BSc (Hons) Equine Health and Welfare (Top-up)

The research project is an integral part of the course, the successful completion of which leads to the BSc (Hons) classification. You can choose to focus on either science or business and you could also see your research project featured in one of the many prestigious 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

All full-time academic programmes at the RAU are constructed using a selection of modules, each of which requires engagement with a variety of learning activities. Successful completion of module assessments will result in the award of credits, and students are required to achieve a total of 120 credits. Part-time students are required to achieve a 60 credits per year over two years.

Each module represents a value of 15 credits or multiples thereof. Each 15-credit module represents a minimum of 150 hours of student learning, effort and assessment. To achieve the award of BSc (Hons) in Equine Health and Welfare, a student must achieve a minimum of 120 credits. For this BSc (Hons) Top-up course, your grade is calculated entirely on this course's modules. 

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.

• 3058 Equine Behaviour and Welfare: Apply equine behavioural neuroscience to the training and welfare of horses
• 3200 Equine Health: Explore the regulations that underpin professionals working with horses, evaluate imaging modalities that are key to the diagnosis of orthopaedic injuries and explore complex diseases such as those of muscles and the nervous system.
• 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 a choice of THREE electives, examples given below:

• 3041 Corporate Finance: Explore how finance affects the corporate world and the individual
• 3078 Equine Performance Nutrition: Study recent advances in equine nutrition to assess nutrient requirements and absorption in young and mature performance horses
• 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
• 3242 Negotiation in Business: Explore the process of negotiation as a form of persuasion and problem-solving within professional and personal communication contexts
• 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

The availability of electives to individual students will be dependent on timetabling considerations and on sufficient students electing to take part.

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.

• Lecturer in equine science
• Equine journalist
• Nutritionist
• Research scientist
• Racecourse management
• Yard management
• Horse sports administration

"I chose the RAU because I wanted to further my education in the equine industry. The lecturers are well respected within
the industry and have the relevant equine knowledge. The RAU has brilliant reputation, also you are surrounded by friendly, hardworking and like-minded students. In the future I would love to work in the equine welfare industry."

Lily Thomas, Student

Typical offers

• A foundation degree or an HND award in a related subject, achieving 240 credits overall and gained in the last five years
• Depending on previous studies, you may be required to complete additional ‘bridging’ studies prior to enrolling on the Honours course in order to cover identified gaps in previous learning

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

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

2025-26 Applicants

For the academic year 2025-26 the tuition fees for this course are: 

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.