Equine Behaviour, Health and Welfare BSc (Hons)
- Level(s) of Study: Undergraduate
- UCAS Code(s): DC38; DC39
- Start Date(s): September 2024
- 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:
Sustainability is currently a hot topic, but have you ever considered it in relation to the horse? Equine Behaviour, Health and Welfare at NTU does just that.
There’s a growing demand to optimise equine welfare worldwide, with increased research into holistic therapies involving animals, and an ever-greater insight into the cognition and behaviour of horses now available. You can learn about it all at our centre of ground-breaking research alongside industry experts. Our experienced team of academics provide top-quality content that’ll have you hooked from day one. From live briefs with big names in the industry, to the opportunities to get involved with your lecturers’ own research projects, this course at NTU allows you to really explore what you’re passionate about.
As a non-commercial learning centre, we’ve invested in some exceptional industry-standard equipment and facilities just for our students to use. Our British Horse Society (BHS) standard Equestrian Centre set in rural Nottinghamshire comprises three separate arenas, innovative equine housing, a Racewood equestrian simulator, and more; you can rest assured that you’ll have access to the very best throughout your degree.
As well as access to next-level facilities, equipment and knowledge, you’ll have extensive opportunities to network with professionals who work in the industry, as well as develop transferrable skills, ranging from presenting to research skills. We’ll equip you with everything you’ll need to succeed. Our graduates have gone on to work for big names, including Newmarket Equine Hospital, World Horse Welfare and Carr & Day & Martin; in roles as varied as Yard Manager, Marketer, Physiotherapist and Head of Horse Health. We even have alumni who have come back to teach on the course.
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90% of our Equine Science undergraduates 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). That's no mean feat - we'll support and empower you to achieve your goals while teaching you content informed by the research happening at the forefront of industry. -
Our international partnerships are incredible. From study abroad options in Switzerland, Canada and Australia, to placement destinations in New Zealand and South Africa, your degree will allow you to travel the world. -
At Brackenhurst Campus, you really do get the best of both worlds. The estate is set in the stunning Nottinghamshire countryside, the perfect place to learn about horses, while our City Campus is only a short hope away on the bus. We're the perfect location for you to learn, socialise and grow. -
We're ranked first in the UK for teaching quality in Animal Science courses (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024). As well as achieving a high-quality degree, your course is tailored towards taking additional examinations recognised by the British Horse Society (BHS) and United Kingdom Coaching Certificate (UKCC), in order to gain professional coaching accreditations.
What you’ll study
Equine Behaviour, Health and Welfare covers a broad spectrum of equine science and you will be delving into a variety of modules. In Equine Behaviour, Science of Equitation, and Equine Learning and Cognition you will understand how the horse learns and practically apply this knowledge to training and management. With Human Animal Interaction you’ll discover how the horse can be used therapeutically and The Sustainable Equine module allows you to explores the practical application of research aimed at improving the sustainability and welfare of the horse and its environment. As well as these more pioneering modules, you’ll cover anatomy and physiology, nutrition, reproduction and genetics, disease and diagnostics, research skills and science communication, underpinning your learning with top-notch scientific knowledge. We’ll get you asking questions and inspire you to use your passion and knowledge to solve them.
Equine Behaviour, Health and Welfare at NTU benefits from unparalleled facilities and cutting-edge equipment, providing you with first class tools to complete your studies. At NTU, what’s ours is yours, and you’ll be making the most of what we have to offer with regular hands-on sessions to apply the theory you’re learning and develop your practical skills. Aside from the equine-specific facilities and equipment, Brackenhurst Campus features numerous high-spec laboratories which you’ll use to reinforce the science behind the horse.
Now we’ve covered where you’ll learn on campus, let’s venture off it. Ranging from local rehabilitation facilities to larger UK names – we’ve previously taken fieldtrips to Rossdales, Twemlows, Bransby and Red Wings; we want you to experience it all. Built into some of your modules, these trips allow you to see how what you’re learning translates into the equine industry. As well as this, we also offer exciting residential trips further afield in Year Two and your final year, to Switzerland and Kentucky, both epicentres of equine research, industry and culture.
Here's a breakdown of what you’ll study and which modules you’ll take, year-by-year:
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 learned 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.
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.
Nutrition for Health and Performance
Explore the effect of nutrition on the health and performance of the sports horse, and how this can be managed.
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.
- This is a placement year for students on the four year course
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.
Video Gallery
How you’re taught
On Equine Behaviour, Health and Welfare, no two days are the same. One day you’ll be studying the theory behind a topic, and the next you’ll be implementing it. Following an incredibly varied programme, you’ll get involved in optimising equine housing, practical riding and in-hand/groundwork training sessions, and critically consider and solve welfare and performance issues; to name but a few things.
We keep our class sizes small enabling everyone to fully participate in practical sessions, in class discussions, and spend quality learning time with our expert academics.
As well as traditional assessments, we align some modules to allow you to get involved in live industry briefs, so you’re fully prepared for when you graduate. You might try your hand at marketing, IT, web design and more, based around the equine industry. We also invite a number of guest speakers from all corners of the equine industry so that you can refine your career aspirations and build up a professional network by the time you leave.
While the course modules are fixed, each allows you to bring in an element of what you’re interested in to fully explore all aspects of equine science before you graduate and transition into the world of work.
Please note that field trip locations may vary and are subject to availability and change.
Typically, your contact hours will break down as follows:
Contact hours
- 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%)
If you decide to complete a year in industry, you’ll take it between Years Two and Three of your course. If a placement year isn’t for you, you can take advantage of our incredible links abroad, by choosing to study abroad in the second half of Year Two.
How you’re assessed
- Year 1 coursework (50%), written exam (33%), practical (17%)
- Year 2 coursework (33%), written exam (50%), practical (17%)
- Year 3 coursework (66%), written exam (17%), practical (17%)
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.
90% of our Animal and Equine Sciences undergraduates are in work or further study within 15 month of finishing their degrees
(of those available for work or study, latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020/21).
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.
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
Study on an equine 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.
Entry requirements
- 104 - 112 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications, including an A-level Science subject or equivalent.
- GCSE English and Maths grade C / 4.
For this course we accept the following Science subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Human Biology and Psychology.
To find out what qualifications have tariff points, please use our tariff calculator.
Contextual offers
A lower offer may be made based on a range of factors, including your background (such as where you live and the school or college you attended), your experiences and individual circumstances (you may have been in care, for example). This is called a contextual offer and we get data from UCAS to make these decisions. NTU offers a student experience like no other and this approach helps us to find students who have the potential to succeed here but who may have faced barriers that make it more difficult to access university. Find out how we assess your application.
Other qualifications and experience
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.
Access to Higher Education courses
If you’re aged 19+ and don’t have the qualifications to meet the entry criteria, you can study an Access to HE course right here at NTU. These one-year courses are designed specifically as an alternative route to university.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form.
- 112 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications, including an A-level Science subject or equivalent.
- GCSE English and Maths grade C / 4.
For this course we accept the following Science subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Human Biology and Psychology.
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:
Undergraduate preparation courses (Foundation)
If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Foundation courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:
English language entry requirements
You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:
Advanced standing (starting your undergraduate degree in year 2 or 3)
You may be able to start your undergraduate course in year 2 or 3 based on what you have studied before. This decision would be made in accordance with our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy.
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.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
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
Non-residential UK day excursions are included in the tuition fee. You will be charged a maximum of 20% of the price per student cost for any compulsory residential trips or courses in the UK, as a contribution towards travel, accommodation and entrance fees where applicable. For example, a typical 5-day UK residential field trip cost would be approx. £500 per student, and we would ask for a £100 contribution from students. You will be charged a maximum of 30% of the price per student cost for any compulsory overseas residential courses, as a contribution towards travel, accommodation and associated trip fees where applicable. For example, a typical 6-day residential overseas field trip cost would be approx. £600 per student, and we would ask for a £180 contribution from students. Other non-compulsory field trip opportunities, in the UK and abroad, may also be offered, and these will be charged at 80% 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, waterproof trousers and coat.
Tuition fees for September 2024 entry are yet to be confirmed.
For guidance, course fees for September 2023 entry are:
Mode of study | International tuition fee |
Full-time | £16,500 |
Full-time with placement | £16,500 + £1,850 (placement year) |
Tuition fees are payable for each year that you are at the University. The level of tuition fees for the second and subsequent years of your undergraduate course may increase in line with inflation and as specified by the UK government.
Scholarships
We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.
Living costs
Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:
Paying fees
Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:
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.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
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
Non-residential UK day excursions are included in the tuition fee. You will be charged a maximum of 20% of the price per student cost for any compulsory residential trips or courses in the UK, as a contribution towards travel, accommodation and entrance fees where applicable. For example, a typical 5-day UK residential field trip cost would be approx. £500 per student, and we would ask for a £100 contribution from students. You will be charged a maximum of 30% of the price per student cost for any compulsory overseas residential courses, as a contribution towards travel, accommodation and associated trip fees where applicable. For example, a typical 6-day residential overseas field trip cost would be approx. £600 per student, and we would ask for a £180 contribution from students. Other non-compulsory field trip opportunities, in the UK and abroad, may also be offered, and these will be charged at 80% 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, waterproof trousers and coat.
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.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
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