FdSc Equine Management
This exciting new course covers all of the required practical skills for the British Horse Society Level 3 Groom's qualification, embedded within a framework of equine science and business based learning.
You will build knowledge and skills in horse care and management to reach this level throughout the two years. Students with little or no previous experience with horses will be expected to commit to additional sessions to develop these practical skills in order to meet the required standard.
Course overview
This new course combines a blend of science with the business skills required to run a successful equine operation. You will have access to academics with many years of practical horse handling experience so that you can be confident that you are learning from the best there is. You will get out and about on a high number of industry visits to world leading equestrian businesses and will be introduced to high profile guest speakers ensuring that you have a complete overview of the subject.
By the end of the course you will be able to practically handle and manage horses as well as supervise and lead others.
Work placement
You will complete a 30 day period of work experience, usually during the summer between your first and second year, to gain further training and experience in the equestrian sector. Not only could you find yourself working for prestigious businesses but you will also develop your confidence and gain industry contacts for when you graduate.
Course content
Timetables
Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week. Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and societies activities.
Modules
Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Each credit equates to 10 hours of total study time. Total study time includes scheduled teaching, independent study and assessment activity.
Full-time students normally take modules worth 60 credits per 15 week semester but this can vary depending on your elective choice. Part-time students taking proportionally fewer credits per semester. All students take a total of 120 credits per level and 240 credits for the foundation degree as a whole. The overall grade for your foundation degree is based on marks obtained for modules taken at level 4 and level 5 (weighted 30:70) accordingly.
The modules available for this degree are shown below. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Year one
- 1247 Equine Breeding and Genetics: (optional)
- 1314 Equine Anatomy and Physiology: Discover the structure and function of the major organs and systems of the horse
- 1440 Academic Skills and Practice: Learn and try out a range of practical skills used in the land and farming sectors
- 1443 Business Finance and Accounts: Learn the fundamentals of accountancy and use software to create and clearly present financial information (optional)
- 1447 The UK Equine Industry: Explore the structure of the policy network within the equine industry
- 1448 Introduction to Equine Health and Disease: Define common equine diseases and routine management of these conditions
- 1450 Introduction to Equine Nutrition: Explore the nutrient composition of feedstuffs for equids
- 1452 Practical Equine Management: Develop the practical skills required to work as a groom in the equine industry
Year two
- 2032 Marketing Management: Identify and interpret relevant market research data to recommend future strategic directions for a company (optional)
- 2259 Bloodstock Production (optional)
- 2378 Research and Evidence: Explore the wide range of research methodologies available, and learn how to select the optimal approach for a given scenario
- 2384 Equine Sports Physiology and Nutrition: Apply the scientific principles of exercise physiology to optimise horse fitness for a range of disciplines
- 2385 Equine Veterinary Science: Gain practical experience and understanding of techniques that are used in diagnostic laboratories
- 2387 Equine Behaviour and Welfare Applications: Apply equine behavioural science to the training and welfare of horses
- 2388 Sustainable Forage and Turf Management: Analyse the nutrient content of forage sources for equids and experience the practical management of equine sports turfs
- 2389 Applied Equine Practice: Develop skills of assessing horses’ conformation, posture, and movement
- 2390 Equine Facility Management: Learn the regulatory and professional practice requirements for running a successful equine facility
Disclaimer information
The University has established various rules and regulations that you must agree to and follow if you accept an offer to study with us. View our full disclaimer notice.
Careers and graduate destinations
Graduates of this programme will leave equipped to take on leadership roles in larger equestrian facilities such as stud farms, livery yards and racing establishments.
You could also continue on to a one-year top-up course to achieve a full BSc (Hons) qualification. Graduates following this course have gone on the follow careers as:
- Lecturer in equine science
- Equine journalist
- Nutritionist
- Research scientist
- Racecourse management
- Yard management
- Horse sports administration
Entry requirements
Typical offers
Required: GCSE minimum five GCSEs at Grade C/4 including English Language and Mathematics (or Maths Numeracy for Welsh applicants) plus satisfactory level 3 qualifications, one science based level 3 subject is recommended:
- A-Level: (example grades CD) – minimum of 56 UCAS tariff points (applicants should have either two A-levels or one A-level and two AS level subjects or equivalent qualifications)
- C&G Advanced Technical/BTEC - Level 3 Extended Diploma (1080) at Merit-Pass-Pass
- International Baccalaureate: 24 points
- Access to Higher Education: 45 credits at level 3 of which minimum of 15 must be awarded at Merit or higher. (Pass in Functional Skills level 2 are accepted in lieu of GCSE English & Mathematics)
Other level 3 qualifications will be considered.
Visit the UCAS website to calculate your UCAS Tariff points from the qualifications and grades achieved.
Flexible entry
The University welcomes interest from applicants who may not have the standard entry requirements. A wide range of qualifications and experience are accepted in order to join University degree programmes. The University always considers evidence of personal, professional (APL) and educational experience, (APEL), which show an ability to meet the demands of their intended programme of study.
Further information
Alternative entry routes are available for a range of other qualifications. Prior experience is also considered, subject to approval by the programme manager and admissions staff.
Read more general information about our entry requirements.
International students will also need to achieve IELTS Academic or equivalent at the appropriate level for your programme of study. English language requirements for international students.
For any further help, please contact our admissions team:
- Email: admissions@rau.ac.uk
- Telephone: +44 (0)1285 889912
Fees
2025-26 Applicants
For the academic year 2025-26 the tuition fees for this course are:
| UK | International | |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time | £9,535 per year | £16,950 per year |
Alongside the standard tuition fees, new students will be expected to provide personal protective equipment including riding hat (to at least PAS015:2011 standard), sturdy footwear and gloves. Finally, students would need to wear an RAU branded polo short and sweatshirt while completing practical yard duties at the RAU Equestrian Centre, leading to an additional expense of approximately £300.
For part-time study, please contact admissions@rau.ac.uk for further information.
Please also refer to the funding your time at university page.
Tuition fees may be subject to an inflationary increase each year as set out in our Access and Participation Plan and are subject to Government and regulatory body conditions.
If you are an Irish national you can check if you meet the requirements for Home Fees. Please visit the UKCISA website and consult the pdf guide “England HE – who pays Home Fees”. First check category ‘3 years in Republic of Ireland/UK/Islands, settled in UK’ or ‘Brexit temporary offer for courses starting before 2028: Irish citizens with residence in Europe or overseas territories’. You will possibly need to be fee assessed when you submit an application for study to the RAU.
Scholarships
The University offers a wide range of generous fee waivers and bursaries. To find out more about the these, please visit the bursaries, awards and scholarships page.
Ready to take the plunge? Apply now
Applications should be made by the UCAS deadline to ensure we are able to offer you a place on your first choice course. However, if you have missed the deadline please contact Admissions@rau.ac.uk as there are usually places available.
If you would like to apply during UCAS Extra or Clearing, please check that we have places available.
Applicants wishing to study on a course on a part-time basis will need to apply directly to the RAU.
Please contact admissions@rau.ac.uk to discuss your requirements and obtain an application form.