Program Overview

Introduction to the Certificate and Diploma in Equine Science

The Certificate in Science (Equine Science) and Diploma in Science (Equine Science) programmes are designed for individuals who are passionate about learning about, investigating, and understanding the science associated with horses. These programmes are suitable for those who want to start with a two-year commitment and may not have the necessary entry requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Equine Science programme.

Why Study Certificate or Diploma in Equine Science

The Certificate and Diploma courses are ideal for those who want to achieve academic qualifications before starting work in the horse-based or related industries. The programmes are designed in response to the economic and cultural importance of the horse-based industries in Ireland and abroad, and their need for high-quality staff. Students can graduate after two years with a Certificate level qualification or progress to a Diploma or Degree level qualification.

Programme Structure

The programmes offer a broad base of learning in equine science, equitation, and equine-related business topics. This three-stranded approach provides a strong platform for building a flexible career. In most semesters, students will have a choice of modules that allows them to align their studies with their personal interests and ambitions. Students who progress to the Diploma in Science (Equine Science) can choose to follow either a business or equitation specialist route.

What You Will Study

Students will take 5 modules per semester, with a strong emphasis on relevance to industry. The programmes include field-based activity or visits to centres of excellence, and students will complete an extended period of cooperative education. Many students rate this part of their studies highly as an opportunity to take their college learning to an industry context.

Modules

• Year 1 Semester 1:
  • BY4001 Biology 1
  • BY4002 Biology 2
  • EC4111 Microeconomics (Non-Business)
  • EQ4032 Equestrian Skill Analysis
  • EQ4051 Introduction To Horsemanship
  • EV4024 Equine Reproduction
  • EV4012 Equine Anatomy And Physiology
  • EV4032 The Horse Industry
  • CS4911 Introduction To Information Technology
  • AC4214 Accounting For Financial Decision Making
  • CS4913 Business Information Systems
• Year 1 Semester 2:
  • EC4112 Macroeconomics (For Non-Business)
• Year 2 - Certificate (LM180 - Level 6) Semester 3:
  • EP4005 New Enterprise Creation
  • EQ4013 Foundations Of Equine Locomotion
  • CO4220 Cooperative Education
  • EV4003 Equine Feeding & Behaviour
  • EV4023 Equine Health & Environmental Management
  • MK4603 Marketing
• Year 2 - Certificate (LM180 - Level 6) Semester 4:
• Year 3 - Diploma (LM182 - Level 7) Semester 5:
  • BY4013 General Microbiology
  • EQ4014 Foundations Of Equine Performance
  • BY4045 Cell Biology & Biochemistry
  • EV4013 Equine Physiology
  • EV4025 Equine Breeding & Genetics
  • EV4014 Equine Nutrition
  • CH4701 General Chemistry 1
  • EV4015 Equine Health & Disease
  • AC4214 Accounting For Financial Decision Making
  • EV4005 Grassland & Grazing Management
  • Business Management Option
  • EC4112 Macroeconomics (For Non-Business)
  • EP4007 Enterprise Management & Growth
  • IN4003 Principles Of Risk Management
  • Equitation Option
  • EQ4025 The Young Horse

Entry Requirements

Applicants are required to hold at the time of enrolment the established Leaving Certificate (or an approved equivalent) with a minimum of five subjects, which must include:

• Five O6 (Ordinary Level) grades or five H7 (Higher Level) grades
• Subjects must include Mathematics, Irish or another language, and English Note: Grade F6 in Foundation Mathematics also satisfies the minimum entry requirements. Foundation Maths is not reckonable for scoring purposes.

Additional Considerations

• It is desirable that candidates should have a reasonable level of competency in horse riding and/or have experience of working with horses
• A Special Mathematics Examination will be offered at UL following the Leaving Certificate results for those students who did not achieve the Mathematics requirement
• The university welcomes applications from mature students. Mature applicants must apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) by 1 February

Fees and Funding

Student course fees are broken into three components: Student contribution, Student Levy, and Tuition Fees. The current student contribution is set at 2,500, and all students are liable to pay the Student Levy of 104.

Fee Status

• Free Fee Status: You satisfy all three categories (residency, citizenship, and course requirements) and are eligible for the Higher Education Authority's Free Fees scheme
• EU Fee Status: You satisfy both the citizenship and residency criteria but fail to satisfy the course requirements and are liable to EU fees
• Non-EU Fee Status: You do not meet either the citizenship or residency criteria and are liable to Non-EU fees

Scholarships

• Johnson and Johnson WiSTEM2D Programme
• All Ireland Scholarships - sponsored by J.P. McManus
• Bursary for my Future Scholarship
• Civic Engagement Scholarship
• Cooperative Education Award
• Elaine Fagan Scholarship
• Hegarty Family Access Scholarships
• Higher Education Grants & VEC Grants
• Irish American Partnership Access Scholarships
• Love Actually Charity (LAC) Scholarship
• Paddy Dooley Rowing Scholarship
• Plassey Campus Centre Scholarship Programme
• Provincial GAA Bursaries Scheme
• Stuart Mangan Scholarship
• The Michael Hillery and Jacinta O'Brien Athletics Scholarship
• UL Sports Scholarships

Career Opportunities

Careers open to graduates with a Cert/Diploma in Equine Science include:

• Breeding and producing horses
• Work within the racing industry
• Equestrian leisure, recreation, and tourism-related activity
• Equestrian-related service industries such as insurance, transport, equipment manufacture, and supply
• Sales, marketing, and public relations
• Administrative roles within industry organisations
• Self-employment or work in non-equestrian areas

Student Profile

The Equine Science Certificate course appealed to Orla Driver as it offered a variety of subjects across different fields within the Horse Industry, from science to business management. Orla enjoyed her time at the University of Limerick immensely and undertook her Cooperative Education placement at Del Mar Racetrack, California. She also spent a season working with mares and foals at Castlehyde Stud, where she got the opportunity to experience the breeding aspect of the industry. On completion of the Certificate and Diploma courses, Orla was given the opportunity to travel to Coolmore Stud Australia to work with their team. She is currently responsible for the management of the registration department in Castlehyde Stud.