Program Overview

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Equine Performance Science

Overview

Our BSc (Hons) Equine Performance Science degree is all about putting science into practice. It will give you a thorough grounding in the scientific principles underpinning horse health and management. But we’ll also explore elements such as coaching the rider, saddle fit, behaviour, farriery, managing gait abnormalities and more.

Course Options

• 3 years full-time
• 4 years with foundation year
• 1 year (CertHE)

Key Facts

• STUDY OPTIONS: 3 years
• START DATES: September
• LOCATION: Writtle
• ENTRY: UCAS code: D430
• 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

• Assessment: We'll assess your progress in a number of ways including practical assessments, assignments, anatomy workbooks, lab reports, case studies, poster presentations, exams, and your dissertation – the Capstone Project.
• Core modules:
  • Equine Anatomy and Physiology (15 credits)
  • Equine Practical Skills (15 credits)
  • Equine Health Management (15 credits)
  • Assessment for Performance and Health (15 credits)
  • Equine Nutrition (15 credits)
  • Breeding and Foaling (15 credits)
  • Saddle Fit and Farriery (15 credits)
  • Functional Anatomy (15 credits)
  • Into ARU

Year 2

• Assessment: We'll assess your progress in a number of ways including practical assessments, assignments, anatomy workbooks, lab reports, case studies, poster presentations, exams, and your dissertation – the Capstone Project.
• Core modules:
  • Research Methods (15 credits)
  • Business Skills (15 credits)
  • Equitation and Coaching (15 credits)
  • Exercise Physiology (15 credits)
  • Introduction to Animal Biomechanics (15 credits)
  • Young Horse Production (15 credits)
  • Equine Health and Disease (15 credits)
  • Extrinsic Factors Affecting Equine Performance (15 credits)

Year 3

• Assessment: We'll assess your progress in a number of ways including practical assessments, assignments, anatomy workbooks, lab reports, case studies, poster presentations, exams, and your dissertation – the Capstone Project.
• Core modules:
  • Capstone Project (30 credits)
  • Influencing Equine Performance (15 credits)
  • Biomechanics (15 credits)
  • Applied and Clinical Equine Nutrition (15 credits)
  • Equitation Science (15 credits)
  • Current Issues in the Equine Industry (15 credits)
  • Sports Medicine (15 credits)

Facilities

Study equine courses with ARU in Writtle and benefit from our Equine Training and Development Centre. We have around 70 horses on campus, with a working stable yard, indoor and outdoor riding arenas, an oval horse walker, therapy barn. On our 150-hectare campus with grazing and space for events we have a DIY Livery Yard for students' horses.

Careers

As a graduate of our BSc (Hons) Equine Performance Science degree, you'll have the scientific understanding and practical knowledge to pursue a career in the equine industry.

Some of the job roles you may consider are:

• horse and rider instructor
• equine nutrition
• show co-ordinator/event manager
• equine trainer/educator
• competition horse production.

Entry Requirements

• 96 UCAS Tariff points. We accept A Levels, T Levels, BTECs, OCR, Access to HE and most other qualifications within the UCAS Tariff.
• 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, as recognised by Anglia Ruskin University.

Fees and Paying for University

Tuition Fees and Student Loans for UK Students (2025/26)

• £9,535 UK students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)

Tuition Fees for International Students (2025/26)

• £16,700 International students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)

Additional Course and Living Costs

Living at university can range from around £7,000–£9,000 per year. They may be lower if you're living at home. Our Money Advice Service is on hand if you’d like to chat about living costs, budgets and managing your money.

Most full-time UK students can apply for a Maintenance Loan to help cover living costs.

Scholarships and Bursaries

We offer a range of ARU scholarships and bursaries, which provide extra financial support while you’re at university. If you're eligible for a scholarship, you'll generally receive it automatically – there's no need to apply.

Find all you need about our generous scholarships to international and European students.