| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Equine Behavioural Science
Overview
Further your knowledge and understanding of horse behaviour and welfare management with our practical, hands-on degree.
Course Options
- 3 years full-time
- 4 years with foundation year
- 6 years part-time
- 1 year (CertHE)
Key Facts
- STUDY OPTIONS: 3 years
- START DATES: September
- LOCATION: Writtle
- ENTRY: UCAS code: D4E2
- FEES:
- £9,535 UK students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)
- £16,700 International students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)
Teaching and Assessment
Year 1
- Equine Anatomy and Physiology (15 credits)
- Equine Practical Skills (15 credits)
- Equine Health Management (15 credits)
- Equine Nutrition (15 credits)
- Breeding and Foaling (15 credits)
- Saddle Fit and Farriery (15 credits)
- Introduction to Psychology and Welfare (30 credits)
- Into ARU
Year 2
- Research Methods (15 credits)
- Business Skills (15 credits)
- Equine Health and Disease (15 credits)
- Equine Cognition and Training (15 credits)
- Measuring Behaviour and Welfare (15 credits)
- Biological Basis of Equine Behaviour (30 credits)
- Young Horse Production (15 credits) *
- Equitation and Coaching (15 credits) *
Year 3
- Capstone Project (30 credits)
- Behavioural Wellbeing (15 credits)
- Equitation Science (15 credits)
- Applied and Clinical Equine Nutrition (15 credits)
- Current Issues in the Equine Industry (15 credits)
- Applied Training and Behaviour Modification (30 credits)
Facilities
- Equine Training and Development Centre
- Working stable yard
- Indoor and outdoor riding arenas
- Oval horse walker
- Therapy barn
- DIY Livery Yard for students' horses
Careers
- Equine behaviour consultant
- Research assistant in equine or biological sciences
- Nutritionist
- Scientific journalist
- Lecturer
- Welfare assessor/advisor
- Police horse trainer
- Advisor to governing bodies
- Charity advisor
Entry Requirements
- 96 UCAS Tariff points
- 4 GCSEs at grade C, or grade 4, or above, including English, Maths and Science
- If English is not your first language, you will be expected to demonstrate a certificated level of proficiency of at least IELTS 6.0 (Academic level) or equivalent English Language qualification
Fees and Paying for University
- Tuition fees for UK students: £9,535 (2025/26, full-time, per year)
- Tuition fees for international students: £16,700 (2025/26, full-time, per year)
- Living costs: £7,000-£9,000 per year (estimated)
- Maintenance Loan available for UK students
- Scholarships and bursaries available for UK and international students
Apply
- UK students: Apply through UCAS
- International students: Apply direct
- Part-time courses: Apply directly to ARU
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Further your knowledge and understanding of horse behaviour, health and welfare management with our practical, hands-on degree at ARU in Writtle. As a student here you’ll study specialist behaviour modules and use your knowledge to analyse and evaluate all areas of horsemanship, such as training, nutrition and welfare management. You’ll be based in the Equine Training and Development Centre, which offers extensive facilities including a working stable yard, riding arenas and an equine therapy barn. There are around 70 horses on campus, and you’re able to bring your own horse to university too: find out more about our DIY Livery Yard. Our course team includes industry-experienced staff and practitioners in equine rehabilitation, behaviour, nutrition and breeding, as well as competition riders and UKCC coaches. We also work with the International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants (IAABC) to bring you specialist tuition from renowned equine behavioural scientists. When you graduate, you’ll be able to apply for professional membership of the IAABC and receive ongoing support throughout your career.
Outline:
The BSc (Hons) Equine Behavioural Science degree program at ARU Writtle is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of horse behaviour, health, and welfare management. The program is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, practical sessions, and field trips.
Year 1:
- Equine Anatomy and Physiology
- Equine Practical Skills
- Equine Health Management
- Equine Nutrition
- Breeding and Foaling
- Saddle Fit and Farriery
- Introduction to Psychology and Welfare
Year 2:
- Research Methods
- Business Skills
- Equine Health and Disease
- Equine Cognition and Training
- Measuring Behaviour and Welfare
- Biological Basis of Equine Behaviour
Optional modules:
- Young Horse Production
- Equitation and Coaching
Year 3:
- Capstone Project
- Behavioural Wellbeing
- Equitation Science
- Applied and Clinical Equine Nutrition
- Current Issues in the Equine Industry
- Applied Training and Behaviour Modification
Assessment:
Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including:
- Practical assessments
- Essays
- Technical reports
- Case studies
- Video assessments
- Experimental work and write-ups
- Poster presentations
- Oral presentations
- Role play
- Exams (both multiple choice and essay questions)
- Dissertation
Teaching:
The program is taught by a team of experienced academics and industry professionals. The teaching methods include:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Practical sessions
- Field trips
- Guest lectures
- Workshops ARU also offers a range of support services to help students succeed in their studies, including:
- Academic advising
- Career counseling
- Disability support
- Financial aid
- Health and wellness services
- Library services
- Student life activities
Careers:
Graduates of the BSc (Hons) Equine Behavioural Science degree program can pursue a variety of careers in the equine industry, including:
- Equine behaviour consultant
- Equine trainer
- Equine nutritionist
- Equine welfare officer
- Equine researcher
- Equine journalist
- Equine photographer
- Equine event manager
- Equine sales representative
- Equine insurance agent
Tuition Fees and Payment Information:
UK students starting 2024/25 (full-time, per year)
- £9,250
International students starting 2024/25 (full-time, per year)
- £13,900
Additional course and living costs
- Riding hat or skull cap that meets current safety standards
- Riding gloves
- Steel toe cap boots
- Suitable sturdy footwear
- Suitable smart clothing
- White laboratory coat
- Digital camera/smart phone
- Laptop/device
- Pens and pencils
- Notebook or paper for note-taking
- Folders
- Scientific calculator
Living at university
- Accommodation
- Bills
- Internet, mobile phone and calls
- Travel
- Food and drink
- Socialising and going out
- Study materials
Overview:
Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) is a global university with students from 185 countries. It is known for its innovative and entrepreneurial approach to education and research. ARU has been recognized as the Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023 and has received a Gold award for the quality of its education in the Teaching Excellence Framework.
Services Offered:
Student Life and Campus Experience:
The context mentions that ARU is committed to creating a vibrant and welcoming environment for students, staff, and communities. It also highlights the university's focus on providing outstanding facilities and opportunities for student growth.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Ambition:
ARU is academically ambitious for its students and strives to provide high-quality education.Excellence:
ARU is ranked in the top 15% of universities in the UK for graduate employment and has been recognized for its excellence in education, social work, and sports science.Collaboration:
ARU fosters collaboration between students, businesses, and partners, and its courses are recognized by industry and professionally accredited.Impact:
ARU conducts impactful research that addresses pressing issues and makes a difference in the community.Enterprise:
ARU encourages entrepreneurship and provides mentorship, support, and start-up funding through the Anglia Ruskin Enterprise Academy.Enthusiasm:
ARU's can-do attitude and infectious enthusiasm set it apart from other universities.Academic Programs:
The context mentions that ARU offers a wide range of courses, including undergraduate, postgraduate, postgraduate research, college courses, apprenticeships, short courses, and distance learning programs. It also highlights the university's commitment to providing career-ready graduates.
Other:
The context mentions that ARU has campuses in Cambridge, Chelmsford, Peterborough, and Writtle. It also highlights the university's commitment to sustainability, equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Entry Requirements:
- 96 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 2 A Levels (or equivalent).
- 4 GCSEs at grade C, or grade 4, or above, including English, Maths, and Science.
- If English is not the applicant's first language, a certificated level of proficiency of at least IELTS 6.0 (Academic level) or equivalent English Language qualification, as recognized by Anglia Ruskin University.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- If English is not the applicant's first language, a certificated level of proficiency of at least IELTS 6.0 (Academic level) or equivalent English Language qualification, as recognized by Anglia Ruskin University.
