Our Equine Summer School is an educational retreat experience, open to all adult learners with an interest in exploring equine science and industry in the United Kingdom.
Globally renowned as the international Home of Jump Racing, Cheltenham Racecourse will be visited as part of the Summer School
Over the course of two weeks be immersed in the fascinating field of equine science and discover the highly diverse equine industry in the United Kingdom, spanning from horse racing and thoroughbred breeding to equestrian sports including polo, eventing, show jumping and dressage, under the guidance of our academics in Equine Science.
We will explore the latest research discoveries in equine science as well as learn more about the equine industry in the United Kingdom including its varied nature, current trends, challenges and opportunities, with exclusive visits and talks by industry speakers.
Who should attend?
Our Summer School is suitable for all adult learners, from undergraduates to retirees, with an interest in equine science and the equine industry in the United Kingdom.
Our Summer School is also ideal for those wishing to undertake our Graduate Diploma in Bloodstock and Performance Horse Management and our MSc by Research, with our academic sessions giving you a taster of what to expect when studying with us and opportunity to meet our academics in Equine Science.
What does the Summer School explore?
Equine Science
You will explore current equine science research projects and learn about the latest findings in equine science and welfare through a range of practical activities and lectures with subject experts, including our academics and those in industry.
This will include a masterclass in horse brain dissection and a hands-on with an interactive session in equine anatomy and physiology.
Find out more about our Equine Science research here.
Equine industry
You will discover the breadth of the equine industry in the Cotswolds and more widely throughout the United Kingdom through a series of local trips and guided tours further afield, as well as talks by industry speakers.
This will include behind-the-scenes, guided tours to active training yards, a polo club, the historic Royal Mews - the stables of the British royal family - and to the international home of jump racing - Cheltenham Racecourse.
The equine industry is a substantial contributor to the United Kingdom's economy. According to the British Horse Council, the industry's annual economic contribution sat at around £9 billion, with approximately 250,000 people employed across some 18,000 businesses, in 2026. Learn more about the industry's performance, including current threats and opportunities for growth and development, as well as the key ingredients of its unique character and global appeal.
What's included?
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure to and from London Heathrow and Birmingham International airports
- Full-board residential accommodation at the RAU
- All core sessions including welcome & farewell events, guest speakers and evening socials
- Student ambassador support, welfare, and logistics coordination
- Entry fees and activities (with transport)
Please note: you will need to ensure that you have your own travel insurance in place.
Your time with us will be marked by a delicious three-course dinner on our Cirencester campus and presentation of certificates of attendance endorsed by the RAU.
When is the Summer School?
We are delighted to be running our next Equine Summer School from 20 June - 5 July 2027.
How much does it cost?
The early-bird, full cost for our two-week programme is £3,250 for successful applications made by 1 February 2027.
After this date, our standard, full cost is £3,500.
Applicants from RAU partner institutions will receive priority consideration and a 20% discount on fees. Eligibility for this offer will be assessed during the application process.
What are the entry requirements?
- You must be an adult learner aged 18-years old and above
- For international applicants:
- IELTS Academic score of 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in each component (or equivalent)
- A standard visitor visa may be required; visit the gov.uk website for more details. Please check the eligibility criteria depending on your personal circumstances, and follow the guidance listed.
Apply today
Apply via our application form here.
Applications close on 30 April 2027, with applicants informed of the result of their application on 7 May 2027.
If you have any summer school queries, get in touch with us via our Residential Summer School enquiry form here or call us at (+44)1285 889850.
Apply to our Equine Summer School
Postgraduate courses
