BSc (Hons) Equine Science and Business (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 all students will study the same modules. Then in the second year you can choose whether you decide to focus on equine science and business, agriculture or go down a thoroughbred/bloodstock route by choosing the modules relevant to that study stream.
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 route there will also be trip to a leading racing business in Ireland.
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
- 0IFY2 Digital Skills
- 0IFY3 Rural Business Skills
- 0IFY4 Land Related Studies
- 0IFY5 Change in the Countryside
- 0IFY6 Enterprise and Marketing
- 0IFY7 Environment and Conservation Data Handling
- 0IFY8 Agriculture and Farming
Year one
- 1010 Equine Industry
- 1247 Equine Breeding and Genetics
- 1248 Equine Bio-veterinary Science 1
- 1249 Nutritional Biochemistry and Feeding
- 1314 Equine Anatomy and Physiology
- 1400 Developing Academic Skills
- 1415 Global Business Environment
- 1443 Business Finance and Accounts
Year two - Equine Science and Business theme
- 2032 Marketing Management
- 2253 Equine Bio-veterinary Science 2
- 2254 Equine Nutrition and Training
- 2255 Soil and Grassland for Equestrian Use
- 2317 Industry Placement
- 2337 Personal and Professional Development Skills and Employability
- 2378 Research and Evidence
- TBC Equine Behaviour and Welfare
Year two - Agriculture theme
- 2032 Marketing Management
- 2253 Equine Bio-veterinary Science 2
- 2254 Equine Nutrition and Training
- 2255 Soil and Grassland for Equestrian Use
- 2317 Industry Placement
- 2337 Personal and Professional Development Skills and Employability
- 2372 Animal Health and Welfare
- 2378 Research and Evidence
Year two - Bloodstock theme
- 2032 Marketing Management
- 2239 Global Bloodstock Production
- 2253 Equine Bio-veterinary Science 2
- 2255 Soil and Grassland for Equestrian Use
- 2317 Industry Placement
- 2337 Personal and Professional Development Skills and Employability
- 2378 Research and Evidence
- TBC Equine Behaviour and Welfare
Year three - Equine Science and Business theme
- 3036 Equine Enterprise and Product Development
- 3078 Advances in Equine Nutrition
- 3200 Equine Health and Welfare
- 3206 Equine Breeding Management
- 3217 Advances in Training the Equine Athlete
- 3300 Research Project / Dissertation
- 3332 Specialist Study
Year three - Agriculture theme
- 3200 Equine Health and Welfare
- 3206 Equine Breeding Management
- 3217 Advances in Training the Equine Athlete
- 3238 Advances in Livestock Nutrition
- 3300 Research Project / Dissertation
- 3332 Specialist Study
- 3337 Sustainable Farm Management
Year three - Bloodstock theme
- 3078 Advances in Equine Nutrition
- 3200 Equine Health and Welfare
- 3206 Equine Breeding Management
- 3217 Advances in Training the Equine Athlete
- 3226 Irish Equestrian Industry
- 3300 Research Project / Dissertation
- 3332 Specialist Study
* Optional additions to the course will incur additional charges
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
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:
- 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
2024-25 Applicants
For the academic year 2024-25 the tuition fees for this course are:
| UK | International | |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time | £9,250 per year | £15,300 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 2019/20.
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.