offers
As well as assessing your application and qualifications, we use contextual data and information to make offers for this course. Depending on your circumstances, we may make you an offer up to two grades below the standard entry criteria. Find out how we assess your application.
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please email our Admissions and Enquiries Team or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200.
We accept qualifications from schools, colleges and universities all over the world for entry onto our courses. If you’re not sure how your international qualification matches our course requirements please visit our international qualifications page.
Foundation courses
If you need to do a foundation course to meet our course requirements please visit Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC). If you’re already studying in the UK at a school or college and would like to know if we can accept your qualification please visit our foundation courses page.
English language entry requirements
If English is not your first language you need to show us that your language skills are strong enough for intensive academic study. We usually ask for an IELTS test and we accept some alternative English language tests.
- For a list of our language requirements please visit our English language page.
- If you need to do a pre-sessional English language course to meet the English requirements please visit our pre-sessional English course page.
Help and support
If you have any questions about your qualifications or about making an application to the University please email our International Team for advice.
NTU may admit a student with advanced standing beyond the beginning of a course, through an assessment of that student's prior learning, whether it is certificated or uncertificated. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available to these prospective students, such as recognising experiential learning or transferring to a similar course at another institution, otherwise known as credit transfer.
All prospective students who wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning should initially contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
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 statementBe 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.
Please read our notes on the University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.
You can apply directly to the University for an undergraduate course if you’re not applying to any other UK university in the same year. If you are applying to more than one UK university you must apply through UCAS.
Apply as early as you can so that you have time to prepare for your studies. If you need a visa to study here you need to plan this into your application.
- For a step-by-step guide on making an application to the University please visit our how to apply page.
- For advice on applying for a visa please visit our visa information page.
- For advice on how to write a good personal statement please visit our personal statement page.
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.
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.
Please read our notes on the University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.
Fees and funding
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and funding pages will answer all your questions.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service.
Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2494
Additional costs
Your course fees cover the cost of studies, and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.
Library books
Most study modules will recommend one or more core text books, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential text books, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.
Field trips
You will be charged a maximum of £60 for any compulsory residential trips in the UK, and a maximum of £300 for compulsory overseas residential field courses, as a contribution towards travel, accommodation and entrance fees where applicable. Non-residential day excursions are included in the tuition fee and other non-compulsory opportunities, in the UK and abroad, may also be offered, and these will be charged at full cost to students. A valid passport and any associated visas will also be required for field trips outside of the UK.
Placements
If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.
Print and copy costs
The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.
Other costs
All students will be expected to provide their own riding equipment to include jodhpurs or breeches; hairnet; riding hat; gloves; long boots or jodhpur boots with matching half chaps; polo short and sweatshirt.
All students will also be expected to provide their own appropriate fieldwork clothing, including walking boots (with ankle support), wellingtons and waterproof trousers and coat.
International fees and scholarships
For information on international and EU fees and advice on how to pay, please visit our international fees page.
We offer prestigious scholarships to new international students holding offers to study at the University. For details and an application form please visit our international scholarships information.
Additional costs
Your course fees cover the cost of studies, and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.
Library books
Most study modules will recommend one or more core text books, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential text books, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.
Field trips
You will be charged a maximum of £60 for any compulsory residential trips in the UK, and a maximum of £300 for compulsory overseas residential field courses, as a contribution towards travel, accommodation and entrance fees where applicable. Non-residential day excursions are included in the tuition fee and other non-compulsory opportunities, in the UK and abroad, may also be offered, and these will be charged at full cost to students. A valid passport and any associated visas will also be required for field trips outside of the UK.
Placements
If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.
Print and copy costs
The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.
Other costs
All students will be expected to provide their own riding equipment to include jodhpurs or breeches; hairnet; riding hat; gloves; long boots or jodhpur boots with matching half chaps; polo short and sweatshirt.
All students will also be expected to provide their own appropriate fieldwork clothing, including walking boots (with ankle support), wellingtons and waterproof trousers and coat.