Equine Science

Would you like to turn your passion for horses into a rewarding career? Our degree courses could be the gateway to a great future working in the equine industry.

Our Equine Science degree routes are research- led so you will stay up-to-date with the latest scientific findings and industry innovations, while developing key skills for your future career.

Did you know?

The economic value of the equestrian sector is £4.7bn of consumer spending each year!

Source: beta-uk.org

Courses

With the UK equestrian sector generating £4.7 billion of consumer spending, three million regular riders, nearly one million resident horses and 6.4% of the equestrian population being within a competitive club (BETA, 2019), there has never been a better time to pursue a career in the equine industry.

Full-time

Industry focused

We believe that creating opportunities for hands-on experience is equally important as supporting you in your academic endeavours – that is why all of our degree courses are designed and delivered in collaboration with industry professionals.

Industry

Benefit from our close industry links

We regularly host lectures and demonstrations from individuals such as leading event rider Ros Canter and Caroline Moore FBHS, behaviourists Monty Roberts and Richard Maxwell, dressage riders Michael Eilberg and Gareth Hughes, show jumpers Ben Maher and Geoff Billington, and Olympic course designer Bob Ellis.

In the past, our undergraduates have won the prestigious BEF MAREC Internship to be spent at Virginia Tech’s Middleburg Agricultural Research and Extension Centre — the world’s leading equine breeding and research hub — and been awarded the BEF’s Thesis of the Year.

Facilities

Use our industry-standard facilities

Our Equestrian Centre has everything you would expect from a professional yard. Our facilities include state-of-the-art scientific research laboratory facilities, gait analysis systems, a mechanical horse, VO2 Max Testing equipment, an international standard indoor arena plus two outdoor arenas, all with competition surfaces and carefully designed modern yards with American barn- style stabling for over 60 horses.

We also have a partnership with The British Thoroughbred Retraining Centre, and we have several of their horses on long-term loan at our Equestrian Centre.

Avansce is delighted to support the education of Reaseheath’s equine undergraduates and, through our involvement, we will be collaborating with staff on research topics. Coupled with access to a mechanical horse, our Synchronicity rein tension analysis system provides students with unique research opportunities to further develop their skills in sports science research.

Dr Graham CrossAvansce Ltd CEO and Founder

Career ready

You will build invaluable experience and transferable skills as part of your course which will prepare you for a career in the equine industry.

Gain extra qualifications and experience

You can study for extra qualifications* such as British Horse Society (BHS) exams to make your CV stand out from the crowd.

As an equine student, you will complete a work placement† or experiential learning in the second year of your studies. This is an excellent opportunity to gain extra experience to prepare you for your future career, and help you decide what you want to do in the future after you graduate.

You will also have the chance to join our optional international study tours*, which in the past saw students go to South Africa, to investigate how the South African equine industry differs from the UK.

Exciting career options in equine

There are many exciting career options available in this sector, including:

Scientific research
Equine behaviour or equine nutrition
Veterinary physiotherapy
Academic lecturing
Performance coaching and horse management
Managerial roles in equine welfare and allied industries
Veterinary sales and marketing

*Study tours and additional qualifications subject to approval and are available at an additional cost.

†Travel arrangements at your own cost.

Student success

Sophie Booth

BSc (Hons) Equine Science (First Class) 2019

I chose this particular degree because it was science based and also allowed me to follow my passion for horses.

For my final dissertation I researched the use of essential oils as an alternative treatment for equine skin problems. I presented this research at the Alltech Equine Science conference and was also a finalist in the Equine Thesis of the Year – both amazing experiences.

During my studies I completed a placement with the Animal Health Trust, where I gained industry experience and gained valuable contacts which have been useful post-graduation. I’d like a career in microbiology research and found my skills transferred easily into human medicine. I’m currently a laboratory research technician in the Medicines Evaluation Unit at the University Hospital of South Manchester.

Hear more from Sophie >>

Emilie Beck

Equine Accounts Manager, MSD Healthcare BSc (Hons) Equine Science top-up

Studying the course gave me the confidence to stand up and present scientific literature to a variety of people, including vets, reception teams, my colleagues and horse owners at client evenings.

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