| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
This one-year Equine Studies (top-up) program is designed for students with a Merit or higher in a related Foundation Degree. It provides advanced knowledge in equine management, breeding, and nutrition, preparing graduates for a range of careers in the equine industry. The program also covers business management skills, opening up opportunities in other sectors. Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, including a BHS Approved Training Centre with equestrian amenities.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
This is a one-year Equine Studies (top-up) scheme designed for students who have already completed a Foundation Degree in an appropriate subject area with an overall grade of Merit or above. The program equips graduates for employment within the equine industry in the UK and abroad, as well as for advisory, commercial, and educational work in the equine and rural sectors. The program also develops business management skills, making graduates suitable for roles in other sectors of commerce and industry or for starting their own businesses.
Outline:
Year 1
Core Modules:
- Equine Nutrition and Pasture Management (BR35720): This module covers concepts and methodology related to equine science, supplemented by laboratory research and experimentation.
- Equine Stud Management (BR32520): This module covers all aspects of equine stud management.
- Marketing and Small Business Management (BR34720): This module focuses on marketing principles as applied to the equine industry, including evaluating the establishment of an equine business venture and reviewing the role of strategic management in entrepreneurial ventures and small businesses.
- Research Project (BR36440): This compulsory module allows students to perform in-depth research under the guidance of a supervisor. Projects may be based on laboratory experiments, fieldwork exercises, computer modelling, or data analysis.
Optional Modules:
- Behaviour and Welfare of Domesticated Animals (BR35120): This module explores the behavior and welfare of domesticated animals.
- Equine and Human Exercise Physiology (BR35220): This module examines the physiology of equine and human exercise.
Assessment:
Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including:
- Essays
- Practical exercises
- Case studies
- Presentations
- Lab reports
- Exams
Teaching:
- Teaching Methods: Lectures, seminars, workshops, practicals, field visits, and lab work.
- Faculty: The majority of teaching staff in the Department of Life Sciences are qualified to PhD level and are research active. Vocational courses also have staff whose background lies within industry. The Department has a large number of research-only staff with whom students may have contact.
Careers:
The Equine Studies (top-up) course prepares graduates for a wide range of graduate-level employment opportunities in equine and animal science, research and development, advisory and technical support work, and enterprise management in the UK and overseas. Graduates are currently pursuing careers in:
- Research scientist working at nutrition companies
- Stud manager
- Agriculture business
- Scientific journalism
- Teaching (primary and secondary schools, FE colleges)
Other:
- Facilities: Students have access to superb teaching and research facilities, including state-of-the-art labs, a large equine teaching center with an Olympic-size indoor arena, all-weather manège, round pen, horse walker, weigh bridge, solarium, stables and foaling boxes with CCTV, demonstration areas, and livery facilities including turnout.
- British Horse Society (BHS) Approved Training Centre: The equine center is a BHS Approved Training Centre, where students can study for their BHS qualifications.
- Location: Aberystwyth is located in an outstanding coastal location with miles of unspoiled beaches to gallop upon, just a few miles from the equine center.
- Personal Tutor: Each student is assigned a personal tutor who serves as their main contact throughout the duration of their studies. The personal tutor helps students settle in and is available to assist with academic or personal matters.
