Bachelor of Science in Equine Science

Equine science is a specialization within animal science, which involves the study of the reproduction, physiology, behavior and nutrition of horses.

Would you like to follow a professional career in the horse industry? The four-year BSc degree in Equine Science provides you with the opportunity to underpin your career aspirations with specialist knowledge and skills. This programme, unique in Europe, has been developed because of the economic importance of the horse and related industries and the consequential need to produce highly qualified personnel with the specialised knowledge to exploit the potential of these industries.

The overall aim of the programme is to equip you with degree-level competence in the disciplines of Equine Science and a choice of professional studies in either Equitation* (the art or practice of horse riding or horsemanship) or Equine Business Management. Graduates of the programme contribute to the continued development of the horse industry through the application of their knowledge, skills and research in Science, Equitation and Business Management.

* Entry to the Equitation Science option is dependent on achieving a satisfactory standard in Equitation Science over the first two years.

This course provides students with both skills and knowledge that can be applied to many different areas within the equine industry and beyond.

- Sean Flannery, Graduate

Employability skills from this degree

• Working independently and in teams
• Working at all levels of the horse industry
• Knowledge of equitation and business
• Familiarity with the national and international horse industry
• Thinking critically

Career opportunities

Graduates from this programme may choose from a wide variety of career opportunities in areas such as:

• Equine Enterprise Management (Stud Farms, Show Jumping Yards, Racing Yards, Equestrian Centres).
• Leisure, Recreation and Tourism based on Equine activities.
• Equestrian Marketing and Sales Enterprises.
• Equine related service industry (food supply, equipment manufacturing, laboratory servicing, management information (IT)).
• Equine Research and Development.
• Sports Journalism.
• Equine related organisations, including state and semi-state.
• Self-employment in the equine industry.
• Postgraduate studies

Further study options for graduates with this degree

The following provides a sample of further education qualifications that graduates have pursued.

• Master’s Degree Research
• MSc in Animal Behaviour
• MSc in Equine Science
• MSc in Project Management
• MSc in Reproduction Science
• Veterinary Medicine

Job titles for graduates with this degree

The following provides a sample of initial roles listed in the Graduate Outcomes Survey (GOS) by graduates approximately one year after graduation.

• Apprentice Scheme with YITBA
• Equine Nutrition Specialist
• Laboratory Assistant
• Stable Manager
• Stud Employee
• Senior Clinical Pathology Technologist
• Showjumper
• Stable Hand