BSc (Hons) Equine Science and Business (Foundation Year)

Program Overview

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BSc (Hons) Equine Science and Business (Foundation Year)

Course Overview

This degree course with a foundation year incorporates an extra year of study at the start of your course, so that you can progress with confidence. It will develop the skills you need for your later studies. It is particularly suitable if:

• You don’t have the grades for immediate entry onto a three-year course
• You have non-traditional qualifications or experience
• You’re starting university after some time away from education
• You’re looking for more support during the transition into university study

The equine industry generates huge amounts of revenue for some of the world’s major economies and is the second largest economy in the rural sector. The industry is continually looking for bright, skilled graduates. As well as benefiting from a blend of practical exercises and academic knowledge, you will gain essential experience with a work placement. You will also tap into our powerful network of industry contacts, including graduates from the University.

There will be plentiful industry visits and industry leading guest speakers allowing you to learn from the best there is.

No wonder our graduates have gone on to work at prestigious companies such as Plusvital Equinome, Haygain, Tattersalls and The National Trainers Federation.

Work Placement

You will complete a 15-week placement in the second year of the course. Students have completed placements at companies such as Plusvital Equinome, Godolphin, Weatherbys, NAF and Haygain. This is an excellent opportunity to develop a range of links within the growing equine industry.

Foundation Year

The Foundation year will provide a common core of academic and study skills sufficient to prepare you for subsequent study and academic success at undergraduate level. It will give core underpinning knowledge, skills and understanding in key areas of contemporary issues, provide underpinning subject-related skills and knowledge in key areas required for undergraduate study, including Mathematics, Numeracy and IT. It will also provide generic skills and academic knowledge to support your confidence and discipline as appropriate for higher education study and give subject-specific grounding, in terms of research topics and study focus, to support progression into degree level study in your chosen degree.

• 0IFY20 Land-use and Management: An introduction to the many and diverse ways in which land is utilised and managed, especially within the rural economy, as well as in urban areas. There will also be field trips to explore some of the land-related issues (20 credits)
• 0IFY21 Countryside Evolution and Development: An introduction to the wide range of current socio-economic, political and environmental issues that influence change in our countryside environments (20 credits)
• 0IFY22 Enterprise and Marketing (20 credits): A comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of business such as types of business ownership, business aims and objectives, business functions, internal and external environment and marketing (20 credits)
• 0IFY23 Land-based Data Handling: Learn about a wide-range of data skills including mapping and spatial data, laboratory analysis, desk-based data and fieldwork. This encompasses biodiversity, climate, soil, food production, animal science and the built environment (20 credits)
• 0IFY24 Food and Farming: Understand core scientific theories within agriculture and how they impact on rural business and agricultural management. Including arable, livestock and equine husbandry, basic animal and plant anatomy and physiology, pest and pathogen control and environmental and soil science (20 credits)
• 0IFY25 Developing your Skills: Explore your personal values, looking at the human, social and emotional aspects of professional learning to support the transition to studying at degree level (20 credits)

Year One

• 1247 Equine Breeding and Genetics: Explore the structure of the policy network within the equine industry
• 1314 Equine Anatomy and Physiology: Discover the structure and function of the major organs and systems of the horse
• 1415 Global Business Environment: Gain an understanding of the economic, political and cultural factors which constitute the Global Business Environment
• 1440 Academic and Practical Skills: Learn and try out a range of practical skills used in the land and farming sectors
• 1443 Business Finance and Accounts: Learn the fundamentals of accountancy and use software to create and clearly present financial information
• 1447 The UK Equine Industry: Explore the structure of the policy network within the equine industry
• 1448 Introduction to Equine Health and Disease: Define common equine diseases and routine management of these conditions
• 1450 Introduction to Equine Nutrition: Explore the nutrient composition of feedstuffs for equids

Year Two

This programme will allow students who join the British Society of Animal Science (BSAS) to gain student accreditation on the Royal Society of Biology’s register of accredited animal scientists and technologists. The accreditation will provide you with international recognition as an accredited animal scientist.

• 2032 Marketing Management: Identify and interpret relevant market research data to recommend future strategic directions for a company
• 2317 Industry Placement: Complete 15 weeks of work experience to develop key skills for the world of work
• 2337 Personal and Professional Development Skills and Employability: Review and critically assess professional communication standards and other competencies needed for successful client and business management
• 2375 Livestock Husbandry Systems: Explore approaches to farm animal husbandry and how this impacts farm animal health and welfare
• 2378 Research and Evidence: Explore the wide range of research methodologies available, and learn how to select the optimal approach for a given scenario
• 2384 Equine Sports Physiology and Nutrition: Apply the scientific principles of exercise physiology to optimise horse fitness for a range of disciplines
• 2385 Equine Veterinary Science: Gain practical experience and understanding of techniques that are used in diagnostic laboratories
• 2387 Equine Behaviour and Welfare Applications: Apply equine behavioural science to the training and welfare of horses
• 2388 Sustainable Forage and Turf Management: Analyse the nutrient content of forage sources for equids and experience the practical management of equine sports turfs

Year Three

• 3344 Advances in Equine Nutrition: Explore recent advances in the field of equine nutrition research
• 3343 Advances in Equine Health: Explore the regulations that underpin professionals working with horses and the use of veterinary medicines in the context of ‘One Health’
• 3300 Research Project / Dissertation: Develop a detailed research proposal that presents a well-developed research aim supported by clear research objectives
• 3332 Specialist Study: Undertake a self-directed study within the chosen specialist area

PLUS your choice of THREE electives selected from:

• 3345 Equine Assisted Services for Human Wellbeing: Explore the horse-human bond and relate this to therapeutic applications for humans
• 3206 Equine Breeding Management: Investigate the physiological basis of reproduction in both the mare and stallion
• 3217 Advances in Training the Equine Athlete: Synthesise principles from equine physiology, genetics, behaviour, and welfare and apply these to the management of the equine athlete
• 3316 Changing Consumer Behaviour: Interpret consumer behaviour using concepts from diverse disciplinary perspectives including psychology, sociology, anthropology and consumer culture
• 3242 Negotiations in Business: Explore the process of negotiation as a form of persuasion and problem-solving within professional and personal communication contexts
• 3325 Rural Entrepreneurship: Gain the skills needed to successfully launch your own business
• 3238 Advances in Livestock Nutrition: Critically evaluate the impact that modern commercial livestock nutrition has on animal and human welfare

Careers and Graduate Destinations

Our graduates have gone on to pursue careers within companies worldwide and within a wide range of roles. This combined course allows you to choose which field will best suit your interests. Graduates have typically gone into the following roles:

• Research scientist
• Stud manager
• Brand manager
• Technical sales representative
• Trainer
• Event manager

Entry Requirements

Typical Offers

Required: GCSE minimum five GCSEs at Grade C/4 including English Language and Mathematics (or Maths Numeracy for Welsh applicants) plus satisfactory level 3 qualifications, one science based subject is highly recommended for this programme (Biology / Applied Science / Animal Science):

• A-Level: (example grades EEE) – minimum of 48 UCAS tariff points across either three A-levels or two A-levels and two AS level subjects or equivalent qualifications
• C&G Advanced Technical/BTEC - Level 3 Extended Diploma (1080) at Pass-Pass-Pass
• International Baccalaureate: 24 points
• Access to Higher Education: Pass course with 45 credits at level 3 (Pass in Functional Skills level 2 are accepted in lieu of GCSE English & Mathematics)

Flexible Entry

The University welcomes interest from applicants who may not have the standard entry requirements. A wide range of qualifications and experience are accepted in order to join University degree programmes. The University always considers evidence of personal, professional (APL) and educational experience, (APEL), which show an ability to meet the demands of their intended programme of study.

Fees

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees cover the cost of a student’s academic studies. This usually includes teaching costs, registration and examination fees (not repeat or trailing modules, re-sit fees or coursework resubmission). Any costs associated with work placements will be the student's responsibility.

UK	International
Full-time Foundation year: £5,760 per year	Full-time Foundation year: £16,950 per year
Full-time: £9,535 per year	Full-time: £16,950 per year

Scholarships

The University offers a wide range of generous fee waivers and bursaries. To find out more about these, please visit the bursaries, awards and scholarships page.

Program Outline

This is particularly beneficial for those who:

• Lack the required grades for immediate entry into the three-year program.
• Possess non-traditional qualifications or experience.
• Are returning to education after some time away.
• Desire additional support during the transition into university-level studies.

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This program aims to equip students with the

necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in this dynamic field.

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Students can opt to focus on equine science and business, agriculture, or delve into a bloodstock and performance horse management route by selecting one of the three study streams.

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This diverse learning approach ensures students develop a

well-rounded skill set

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Assessment methods are equally varied, including exams, portfolios, group work, and individual presentations.

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Outline:

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Year One:

• Equine Breeding and Genetics
• Equine Anatomy and Physiology
• Global Business Environment
• Academic and Practical Skills
• Business Finance and Accounts
• The UK Equine Industry
• Introduction to Equine Health and Disease
• Introduction to Equine Nutrition

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Year Two - Equine Science and Business Theme:

• Marketing Management
• Industry Placement
• Personal and Professional Development Skills and Employability
• Research and Evidence
• Equine Sports Physiology and Nutrition
• Equine Veterinary Science
• Equine Behaviour and Welfare Applications
• Sustainable Forage and Turf Management

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Year Three - Equine Science and Business Theme:

• Advances in Equine Nutrition
• Advances in Equine Health
• Research Project/Dissertation
• Specialist Study
• Three Electives selected from:
• Equine Assisted Services for Human Wellbeing
• Equine Breeding Management
• Advances in Training the Equine Athlete
• Changing Consumer Behaviour
• Negotiations in Business
• Rural Entrepreneurship

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Year Two - Agriculture Theme:

• Animal Health and Welfare
• Equine Veterinary Science
• Livestock Husbandry Systems
• Marketing Management
• Industry Placement
• Personal and Professional Development Skills and Employability
• Research and Evidence
• Sustainable Forage and Turf Management

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Year Three - Agriculture Theme:

• Corporate Finance
• Equine Breeding Management
• Advances in Livestock Nutrition
• Research Project/Dissertation
• International Marketing
• Rural Entrepreneurship
• Specialist Study
• Sustainable Farm Management
• Advances in Equine Health

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Year Two - Bloodstock Theme:

• Global Bloodstock Production
• Industry Placement
• Personal and Professional Development Skills and Employability
• Research and Evidence
• Equine Veterinary Science
• Sustainable Forage and Turf Management
• Equine Sports Physiology and Nutrition
• Equine Behaviour and Welfare Applications

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Year Three - Bloodstock Theme:

• Equine Breeding Management
• Negotiations in Business
• Advances in Equine Nutrition
• Advances in Equine Health
• Advances in Training the Equine Athlete
• Irish Bloodstock Industry (study tour)
• Research Project/Dissertation
• Specialist Study

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UK International Full-time £9,250 per year £15,300 per year