Program Overview

MSc Equine Performance Science

Introduction

Take your equine knowledge, academic skills and research practice to the next level with our MSc Equine Performance Science at ARU Writtle. Our Masters degree focuses on horses’ performance through the study of gait evaluation, pathophysiology of injury, advanced and applied nutrition, exercise physiology, equitation science, human influences on equine performance, and methods to evaluate and enhance performance.

Course Options

• 1 year full-time
• Start dates: September
• Location: Writtle

Key Facts

• Study options: 1 year full-time
• Start dates: September
• Location: Writtle
• Fees:
  • £9,356 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

• Applied Research for Equine Postgraduates (15 credits)
• Professional Practice in Equine Science (15 credits)
• Biomechanics and Pathophysiology Applied to the Equine Athlete (30 credits)
• Human Influence on Equine Performance (15 credits)
• Welfare of the Performance Horse (15 credits)
• Performance Evaluation and Enhancement (15 credits)
• Advances in Equine Nutrition (15 credits)
• Taught Masters Degree - Dissertation (60 credits)

Entry Requirements

• A first degree, with honours, in a related subject and at a minimum final classification of lower second (2:2) or equivalent.
• If English is not your first language you will be expected to demonstrate a certificated level of proficiency of at least IELTS 6.5 (Academic level) or equivalent English Language qualification, as recognised by Anglia Ruskin University.

Fees and Paying for University

Tuition Fees for UK Students (2025/26)

• £9,356 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)

Facilities

• Specialist facilities:
  • Stabling for up to 92 horses
  • Around 70 horses on campus
  • Three indoor riding arenas, and one outdoor arena
  • Oval horse walker
  • Equine water treadmill and therapy barns
  • Semen collection area
  • 150-hectare campus with local bridleways and hacking.

Lecturers

• Rosa Verwijs - Senior Lecturer in Equine Behaviour and Nutrition
• Jane Hart - Lecturer in Equine Performance
• Romain Paillot - Senior Lecturer in Equine
• Roberta Blake - Associate Professor
• Briony Witherow - Senior Lecturer

Careers

Our Masters degree is aimed at those wanting a wide base of knowledge of all aspects of equine performance development and enhancement. As a graduate, you could apply your knowledge in a number of areas across the equine industry, including nutrition, design and development of equine training aids and technologies, consultancy, or research. Or you might put it to use in a practical business enterprise.