Graduate Diploma in Bloodstock and Performance Horse Management
This intensive, one-year course in Bloodstock and Performance Horse management is unique to the Royal Agricultural University. It is designed to provide a stepping-stone into the equine sector and support those interested in a career in the UK's world leading bloodstock and performance horse industry. A graduate diploma is a UK qualification that is a recognised higher education FHEQ Level 6 qualification, equivalent to a final year undergraduate programme, that is often used as a conversion degree supporting students to develop a new disciplinary focus, in this case the UK bloodstock and performance horse industry.
Course overview
The equine industry in the UK is diverse and covers a range of different sectors including horse racing and bloodstock production, the sport horse sector including the Olympic disciplines and the leisure sector. Each of these areas in turn are served by a range of organisations providing goods and services, and the sport side of the industry also supports wider industries such as leisure, tourism and hospitality.
Within this programme there is a strong focus on the breeding and production of horses for racing and performance. You will study the underpinning principles of equine reproductive physiology and genetics, which is then built upon to cover modern approaches to equine breeding and stud management, including assisted reproductive technologies as used in the sports horse sector. You will gain unique insight into the production of bloodstock in the UK context, as well as the place of the UK within the global bloodstock industry. Teaching will also cover the most recent development in training and performance optimisation across a range of equestrian sports, as well as orthopaedic injuries and rehabilitation practices. This content is supported with trips and visits to racing yards and studs both local to the university and in Newmarket, the racing capital of the UK, alongside an optional study tour to Ireland.
It is likely that you will have already acquired elsewhere a range of intellectual and transferable skills. However, this programme enables you to:
- Understand the scientific theory behind the practical application of performance horse management
- Focus on the breeding, genetics and production of bloodstock
- Explore the training and sports physiology of performance horses
- Achieve a blend of science theory and practical industry visits for the application of knowledge
You will be taught by lecturers with extensive industry experience and high profile, research-active academics who will inspire your studies and set you on the path to becoming an equine professional, equipping you with the knowledge and skills you need to understand and address challenges within the industry.
Course content
You will study six modules, working on case studies, assignments, and management projects as well as visits to equine businesses.
Prospective students are strongly encouraged to complete pre-course reading in order to secure a minimum basic knowledge of equine anatomy and physiology to prepare you for the rest of the course.
Here at the RAU we are always looking for ways to better support our students. We recognise that a number of our students may be working or have caring responsibilities alongside studying which can sometimes make it difficult to attend every teaching session in person. As such we have the ability for you to join lectures and seminars through an alternative digital format in prior discussion with your programme leader. Please note that for international students on a student visa you are expected to attend your classes in person. Remote delivery is not an UKVI authorised mode of attendance for the taught element of your course and therefore non-attendance would affect your student visa.
The in-person teaching sessions and study tour visit for core modules, for both full time and part time students, are timetabled on the same day each week for the full year (both semesters). This allows you to fulfil other commitments you may have, such as work, family and interests.
The modules available for this course 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.
Modules
- 4Q002 Equine Breeding and Genetics
- 5Q001 Bloodstock Production
- 6Q004 Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation
- 6Q002 Advances in Equine Training and Performance
- 6Q003 Breeding and Stud Management
- 6Q005 The Global Bloodstock Industry
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.
Careers and graduate destinations
- Working for stud farms
- Equine trainers
- Bloodstock agents
Entry requirements
The Graduate Diploma in Bloodstock and Performance Horse Management comprises a programme of study that requires graduate (Honours Degree) level entry or its equivalent, and has learning outcomes that match qualifications at Honours degree level. As a result, the programme is affected by the UK Governments’ policy on Equivalent and Lower Qualifications [ELQ] whereby such students are not eligible for funding support through the Higher Education Funding Council for England.
Candidates will normally have a first degree from a discipline other than equine, awarded at 2:2 or above. Equivalent overseas and other UK qualifications may be accepted at the discretion of the University.
Applicants of 25 years and over may seek admission on the basis of a curriculum vitae, but evidence of ability to study at degree level, such as proven managerial level experience, is essential.
A period of relevant practical work experience within the equine industry is recommended as a means of enhancing understanding of the industry and the relevance of specific modules towards future career goals, but is not a prerequisite of joining the programme.
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.
Fees
2025-26 Applicants
For the academic year 2025-26 the tuition fees for this course are:
| UK | Overseas** | |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time | £9,535 per year | £16,950 per year |
| Part-time | £4,768 per year | N/A |
** Please note: International students can study on a part-time basis only if they are in the UK with a different type of visa (other than Student Visa/Tier 4 General) that allows them to undertake part-time study and their visa does not expire prior to the end date of the proposed course of study.
Please contact admissions@rau.ac.uk before you apply to confirm your eligibility.
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.
For full details, please visit the fees and funding webpage.
Scholarships
The University offers a range of generous fee waivers and bursaries. To find out more about the scholarships, awards and bursaries available, please visit the scholarships webpage.
Applications for September 2026 to open shortly
To apply for a postgraduate course you need to complete an online application form. This can be found by selecting your preferred course option at the bottom of this box.
Alternatively, if you cannot access the online form please call Admissions on 01285 889912, or email admissions@rau.ac.uk.
We recommend you keep a copy of the completed form for your records.
Application deadline, September entry:
- EU and overseas applicants must submit their application by 29 June 2026
- UK applicants must submit their applications by 1 September 2026
Results deadline, September entry:
- EU and overseas applicants will need to meet their conditions by 31 July 2026
- UK applicants will need to meet their conditions by 14 September 2026
Applicants will be notified via email once a decision has been made and decision letters will be emailed to you. If there is a deadline by which applicants must accept an offer of admission or pay a deposit, this will be stated in the offer letter.
Requests to defer the year of entry will be considered only when an applicant holds an Unconditional offer and needs to be submitted in writing to the admissions team. We cannot guarantee that requests will be granted. Decisions on deferral requests are considered:
- For September entry at the end of August
If the deferral request is granted applicants will receive a new offer letter with tuition fees which are applicable to their year of entry, at the opening of the next admissions cycle.
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