Program Overview

Bachelor of Science in Equine Science

The Bachelor of Science in Equine Science is a four-year degree program that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the horse industry. The program is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and expertise necessary to pursue a career in the equine industry.

Key Information

• NFQ Level: 8
• Award: Honours Bachelor Degree
• CAO Points History: 369
• Course Code: LM093
• Duration: 4 Years
• Fees: See below for fee information
• Subject Area: Science
• Course Director: Dr. Bridget Younge

About the Course

The Bachelor of Science in Equine Science program is a unique and comprehensive degree that covers all aspects of the horse industry. The program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in science, as well as practical experience and skills in equitation and business management.

What You Will Study

The program is four years in duration, with two semesters per academic year. The course covers a range of topics, including:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Feeding and Behaviour
• Reproduction
• Health and Disease
• Nutrition
• Economics
• Marketing
• Accounting
• Equitation

Years 1 & 2

All students undertake common modules for the first two years, providing a strong base in science. Students take modules in:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Economics
• Equitation
• Equine Anatomy and Physiology
• The Horse Industry

Year 3

In the third year, students select one of the major professional options: Equine Business Management or Equitation. The Equine Business Management option offers modules in:

• Enterprise Formation and Development
• Principles of Risk Management
• Business Consulting
• Strategic Management The Equitation option offers modules in:
• The Young Horse
• Equestrian Facilities
• Performance Rider Development
• Training and Managing the Performance Horse

Work Experience

All students undertake an eight-month Cooperative Education placement, either at home or abroad, in an equine or related enterprise. This work placement provides students with the opportunity to gain professional experience and develop their skills in the industry.

Year 4

In the final year, students conduct a research project on some aspect of the horse industry. Students also take modules in:

• Project Management
• Biometrics
• Equine Pharmacology
• Advanced Equine Physiology

Entry Requirements

• Minimum Grades: Applicants are required to hold at the time of enrolment the established Leaving Certificate (or an approved equivalent) with a minimum of six subjects, which must include:
  • Two H5 (Higher Level) grades
  • Four O6 (Ordinary Level) grades
  • Or four H7 (Higher Level) grades
• Subject Requirements: Subjects must include Mathematics, Irish or another language, and English.
• Additional Considerations: It is desirable that candidates applying for this program should have a reasonable level of competency in horse riding and/or have experience of working with horses.

Fees and Funding

Student course fees are broken into three components: Student contribution, Student Levy, and Tuition Fees. The fees for this course are as follows:

• EU Students with Free Fees Status in Receipt of a SUSI Grant:
  • HEA pays: Tuition Fees (6,210)
  • SUSI pays: Student contribution (2,500)
  • Student pays: Student Levy (104)
  • Total: 8,814
• EU Students with Free Fees Status Not in Receipt of a Grant:
  • HEA pays: Tuition Fees (6,210)
  • Student pays: Student contribution (2,500)
  • Student pays: Student Levy (104)
  • Total: 8,814
• Students with EU Fee Status Not in Receipt of a Grant:
  • Student pays: Tuition Fees (6,210)
  • Student pays: Student contribution (2,500)
  • Student pays: Student Levy (104)
  • Total: 8,814
• Non-EU Students:
  • Student pays: Tuition Fees (22,596)
  • Student pays: Student Levy (104)
  • Total: 22,700

Your Future Career

Graduates from this program may choose from a wide variety of career opportunities in areas such as:

• Equine Enterprise Management
• Leisure, Recreation, and Tourism based on Equine activities
• Equestrian Marketing and Sales Enterprises
• Equine-related service industry
• Equine Research and Development
• Sports Journalism
• Equine-related organizations, including state and semi-state
• Self-employment in the equine industry
• Postgraduate studies

Further Study Options

The following provides a sample of further education qualifications that graduates have pursued:

• Master's Degree Research
• MSc in Animal Behaviour
• MSc in Equine Science
• MSc in Project Management
• MSc in Reproduction Science
• Veterinary Medicine

Job Titles

The following provides a sample of initial roles listed in the Graduate Outcomes Survey (GOS) by graduates approximately one year after graduation:

• Apprentice Scheme with YITBA
• Equine Nutrition Specialist
• Laboratory Assistant
• Stable Manager
• Stud Employee
• Senior Clinical Pathology Technologist
• Showjumper
• Stable Hand

Student Profile

Graduates from this program have gone on to have successful careers in the equine industry. Some examples include:

• Aidan Neilan, who gained invaluable experience throughout the course and is now working in an equine hospital laboratory
• Sean Flannery, who chose the Equitation route and is now employed as a Bloodstock Manager at Goffs in Kildare
• Declan Ryan, who chose the Business Management option and is now working as a racehorse trainer in California