BSc (Hons) Bloodstock and Equine Performance Management (Professional Placement Year)

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 or 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.

Year one

• 4Q001 Equine Anatomy and Physiology: This module examines the structure and function of equine body systems, including musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, and endocrine systems. Students explore evolutionary adaptations and physiological processes through lectures, dissections, and microscopy. Assessment includes two laboratory workbooks and three 30-minute written exams. The module supports critical understanding of equine health, behaviour, and performance through anatomical and physiological analysis.
• 4Q004 Equine Health and Disease: This module explores equine disease processes, diagnostics, and treatment. Topics include immunology, bacteriology, virology, parasitology, wound healing, and blood analysis. Students develop lab skills and apply theory to case studies. Assessment includes a 1500-word case study and a practical skills assessment. The module supports critical evaluation of disease recognition, laboratory diagnostics, and sustainable parasite control in equine health management.
• 4Q005 Equine Nutrition: This module introduces equine feeding principles, nutrient biochemistry, digestive physiology, and diet formulation. Topics include feed analysis, metabolism, supplements, and feeding behaviour. Students engage in lab work, industry visits, and ration planning. Assessment includes a 5-minute audio-visual presentation and a 2000-word ration formulation report. The module supports critical evaluation of equine dietary needs, feed sustainability, and practical nutrition strategies.
• 4Q002 Equine Breeding and Genetics: This module explores equine reproductive science and genetics, covering anatomy, physiology, fertility, and breeding technologies. Topics include inheritance, coat colour, performance traits, and foal management. Students engage in lab work and industry visits. Assessment includes a 1000-word academic poster and a 90-minute written exam. The module supports critical evaluation of breeding practices, genetic traits, and reproductive management in equine contexts.
• 4Q003 Equine Business Enterprise: This module introduces core business principles for equestrian enterprises, including planning, finance, staffing, marketing, and operations. Topics include legislation, facility management, and entrepreneurship. Students engage with guest speakers, site visits, and workshops. Assessment includes a four-part portfolio covering operational, financial, staffing, and marketing strategies. The module supports critical evaluation of business viability and prepares students for management roles in the equine industry.
• 4M002 Professional, Practical and Study Skills

Year two​

• 5M001 Industry Engagement
• 5Q001 Bloodstock Production: This module examines Thoroughbred breeding and youngstock development. Topics include pedigree analysis, conformation, genetic assessment, and contemporary industry issues such as welfare and wastage. Students engage with guest lectures, practicals, and visits to studs and sales. Assessment includes a 1500-word advisory article and a 2-hour written exam. The module supports critical evaluation of breeding strategies, performance prediction, and ethical considerations in bloodstock production.
• 5Q002 Equine Behaviour and Welfare Applications: This module investigates equine behaviour and welfare through ethology, neuroscience, and learning theory. Topics include feral horse dynamics, welfare frameworks, brain function, and training strategies. Students engage with fieldwork, dissections, and guest lectures. Assessment includes a 10-minute oral presentation and a 2-hour seen exam. The module supports critical evaluation of behavioural science, welfare assessment, and communication of findings to diverse audiences.
• 5Q005 Sustainable Forage and Turf Management: This module explores the production and management of grass for forage and equestrian sports surfaces. Topics include soil science, plant physiology, forage conservation, turf sustainability, and climate change impacts. Students engage in lab work, field visits, and forage analysis. Assessment includes a 1500-word article critique and a 2-hour seen exam. The module supports critical evaluation of sustainable pasture systems and forage quality for equine use.
• 5Q003 Equine Medicine: This module explores advances in equine medicine, including diagnostics, disease management, and responsible use of veterinary medicines. Topics include respiratory, gastrointestinal, endocrine, and infectious diseases, with a focus on One Health. Students engage with case studies and practical lab sessions. Assessment includes a 1500-word disease review and a 1500-word laboratory skills portfolio. The module supports critical evaluation of evidence-based treatment and contextualised care in equine health.
• 5Q004 Equine Sports Physiology: This module examines how horses respond to exercise and training across disciplines. Topics include physiological adaptations, sports nutrition, fatigue, and biomechanical analysis. Students engage with practical sessions using fitness and motion technologies. Assessment includes a 2000-word essay and a 1000-word academic poster. The module supports critical evaluation of equine performance, training strategies, and movement analysis.
• 5M002 Research and Evidence

Year three

You will undertake your placement year during year three of your programme. You will complete Years 1 and 2, complete the placement year and then return for your final year of the programme.

• PPY Professional Placement Year

Year four

• 6M001 Research Project: This module enables students to undertake an independent research project aligned with their subject area. Topics are student-selected and supported through supervisor meetings and workshops. Assessment includes a 5-minute progress presentation and a 12,000-word thesis or multimedia portfolio. The module supports critical evaluation, ethical research design, and evidence-based recommendations for real-world challenges.
• 6Q002 Advances in Equine Training and Performance: This module examines contemporary training methods and technologies to optimise equine performance. Topics include biomechanics, welfare, tack innovations, and regulatory frameworks. Students engage with guest lectures, debates, and research analysis. Assessment includes a 1500-word article for a lay audience and a 2-hour seen exam. The module supports critical evaluation of training strategies and evidence-based approaches to equine athletic development.
• 6Q004 Equine Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation: This module explores equine orthopaedic disease, injury prevention, and rehabilitation. Topics include diagnostic imaging, discipline-specific injuries, physiotherapy, and treatment strategies. Students engage with case studies, lab sessions, and hospital visits. Assessment includes a 2500-word knowledge summary and a scientific poster presentation. The module supports critical evaluation of equine musculoskeletal health and evidence-based rehabilitation practices.
• 6Q005 The Global Bloodstock Industry: This module examines the structure, challenges, and opportunities within the global Thoroughbred breeding and racing sectors. Topics include international industry comparisons, welfare, economics, and emerging markets. Students engage with guest lectures, debates, and an optional study tour. Assessment includes a 2500-word racing series proposal and a 2500-word breeding industry review. The module supports critical evaluation of global bloodstock systems and strategic development planning.
• 6Q003 Breeding and Stud Management: This module investigates reproductive biology and stud farm operations across sport horse and bloodstock sectors. Topics include mare and stallion selection, assisted reproductive technologies, health management, and industry challenges. Students engage with field visits, guest lectures, and practical sessions. Assessment includes a 10-minute oral presentation and a 2-hour seen exam. The module supports critical evaluation of breeding strategies and sustainable stud management.

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.

Graduates are likely to pursue careers as:

• Bloodstock agent
• Stud manager
• Nutritional advisor
• Racecourse manager
• Trainer
• Racing administration

"I looked at the website and I just thought that this looks incredible, the alumni have gone on to do so many amazing things."

Florentyna Anderson, Graduate

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 BCC) – minimum of 96 UCAS tariff points (to include at least two A-Levels or equivalent qualifications)
• C&G Advanced Technical/BTEC - Level 3 Extended Diploma (1080) at Merit-Merit-Merit
• C&G NPTC/C&G Advanced Technical/BTEC - Level 3 Diploma (720), Extended Certificate (360) and 90-Credit Diploma (540) acceptable when accompanied by other Level 3 qualifications
• International Baccalaureate: 26 points
• Access to Higher Education: 45 credits at level 3, of which a minimum of 15 must be awarded at Distinction and 15 at Merit or higher (Pass at Functional Skills level 2 are accepted in lieu of GCSE English & Mathematics)

Other level 3 qualifications will be considered.

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

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 these, please visit the bursaries, awards and scholarships page.