BSc (Hons) Bloodstock and Equine Performance Management
The equine industry in the UK is diverse and made up of many different sized businesses all of whom need graduates with a good knowledge of equine science and the equine industry, as well as core business skills. So you could find yourself working in sectors including horse racing and bloodstock production, the sport horse sector including the Olympic disciplines. Each of these areas of the equine industry are also served by a range of organisations providing goods and services ranging from event hospitality, animal health and welfare to animal feed and forage production.
So if you aspire to have a career in the thoroughbred or sports horse industry, our specialist Bloodstock and Equine Performance Management degree will give you the knowledge and learning experiences to prepare for careers in training, breeding and sales, racecourse and event management, and racing administration.
Course overview
This unique programme has been designed to provide students with both equine science elements, based around our core strengths of nutrition, behaviour, physiology, health and welfare, and bloodstock industry elements to support both the products and services sides of the wider industry.
Industry experience is at the heart of this degree with a work placement in your second year, and visits to leading racing businesses in Lambourn, Newmarket and Ireland. Our graduates have secured high profile positions in the racing industry, including organisations such as Godolphin, Juddmonte, The Jockey Club, Weatherbys and The National Trainers Federation, and you could join them.
This specialist course compares science and business practices to those within the sports horse industry, and equips you with the skills to step into the professional world.
There will be plentiful industry visits and industry leading guest speakers allowing you to learn from the best there is. There will also be a study tour to Ireland to explore the Irish bloodstock industry as a comparison to the UK. This route will incur an additional course supplement of £600 to cover the cost of the tour.
Work placement
You will complete a 15-week work placement in the second year. Students have completed placements at prestigious companies such as Highclere Stud, France Galop, Newsells Park Stud, Jockey Club Estates and Arena Racing Company. If you wish to undertake an extended period of work there is the option to complete a year in the workplace.
Course content
The research project is an integral part of the course and provides essential experience in both design and execution of a piece of research. You can choose to focus on either science or business and you could also see your Research Project featured in one of the many academic journals that regularly publish our students’ work.
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 360 credits for the degree as a whole. Your overall grade for your degree is based on marks obtained for modules taken at level 5 and level 6 (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: Explore the structure of the policy network within the equine industry
- 1314 Equine Anatomy and Physiology: Discover the structure and function of the major organs and systems of the horse
- 1415 Global Business Environment: Gain an understanding of the economic, political and cultural factors which constitute the Global Business Environment
- 1440 Academic and Practical Skills: 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
- 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
Year two
- 2259 Bloodstock Production: Analyse the nutrient content of forage sources for equids and experience the practical management of equine sports turfs
- 2317 Industry Placement: Complete 15 weeks of work experience to develop key skills for the world of work
- 2337 Personal and Professional Development Skills and Employability: Review and critically assess professional communication standards and other competencies needed for successful client and business management
- 2378 Research and Evidence: Explore the wide range of research methodologies available, and learn how to select the optimal approach for a given scenario
- 2385 Equine Veterinary Science: Gain practical experience and understanding of techniques that are used in diagnostic laboratories
- 2388 Sustainable Forage and Turf Management: Analyse the nutrient content of forage sources for equids and experience the practical management of equine sports turfs
- 2384 Equine Sports Physiology and Nutrition: Apply the scientific principles of exercise physiology to optimise horse fitness for a range of disciplines
- 2387 Equine Behaviour and Welfare Applications: Apply equine behavioural science to the training and welfare of horses
Year three
- 3206 Equine Breeding Management: Investigate the physiological basis of reproduction in both the mare and stallion
- 3242 Negotiations in Business: Explore the process of negotiation as a form of persuasion and problem-solving within professional and personal communication contexts
- 3344 Advances in Equine Nutrition: Explore recent advances in the field of equine nutrition research
- 3343 Advances in Equine Health: Explore the regulations that underpin professionals working with horses and the use of veterinary medicines in the context of ‘One Health’
- 3217 Advances in Training the Equine Athlete: Synthesise principles from equine physiology, genetics, behaviour, and welfare and apply these to the management of the equine athlete
- 3226 Irish Bloodstock Industry* : Gain first-hand experience of the Irish bloodstock sector through a study tour
- 3300 Research Project / Dissertation: Develop a detailed research proposal that presents a well-developed research aim supported by clear research objectives
- 3332 Specialist Study: Undertake a self-directed study within the chosen specialist area
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
This route will provide the skills to succeed as racehorse trainers, executives in racing governing bodies such as the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and as bloodstock advisors/agents. Other roles include:
- Bloodstock agent
- Stud manager
- Nutritional advisor
- Racecourse manager
- Trainer
- Equine journalist
- Racing administration
"I looked at the website and I just thought that this looks incredible, the alumni have gone on to do so many amazing things."
Florentyna Anderson, Student
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 subject is highly recommended for this programme (Biology / Applied Science / Animal Science):
- A-Level: (Example grades BCC) – minimum of 96 UCAS tariff points (to include at least two A-Levels or equivalent qualifications)
- C&G Advanced Technical/BTEC - Level 3 Extended Diploma (1080) at Merit-Merit-Merit
- C&G NPTC/C&G Advanced Technical/BTEC - Level 3 Diploma (720), Extended Certificate (360) and 90-Credit Diploma (540) acceptable when accompanied by other Level 3 qualifications
- International Baccalaureate: 26 points
- Access to Higher Education: 45 credits at level 3, of which a minimum of 15 must be awarded at Distinction and 15 at Merit or higher (Pass at 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.
You may also be eligible for a contextual offer if you’re from one of our link colleges, have been in care, from a non-white ethnic background, live in an area with low progression rates to university or you are a veteran/child of an armed forces family.
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 |
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 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.