UCR - University Centre Reaseheath
University Centre Reaseheath

BSc (Hons) in Equine Bioveterinary Science

Combine your passion for both equine and science with this technical course and explore the science behind the latest advances in the equine industry.

You will study key veterinary science modules from Equine Nutrition and Health to Veterinary Microbiology and Immunology during this three-year course, while you develop key laboratory skills which will be essential when working in scientific and technical roles within the industry.

In preparation for your rewarding career, you will also gain a good understanding of the scientific principles and management practices associated with maintaining optimal equine health and full athletic performance.

equine-science student and tutor skeleton

Course Overview

You will develop your ability to identify and solve problems within the sphere of equine science, as well as advancing your interest and understanding of equine related scientific research. This will stand you in good stead to conduct ground-breaking research of your own.

As a student on this course, you may be eligible to complete a 1-year Industry Placement between your second and final year of study, giving you the opportunity to gain substantial industry experience and kickstart your career. To be eligble for this, you must achieve a pass grade above 50% in your second year of studies.

Course Features

  • Use of our commercial equestrian centre including indoor and outdoor arenas, 60-stable accommodation and 8-stall Claydon horse walker
  • Gain extensive laboratory experience using key laboratory techniques such as bacteria culturing, PCR-analysis and metabolic profiling   
  • Study microbiology and diseases of equids
  • Explore advances in genetics and breeding technologies and their application in the equine industry
  • Study nutrition, welfare, ethics and equine rehabilitation  
  • Opportunities to engage with industry partners

Career Options

  • Consultancy 
  • Equine rehabilitation 
  • Equine nutrition 
  • Research and development in equine and para-veterinary fields 
  • Equine research 
  • Veterinary physiotherapy 
  • Pharmaceutical sales 
  • Progression to postgraduate study such as MSc or PhD

Placement year option available

If you are keen to gain additional experience during your time at UCR, you can study this BSc (Hons) Equine Bioveterinary Science degree with a placement year.

An introduction to BSc (Hons) Equine Bioveterinary Science at UCR

Lecturer and Course Manager Sophie Park explains more about what you will do on the varied and rewarding BSc (Hons) Equine Bioveterinary Science degree programme and some of the careers you could go on to when you graduate.

Play Video

Course Information

The course focuses on the latest advances in equine science providing graduates with a foundation in the scientific skills essential to the equine industry. The BSc (Hons) in Equine Bioveterinary Science at Reaseheath offers both academic excellence and student satisfaction.

  • A minimum of 96 tariff points from A and AS levels to include Biology
  • Access to HE Diploma – a minimum of 96 tariff points
  • Scottish Higher – A minimum of 96 tariff points from Higher and Advanced Higher in an Animal, Equine or Science related subject
  • Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) – a minimum of grade MMM in an Animal, Equine or Science related subject
  • Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) – a minimum of grade DD in an Animal, Equine or Science related subject
  • T Level – a minimum grade of Pass (C or above)
  • 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

 

Interviews may be used to help make decisions on applications, mature applicants and those where further information is required. It is strongly suggested that students undertake industry-relevant work experience either before or during the length of the degree. This could take the form of additional BHS qualifications, practical experience working in a research laboratory, working with a physiotherapist etc. depending on your interests and desired career pathway. 

  • Equine Sports Horse Industry and Management
  • Introduction to Genetics and Breeding
  • Veterinary Biosciences
  • Introduction to Scientific Communication
  • Equine Anatomy and Physiology
  • Introduction to Behaviour in Animals
  • Equine Exercise Physiology and Biomechanics
  • Research Methods
  • Advances in Equine Breeding


Optional

  • Animal Nutrition*
  • Equine Health and Epidemiology*
  • Veterinary Physiology and Microbiology**
  • Equine Nutrition and Health**
  • Work Based Learning for the Land-based Industries
  • Experiential Learning


*must be taught together

**must be taught together

  •  
  • Advanced Equine Nutrition

  • Advanced Equine Welfare and Ethics

  • Recent Advances in Equine Science

  • Dissertation (40 Credits)

Optional

  • Biomechanical Analysis of Equestrian Performance
  • Veterinary Microbiology and Immunology
  • Animal Parasitology

Optional modules run subject to sufficient uptake. Module selection will take place during induction week each year and confirmation of a module running will take place this time.

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:  

21% of your time is spent in timetabled teaching and learning activity 

Teaching, Learning and Assessment:       260 hours 

Placement:                                                         150 hours 

Independent Study:                                        780 hours 

 

Year 3:  

14% of your time is spent in timetabled teaching and learning activity 

Teaching, Learning and Assessment:       170 hours 

Independent Study:                                        1030 hours 

Class sizes vary depending on module being studied. Some shared modules may be taught in large groups in the lecture theatre although most will be taught in groups up to 30 students. 

Please note – this information is subject to change.

Assessment Methods

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 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 

68% coursework 

32% timed online assessment

Year 2 

79% coursework 

25% timed online assessment 

6% practical 

Year 3 

66% coursework 

30% timed online assessment 

4% practical 


Feedback

Opportunities for feedback on your progress will be available throughout your course. This will be provided in many formats, including written and verbal. Feedback on graded work is supplied online via Turnitin or directly from the module tutor. The majority of assessment submissions are made online via Turnitin and feedback for coursework is provided within 20 working days after the submission date.

Written feedback will be supported verbally should the student require clarification. Formative assessment feedback will be provided at the time of completion where possible, with more detailed summative feedback for reports.

Timetables will be distributed during induction week. 

Students will be expected to attend all timetabled sessions. In years 1 and 2 sessions are typically timetabled 3 to 3.5 days per week and in year 3 they are timetabled over 2 to 2.5 days per week.

Students have the option of completing the level 5 module ‘Work Based Learning for the Land Based Industries’ module which includes 150 hours of work-based industry placement and professional development.

Students studying the alternative ‘RC5508 Experiential Learning’ module may also undertake industry-based placements as part of their experiential learning.

The responsibility of finding a suitable placement lies with the student who is also responsible for any financial cost associated with such placement.

Tuition Fees

As a student at UCR, you will have two main costs to meet; your tuition fees and living costs.

Our full-time tuition fees for UK and EU students, entering University, can be found on our student finance page. These fees are charged for each academic year of a course and are set by the college annually.

Tuition fees for international students can also be found on our student finance page.

Additional Costs

Study Tours

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.

Equipment costs

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 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 £200 depending on brand and retailer.

Lab coats are provided however students can purchase their own if preferred.

You may wish to take the opportunity to undertake additional training and qualifications such as British Horse Society (BHS) qualifications. These will be an additional cost to the degree.

The equine centre hosts a range of riding clinics and affiliated and unaffiliated equestrian sporting events in a range of disciplines. These events are usually an additional cost and are typically £10-£50.

Apply directly through UCAS

DD61

A minimum of 96 UCAS points

September 2023
September 2024

Full-time: 3 years

Useful Information

Here you will find useful information about the services and support available at University Centre Reaseheath. Click to expand each item:

University Centre Reaseheath is committed to providing additional financial support to those who need it. To find out about the bursary schemes available visit the additional financial support pages.

For students to get the best out of their time at University Centre Reaseheath, we must both recognise that we owe obligations to each other. These obligations are set out in our UCR Student Contract. Before you accept an offer of a place at University Centre Reaseheath, it is important that you read these contract conditions. If you are going to be living in Halls of Residence, you will also need to read the Student Accommodation Licence Conditions. Both of these contracts can be found here.

Click here to view the University Centre Reaseheath Student Protection Plan.

All UCR students are given the opportunity to apply for residential accommodation. First year students are guaranteed accommodation and this offer is made to all applicants who live more than a reasonable daily travelling distance from Reaseheath (providing you have applied before the UCAS equal considerations deadline. For full details on our halls of residence visit our accommodation page.

We have a team of dedicated professionals on hand to offer you support. These include our Student Services Team, Inclusive Learning Team, Library and Learning Resources Team and the Reaseheath Careers Service. You can find more information on the support provided at Reaseheath on our support page.

University Centre Reaseheath is proud to welcome international students. For more information, please visit our international students page.

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