BSc (Hons) Equestrian Sports Performance with Placement Year

• A minimum of 112 tariff points from A and AS levels. A science subject is preferred
• Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) – a minimum of grade DMM in an Animal, Equine or Science related subject
• Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) – a minimum of grade D*D* in an Animal, Equine or Science related subject
• Access to HE Diploma – a minimum of 112 tariff points
• Scottish Higher – a minimum of 112 tariff points from Higher and Advanced Higher in an Animal, Equine or Science related subject
• T Level – M (Merit)
• Mature students (aged 21+) will be considered on an individual basis on their prior knowledge and experience. This may be assessed by interview, completion of coursework/essay or other methods. There may be a requirement for a formal qualification to be completed first e.g. Access to Higher Education course

• Introduction to Psychology for Equestrian Sports
• Equine Sports Horse Industry and Management
• Equine Anatomy and Physiology
• Introduction to Rider Fitness and Training
• Principles of Equitation
• Introduction to Scientific Communication

(Year 1)

• Equine Nutrition and Health
• Equine Exercise Physiology and Biomechanics
• Equine Injury and Rehabilitation
• Research Methods
• Physiological Measurement Techniques for Equestrian Performance*
• Sports Nutrition for Equestrian Athletes*
• Work Based Learning for the Land Based Industries*
• Experiential Learning*

*Choose two optional modules

(Year 2)

• UCR Placement Year

• Contemporary Issues and Developments in Equestrian Sports
• Equine Fitness and Performance
• Dissertation at Reaseheath
• Biomechanical Analysis of Equestrian Performance*
• Rider Performance Optimisation*
• Advanced Equine Nutrition*

*Choose two optional modules

Overall workload

Your overall workload consists of class contact hours, independent learning and assessment activity, plus field trips. Your actual contact hours may depend on which optional modules you select, but the following information gives an indication of how much time you will need to allocate to different activities at each year of the course: 

Year 1:  

30% of your time is spent in timetabled teaching and learning activity 

Teaching, Learning and Assessment:       360 hours 

Independent Study:                                    840 hours 

Year 2:  

22% of your time is spent in timetabled teaching and learning activity 

Teaching, Learning and Assessment:       252 hours 

Placement:                                                    100 hours 

Independent Study:                                     848 hours 

Year 3: 

15% of your time is spent in timetabled teaching and learning activity 

Teaching, Learning and Assessment:         174 hours 

Independent Study:                                       1026 hours 

Class sizes average between 10 – 60 for modules exclusively delivered on the programme. For those modules offered across several programmes, class size could be as high as 80 individual learners. 

Assessments are designed to encourage both academic skills and skills valued in the workplace. They include a combination of coursework and timed online assessments. Coursework may take many forms including: essays, reports, data processing, presentations, academic posters, seminar discussions, interviews, critical reviews, portfolios of evidence and practical competency assessments. The timed online assessments vary, depending on the nature of the module and level of study, but may take the form of multiple-choice papers, essays, practical assessments, data handling questions, and short answer quizzes. The placement will be a minimum of 9 months and will be credit bearing with a portfolio assessment and professional discussion required to evidence your achievement

The balance of assessment by timed online assessment and assessment by coursework depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose. The approximate percentage of the course assessed by coursework is as follows:

Year 1
42% coursework
37% timed online assessment
22% practical

Year 2
66% coursework
28% timed online assessment
6% practical

Year 3
30% presentation and plenary discussion
70% placement portfolio

Year 4
70% coursework
14% timed online assessment
16% practical

Students will be able to access course timetables for the academic year in September.

Timetables are subject to change, but most students can expect to spend four days per week on campus in their first year, three days in their second year and two days in their final year.

Tuition fee for placement year is £1,850 (all other years charged at £9,250).

Optional study tours may be organised by your course team. Costs vary depending on location, duration and activities although have typically cost £350 in previous years. 

Equestrian yard uniform, consisting of grey jodhpurs and a grey polo shirt, is expected to be worn for all practical sessions. Branded UCR polo shirts are available through the UCR online shop for approximately £15. Students would be expected to provide their own PPE with minimum riding hat standard of PAS015, Level 3 (Blue; 2018) body protector (for jumping if riding) and suitable leather riding boots (not chaps). Students should also be prepared to purchase riding gloves and a waterproof coat without a hood.

You can expect equipment costs to be in the region of £300 depending on brand and retailer. Lab coats are provided however students can purchase their own if preferred.