BSc (Hons) Equine Science and Business (including Agriculture or Bloodstock routes) (Foundation Year)
Gain a solid grounding in both scientific and business skills and grasp the growing number of opportunities available through our network of industry contacts.
Course overview
*Subject to validation*
This degree course with a foundation year incorporates an extra year of study at the start of your course, so that you can progress with confidence. It will develop the skills you need for your later studies. It is particularly suitable if:
- You don’t have the grades for immediate entry onto a three-year course
- You have non-traditional qualifications or experience
- You’re starting university after some time away from education
- You’re looking for more support during the transition into university study
The equine industry generates huge amounts of revenue for some of the world’s major economies and is the second largest economy in the rural sector. The industry is continually looking for bright, skilled graduates. As well as benefitting from a blend of practical exercises and academic knowledge, you will gain essential experience with a work placement. You will also tap into our powerful network of industry contacts, including graduates from the University.
During your first year students will study a blend of equine science and business modules. Then in the second year you can choose whether you decide to focus on equine science and business, agriculture or go down a bloodstock and performance horse management route by choosing one of the three study streams.
There will be plentiful industry visits and industry leading guest speakers allowing you to learn from the best there is. Should you decide to follow the Bloodstock and performance horse management route 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.
No wonder our graduates have gone on to work at prestigious companies such as Plusvital Equinome, Haygain, Tattersalls and The National Trainers Federation.
Work placement
You will complete a 15-week placement in the second year of the course. Students have completed placements at companies such as Plusvital Equinome, Godolphin, Weatherbys, NAF and Haygain. This is an excellent opportunity to develop a range of links within the growing equine industry.
The Integrated Foundation Year is suitable for applicants who have taken level 3 qualifications (A levels, BTEC etc.) in the UK. Overseas students who have not studied in the UK and completed their secondary education in their country, should look at taking an Integrated Foundation Programme in order to meet the entry criteria for the degree programmes offered by the RAU.
Please note that a foundation year is not the same as a foundation degree (FdSc). A foundation year will usually lead onto a three-year degree course, whereas a foundation degree is a standalone qualification generally studied for two years.
For UK students (as of March 2020) a visa may not be required but this may change. For non UK/EU nationals (current Tier 4 visa students), the student will have to arrange their own visa.
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 of 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.
*Subject to validation*
Foundation year
The Foundation year will provide a common core of academic and study skills sufficient to prepare you for subsequent study and academic success at undergraduate level. It will give core underpinning knowledge, skills and understanding in key areas of contemporary issues, provide underpinning subject-related skills and knowledge in key areas required for undergraduate study, including Mathematics, Numeracy and IT. It will also provide generic skills and academic knowledge to support your confidence and discipline as appropriate for higher education study and give subject-specific grounding, in terms of research topics and study focus, to support progression into degree level study in your chosen degree.
- 0IFY1 Managing Landscape: Consider the geographical, human and ecological features of landscapes
- 0IFY4 Land Related Studies: Evaluate the range of different land uses and considers the factors affecting why areas have been selected for specific uses
- 0IFY5 Change in the Countryside: Identify the characteristics that define ‘place’, the ‘outdoors’ and key characteristics of the countryside
- 0IFY6 Enterprise and Marketing: Analyse the characteristics of a thriving business including e-commerce and personnel management
- 0IFY7 Environment and Conservation Data Handling: Carry out practical data collection fieldwork in semi-natural and human-made environments
- 0IFY8 Agriculture and Farming: Develop a basic understanding of the management of different farm enterprises
- 0IFY9 Identifying and Developing Academic, Personal and Professional Skills: Explore personal values and consider the human, social and emotional aspect of professional learning
- 0IFY10 Independent Project: Choose a topic area and complete a short exploratory project using skills developed in the course
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 - Equine Science and Business theme
This programme will allow students who join the British Society of Animal Science (BSAS) to gain student accreditation on the Royal Society of Biology’s register of accredited animal scientists and technologists. The accreditation will provide you with international recognition as an accredited animal scientist.
- 2032 Marketing Management: Identify and interpret relevant market research data to recommend future strategic directions for a company
- 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
- 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
Year three - Equine Science and Business theme
- 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’
- 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
PLUS your choice of THREE electives selected from:
- 3345 Equine Assisted Services for Human Wellbeing: Explore the horse-human bond and relate this to therapeutic applications for humans
- 3206 Equine Breeding Management: Investigate the physiological basis of reproduction in both the mare and stallion
- 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
- 3316 Changing Consumer Behaviour: Interpret consumer behaviour using concepts from diverse disciplinary perspectives including psychology, sociology, anthropology and consumer culture
- 3242 Negotiations in Business: Explore the process of negotiation as a form of persuasion and problem-solving within professional and personal communication contexts
- 3325 Rural Entrepreneurship: Gain the skills needed to successfully launch your own business
The availability of electives to individual students will be dependent on timetabling considerations and on sufficient students electing to take part.
Year two - Agriculture theme
If you decide to include Agriculture with your Equine Science and Business studies you will learn about Animal Health and Welfare, Equine Veterinary Science, Livestock Husbandry Systems, Sustainable Forage and Turf Management alongside Marketing Management in your second year. In your third year you will go on to study Equine Health, Advances in Livestock Nutrition, Equine Breeding Management, Sustainable Farm Management and Rural Entrepreneurship. This combination will prepare you for either the equine or agricultural sector with a core foundation of animal science and business skills.
This programme will allow students who join the British Society of Animal Science (BSAS) to gain student accreditation on the Royal Society of Biology’s register of accredited animal scientists and technologists. The accreditation will provide you with international recognition as an accredited animal scientist.
- 2032 Marketing Management: Identify and interpret relevant market research data to recommend future strategic directions for a company
- 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
- 2372 Animal Health and Welfare: Learn how animal health and welfare can be scientifically assessed using frameworks and assessment tools to compare different UK animal agriculture systems
- 2375 Livestock Husbandry Systems: Explore approaches to farm animal husbandry and how this impacts farm animal health and welfare
- 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
Year three - Agriculture theme
- 3041 Corporate Finance: Explore how finance affects the corporate world and the individual
- 3206 Equine Breeding Management: Investigate the physiological basis of reproduction in both the mare and stallion
- 3238 Advances in Livestock Nutrition: Critically evaluate the impact that modern commercial livestock nutrition has on animal and human welfare
- 3300 Research Project / Dissertation: Develop a detailed research proposal that presents a well-developed research aim supported by clear research objectives
- 3317 International Marketing: Explore the impact of the global environment on international marketing decisions
- 3325 Rural Entrepreneurship: Gain the skills needed to successfully launch your own business
- 3332 Specialist Study: Undertake a self-directed study within the chosen specialist area
- 3337 Sustainable Farm Management: Create a farm system in accordance with a specific agricultural approach
- 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’
Year two - Bloodstock theme
If you decide to focus on Bloodstock and Performance Horse Management, in the second year you will study Global Bloodstock Production alongside Sustainable Forage and Turf Management, Sports Physiology and Nutrition, Behaviour and Welfare, and Equine Veterinary Science. The modules in this elective route have been specifically designed with the performance horse in mind. In the third year you will then consider Advances in Equine Nutrition, Advances in Equine Health, Advances in Training the Equine Athlete and a study tour to contextualise this to the industry. The study tour does involve an additional fee of £600 and the university has a bursary system to help support students with this.
This programme of study will provide students with the opportunity to gain student accreditation on the Royal Society of Biology’s register of accredited animal scientists and technologists by joining the British Society of Animal Science (BSAS). The accreditation will provide you with international recognition as an accredited animal scientist. The course will also equip students with the knowledge to sit the British Racing Schools Diploma in Racehorse Care, which is essential additional qualification for many roles in the sector.
- 2386 Global 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 - Bloodstock theme
- 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
*3242 Negotiations in Business is offered as an alternative to 3226, should a student be unable to study this module.
Disclaimer information
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Careers and graduate destinations
Equine science and business route
This route will equip you for exciting graduate roles in the horse feed industry, in sporting governing bodies such as the British Equestrian Federation, or with emerging equine science companies such as Plusvital-Equinome.
- Research scientist
- Stud manager
- Brand manager
- Technical sales representative
- Trainer
- Event manager
Agriculture themed route
Following this route will enable you to take on leadership challenges in stud farms, livery yards and other equestrian facilities where land-management skills are valued.
- Bloodstock agent
- Event manager
- Equine journalist
- Racehorse trainer
- Farm quality control officer
- Equine insurance
Bloodstock themed route
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.
- Bloodstock agent
- Stud manager
- Nutritional advisor
- Racecourse manager
- Trainer
- Equine journalist
- Racing 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 subject is highly recommended for this programme (Biology / Applied Science / Animal Science):
- A-Level: (example grades EEE) – minimum of 48 UCAS tariff points across either three A-levels or two A-levels and two AS level subjects or equivalent qualifications
- C&G Advanced Technical/BTEC - Level 3 Extended Diploma (1080) at Pass-Pass-Pass
- International Baccalaureate: 24 points
- Access to Higher Education: Pass course with 45 credits at level 3 (Pass in Functional Skills level 2 are accepted in lieu of GCSE English & Mathematics)
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 | £9,250 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.
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.