About the course
The course is delivered at University Centre Myerscough and awarded by the University of Lancashire.
This Foundation Degree has been designed for students wishing to undertake a Higher Education course with a practical, industry focus.
The course offers you a blend of equine science and equine management, equipping you with professional and practical skills required for managerial roles within the equine industry. A number of optional choices allow you to tailor the programme to suit your own interests and employment priorities. You will be equipped with the underpinning knowledge and skills to enter careers within breeding, welfare, training and education, amongst others.
Based at our Preston campus with its renowned International Equine Arena, you will be putting theory into practice working with the college horses within the centre's excellent facilities. You will benefit from our industry links for trips and guest speakers, and you will have opportunities to enhance your employability through industry placements. You may progress to the final year of either of our Bachelor of Science Degree programmes to further enhance your research and expertise.
As a Myerscough equine degree student, you will benefit from individualised support within a welcoming culture, ensuring that you follow in the footsteps of our previous students with their outstanding high achievements and excellent student satisfaction.
Key Information
Location: Preston Campus
Start date: September 2027
Course length: Two Years (60 weeks)
Course Modules
Academic and Vocational Skills
This module provides students with first-hand experience using a relevant work environment to develop academic, practical and technical skills. Students will be encouraged to record and reflect on their own personal development during the module. The module is fundamental to the ethos of foundation degrees in providing engagement in a work environment.
Applied Equine Husbandry
This module aims to increase the student's ability practically around the horse, whilst delving deeper into the research surrounding the overall care. The module will prepare students to work safely around the college horse to ensure they can work independently with the horses within other modules.
Equine Anatomy and Physiology
The purpose of the module is for students to be able to describe the structure and function of the main body systems of the equine at the gross anatomical, macroscopic and microscopic level. Students will also develop laboratory skills and techniques whilst conducting investigations to increase their knowledge and understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the equine.
Ethical Practices in the Equine Industry
The aim of this module is to build on a basic understanding of animal welfare ethics to enable the student to evaluate ethical issues surrounding current practices within the equine industry.
Practical Equine Therapy and Rehabilitation
The aim of this module is to prepare students with the theoretical and practical understanding of therapy and rehabilitation programmes relevant for industry. Students will investigate and utilise a range of evolving therapeutic techniques to a given case study horse.
Science of Equine Training and Behaviour
This module aims to develop a practical understanding of a range of training methods and behavioural modification techniques through theory and practical sessions.
Year 2: Animal Sector Entrepreneurism
The main aim of this module is to enable the learner to identify and evaluate the factors that affect the demand for recreational facilities and special events relating specifically to the animal industry, considering social and environmental concerns with a long term strategic view. In addition, the on-going processes involved in facility management are emphasised whilst considering organisational constraints. Also the aim is to provide learners with the skills necessary to plan, manage, deliver and evaluate an animal industry focussed event.
Year 2: Equine Exercise Physiology
This module gives students understanding of the mechanisms of energy metabolism and physiological adaptations of the horse to exercise and training and means of monitoring performance.
Year 2: Equine Nutrition
This module aims to give students a detailed insight into the digestive function of the equine, nutritional related problems and the nutrients which are available in commercial horse feeds; raise awareness of fundamental issues that can have an impact on the equine and introduce the practicalities and management choices when caring for horses and their nutrition.
Year 2: Management of the Equine Athlete
The aim of this module is to develop a holistic approach to maintaining the structure and function of the equine athlete. The module focuses on managing and training the performance horse with regard for their life expectancy, long-term soundness and welfare.
Year 2: Principles of Coaching and Rider Performance
This module gives students the opportunity to develop and appreciate the skills, techniques and strategies involved in coaching. The module will develop an awareness of the unique demands and considerations involved in the coaching of equestrian sports. Students will identify and use appropriate sport psychology techniques to develop the equestrian during performance.
Year 2: Research Methods
Experimental design and data analysis are core themes in this module. It will introduce concepts of statistical testing and further develop skills in presenting and interpreting results of scientific investigations. The module will give students vital skills in formulating research questions and designing an effective experiment in preparation for the degree final year research project.
Entry requirements & additional information
5 GCSE passes at Grade C (4) or above (including Maths and English or equivalent)
Plus 48 UCAS Tariff points from one or more of the following:
2 A-levels (A2), at least one at C or above
BTEC/C&G Level 3
T Level P-D*
2 Scottish Highers at C or above
3 Irish Highers at C or above
International Baccalaureate at 24 points
NVQ Level 3 in a relevant discipline
Access to HE Diploma in a relevant discipline
AS levels, BTEC Subsidiary Diploma and Scottish Intermediate 2s may be used to contribute to entry requirements but they are not sufficient for entry on their own. Alternative equivalent qualifications will also be considered positively.
Applicants who believe they may be eligible for Accreditation of Prior Certificated and/or Experiential Learning (APCL/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 System (IELTS) at level 6.0 (with no component score lower than 5.5) or equivalent.
All offers may be subject to successful interview.
Please note there is a maximum weight limit of 14.5 stone for the riding modules.
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 online 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.
For students completing the Foundation Degree with pass or above, the opportunity exists to progress to the BSc (Hons) Equine Science degree (top-up).
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