Program Overview

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Key Facts

UCAS Tariff

Course duration

5 years

Available for September start 2025

Further details on entry requirements

Course Overview

This unique course will provide you with a solid understanding of core concepts in veterinary medicine, including immunology, disease processes and the diagnosis and treatment of disease in a range of species. Dedicated theoretical and practical classes will place special emphasis on the physiology of the horse. Teaching, including some led by veterinary surgeons, will help frame your understanding within the practical context.

Aberystwyth University has its own equine centre and teaching facility.

While the BSc Equine and Veterinary Bioscience does not provide recognised training for those wishing to practise as a veterinary surgeon, the unique mix of subject matter will help you develop the knowledge and skills required for professional roles within the equine industry, as well as in careers allied to veterinary medicine, such as veterinary laboratory diagnostician.

This five-year course includes a foundation year and an integrated year studying abroad.

Our Staff

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.

Modules September start - 2025

Year 1

• Communication Skills | BR01520 | 20
• Molecules and Cells | BR01340 | 40
• Organisms and the Environment | BR01440 | 40
• Practical Skills for Biologists | BR01220 | 20

Year 2

• Cell Biology * | BR17520 | 20
• Disease Diagnosis and Control | BR15420 | 20
• Domestic Animal Anatomy and Physiology | BR16920 | 20
• Genetics, Evolution and Diversity | BR17120 | 20
• Skills for Animal, Equine and Veterinary Bioscientists in Equine Exercise Physiology * | BR17220 | 20

Options

• Comparative Animal Physiology | BR16720 | 20
• Introduction to Livestock Production and Science | BR17020 | 20

Year 3

• Animal Breeding: Genetics and Reproduction | BR25220 | 20
• Applied Nutrition of Livestock, Horses and Companion Animals * | BR20720 | 20
• Immunology | BR22220 | 20
• Research Methods * | BR27520 | 20
• Veterinary Health | BR27120 | 20

Options

• Animal Behaviour | BR21620 | 20
• Human, Equine and Canine Exercise Physiology and Locomotion | BR25320 | 20
• Vertebrate Zoology | BR26820 | 20

Year 5

• Behaviour and Welfare of Domesticated Animals | BR35120 | 20
• Research Project * | BR36440 | 40
• Veterinary Infectious Diseases | BR34120 | 20
• Veterinary Pharmacology and Disease Control | BR36820 | 20

Options

• Equine Nutrition and Pasture Management | BR35720 | 20
• Equine Stud Management | BR32520 | 20
• International Animal Health Study Tour | BR39220 | 20

Careers

Equine and Veterinary Bioscience provides a broad scientific foundation which will prepare you for a wide range of career opportunities in equine and animal science, animal welfare, research and development, advisory and technical support work, and education, in the UK and overseas.

Our graduates work as research scientists, in pharmaceuticals and for animal nutrition companies. Some have progressed to MSc and PhD postgraduate study.

Teaching & Learning

What will I learn?

During your first year you will study a range of foundation modules which will develop your knowledge and prepare you to study equine and veterinary bioscience.

In your second year you will be introduced to the anatomy and physiology of the horse, and the effects of exercise and training upon specific body systems. You will explore the biology of key functions within livestock, horses and companion animals, including digestion, reproduction, growth and development and lactation. You will study biological topics including genetics, metabolism, microbial life and micro-organisms. Practical sessions combining animal handling and examination training will provide first-hand experience of the techniques used in the diagnosis of diseases, possible treatments and environment management.

An optional equine study tour will include visits to a range of different commercial organisations including racing training stables, studs and allied enterprises such as racecourses, and sales. Other enterprises may include veterinary laboratories, veterinary practices or schools, equine sporting events, non-thoroughbred breeding and/or training centres, and auction houses.

In your third year you will explore topics such as the applied nutrition of horses and livestock, and mammalian reproductive anatomy and physiology. You will gain an understanding of immune responses in both humans and veterinary animals, and will become familiar with veterinary terminology and welfare guidelines for the care of sick and injured animals. There will be practical sessions on the examination of sick animals and methods of disease diagnosis.

In your fourth year, you will undertake your year abroad, studying at a partner university.

In your final year you will study animal welfare and welfare assessment methods, and will build on your knowledge of immunology by exploring how infectious diseases spread and can be controlled. You will also study veterinary pharmacology and gain an understanding of the biochemistry, discovery, practical use and legislation relating to veterinary drugs and related treatment strategies. A research project will allow you to perform in-depth research under the guidance of a supervisor. Your project may be based on laboratory experiments or fieldwork exercises, comprise a computer modelling exercise or involve data analysis.

How will I be taught?

You will be taught through a variety of methods including lectures, seminars, workshops, practicals, field visits and lab work. You will receive thorough training in concepts, research and methodology relating to equine science. You will explore this learning in laboratory research and experimentation, as well as hands-on exercises.

Assessment

You will be assessed through a range of methods including essays, practical exercises and reports, presentations, posters, lab reports, exams, portfolios, reflective diaries, feed analysis and / or rationing exercises, magazine articles, webpages and podcasts.

Typical Entry Requirements

UCAS Tariff

A Levels

Available to candidates without formal qualifications who have suitable background education, experience and motivation

GCSE requirements (minimum grade C/4):

• English or Welsh
• Mathematics
• Science (minimum grade C/4)

BTEC National Diploma:

Available to candidates without formal qualifications who have suitable background education, experience and motivation

International Baccalaureate:

Available to candidates without formal qualifications who have suitable background education, experience and motivation

European Baccalaureate:

Available to candidates without formal qualifications who have suitable background education, experience and motivation

English Language Requirements:

See our Undergraduate English Language Requirements for this course. Pre-sessional English Programmes are also available for students who do not meet our English Language Requirements.

Country Specific Entry Requirements:

International students whose qualification is not listed on this page, can check our Country Specific Entry Requirements for further information.

The University welcomes undergraduate applications from students studying the Access to Higher Education Diploma or T-level qualifications, provided that relevant subject content and learning outcomes are met. We are not able to accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas or T-levels as a general qualification for every undergraduate degree course.
Our inclusive admissions policy values breadth as well as depth of study. Applicants are selected on their own individual merits and offers can vary. If you would like to check the eligibility of your qualifications before submitting an application, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for advice and guidance.