About the course
The course is delivered at University Centre Myerscough and awarded by the University of Lancashire. This BSc Top-up option degree programme blends scientific knowledge, academic theory and practical skills following the FdSc programme.
The increasing public awareness of equine welfare and the equine industries social license is a huge driver for change with the equine industry. The modules included on this programme allow for students to explore some of these key aspects and ideas.
Key Information
Location: Preston Campus
Start date: September 2027
Course length: One Year (30 weeks)
Course Modules
Equestrian Performance Strategies
The module aims to provide students with critical understanding of the factors affecting equestrian performance.
Innovations in Animal Research (Double module)
This module aims to examine current innovations in animal behavioural, psychological, and physiological research and in the development of practical management strategies across the animal industry. Through a range of research skills and within the critical evaluation of management practices, this module aims to develop fundamental research skills exploring key trends in industry and building on employability skills.
Students are expected to carry out a group project of their choice to understand, apply and analyse key trends and to suggest future improvements and recommendations. Furthermore, the module aims to consider subject-specific impacts on normal animal husbandry and management decisions whilst ensuring animal welfare is of an utmost priority. The module aims to investigate and evaluate current industry-specific issues for chosen species including companion, farm, wild and zoo-based individuals whilst developing learner skills in effective communication with peers and industry representatives.
Manipulating the Equine for Performance
This module aims to critically appraise current approaches to performance horse management including the influence of humans and their relationship with the horse. The module will also allow students to investigate and evaluate the role of equestrian sport governance.
Research Project (Double module)
The aims of this double-weighted module is to equip students with the ability to understand and define clearly a problem to be solved and extract relevant material from a literature survey. Also to develop the ability to design and undertake an original investigation and to further develop the ability to present, analyse and interpret results.
Students should also develop the ability to present a coherent, critical account of the work and how it relates to that of others; develop management skills; achieve a measure of independence and integrate the different aspects of the course and will be provided with an opportunity to develop a programme of supervised independent research leading to the presentation of a substantial written Project.
Entry requirements & additional information
This course is only accepting applicants on to the third year of the course as part of a 'top up' from Foundation degree (year 3 entry).
Applicants who believe they may be eligible for Accreditation of Prior Certification and/or Experiental Learning (ACPL/APEL) for certain modules will be considered on an individual basis.
Applicants for whom English is a second language must be able to demonstrate proof of International English Language Testing (IELTS) at level 6.0 (with no component skill less than 5.5) or equivalent.
All offers may be subject to successful interview.
Learning activities on the course are diverse, including lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical sessions and workshops. Students are expected to undertake extensive independent study and research to support lectures, seminars and assessments. Group work and group presentations form an important part of the course. Students will have access to specialist IT hardware and software, an on-line learning environment and reference facility.
Assessment: Students will complete a variety of assessments including examinations and tests, practical assessments, essays, presentations, reports and group work.
Additional Information: The course may involve visits or lectures delivered by external speakers who will outline the work/research interests of the various organisations they represent. This provides an excellent opportunity to find out about both the technical issues and developments being discussed and the employment and career opportunities available in the various fields.
On successful completion of the course, students may apply for postgraduate study programmes such as MSc, M Phil, PhD or PGCE.
Equipment and/or Clothing: Riding hat to current safety standards (PAS105 2011, ASTMF1163 2004a onwards; SNELL E2016), riding boots, gloves, jodhpurs plus schooling and jumping whip and body protector subject to current standards (purple label Level 3 2009) for jumping lessons (if riding).
Additional costs for items that are essential for the course include:
£100 - If riding: Jodhpur boots, long leather or riding boots
£90 - Jodhpurs (plain navy or black), riding hat, hair net, gloves
£10 - Laboratory coat
£80 - College polo shirt, sweatshirt and jacket (or plain navy or black)
£30 - Strong boots or wellingtons for yard work
Additional costs for opportunities and items that are optional for the course include:
£33 - College padded gilet
£25 - College rugby shirt
£600 - Field trips and visits (including possible overseas visits)
£70 - If jumping; Body Protector
£75 - If riding: Long & short whip, non-suede gaitors, white shirt and tie
£22 - Waterproof trousers