About the course
The course is delivered at University Centre Myerscough and awarded by the University of Central Lancashire. This innovative and dynamic course provides a unique opportunity to gain an Honours Degree in Farriery. The course focusses on the application of Farriery science to professional practice and will facilitate both the personal and professional development of suitably qualified Farriers.
The course has been structured to provide a flexible opportunity to study through a combination of distance (online) learning and on-campus delivery (students are expected to attend for 2 study days per month from September to May).
In addition, students on the course will be offered the opportunity to take the Train the Training Farrier Award (TTFA) course as a free additional qualification between years one and two of the programme (if they have not studied this during the Dip HE Farriery course) which will enhance their coaching and mentoring skills and encourage them to become approved training farriers (ATFs).
Key Information
Location: Preston Campus
Course length: Two Years (60 weeks)
Start date: August 2025
Interested in taking this course? Click here to apply for this course online
Course Modules
Advanced Farriery Practice
The aims of this module are to: critically evaluate the effectiveness of farriery protocols employed with horses with conformational abnormalities, surgical and pathological conditions and faulty gait. Enable the learner to design farriery strategies for managing horses with conformational abnormalities, surgical and pathological conditions, and faulty gait. Apply farriery protocols in cases of horses with surgical and pathological conditions and faulty gait and to analyse the response and change in biomechanical function of horses� feet and limbs in relation to applied farriery protocols.
Biomechanics, Static and Dynamic Analysis
The student will study both statics and dynamics (kinematics and kinetics) in horse legs and feet. The module will also explore and evaluate the effectiveness of farriery protocols and encourage the student to formulate further strategies for managing horses with conformational abnormalities. The response and change in biomechanical function of the horse will also be analysed throughout this module.
Equine Functional Anatomy
This module will enhance the student's knowledge of the equine musculoskeletal system and will focus on the primary functions of anatomical aspects of the feet and limbs and their interrelationship with other aspects of the equine skeletal structure and their significance to soundness and good gait.
YEAR 1
Professional Practitioner Research Proposal
The module will foster research awareness, the development of transferrable skills, including the capacity for self-management and the concept of life-long learning. It will also enable students to develop the skills to locate and critically appraise research and present this information to an acceptable academic standard, and cultivate the student�s knowledge of a topic from their professional discipline as a basis for future action. Experimental and exploratory designs will be taught so that data and observations can be assessed for accuracy and reliability. The appropriateness of the investigational or exploratory methods will be explored together with suitable data analytical techniques. Methods of reporting the results of scientific investigations and explorations will be appraised.
YEAR 2
Dissertation (Double Module)
This module will enable the student to demonstrate his/her ability to work independently in the production of a substantial piece of work. The freedom to nominate at topic of his or her own choice (in agreement with the tutor) allows the student to undertake a piece of work of special interests that demonstrates an in-depth investigation off an area of research whilst facilitating the development of research skills and the quest for new knowledge.
Entry requirements & additional information
Students will have gained the Foundation Degree Farriery, Diploma Higher Education Farriery (HE Level 5 qualification minimally) or equivalent. All students will be expected to be working within the farriery industry as a practising Farrier and must be eligible for registration under the Farriers Registration Act 1975.
Students from outside the UK will be expected to provide evidence of working within the farriery industry as a practicing farrier for a minimum of 3 years full-time and hold a recognised farriery qualification which would make them eligible for registration in the UK and an appropriate academic qualification. Students from outside the UK will also be required to fulfil the requirements for temporary registration by the Farriers Registration Council (FRC).
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 or equivalent. The applicant must forward evidence of eligibility to the College prior to acceptance on the course.
All offers may be subject to successful interview.
Learning Environment:
Learning activities on the course are diverse, including weekly lesson delivery on Canvas for each module the student is studying, and lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops during the study days. Students will be expected to undertake extensive independent study and research to support lectures, seminars and assessments. Group work and collaboration will form an important part of the course and the student�s personal and professional development. Students will also have access to specialist IT hardware and software where necessary to support their studies.
Assessment:
Students will face a variety of assessments including a combination of coursework, unseen examinations, individual presentations and practical assessments. The coursework assessment methods will include essays, reports and dissertation work.
Additional Information:
Study Days - We are mindful of the extra support required by students taking the blended learning route and have included in the course, study provision events at the Myerscough campus.
Study Day Dates - Year 1 and Year 2: HE students will be expected to attend 2 study days per month from September to May. Accommodation on campus cannot be guaranteed but a comprehensive list of local accommodation is available on request.
What work experience can I get?
The nature of the course, which embraces module outcomes from both a theoretical and clinical perspective, necessitates access to practice. Students will therefore be required to be employed in, or have agreed access to, placement in a suitable farriery practice for at least 12 weeks annually.
On successful completion of the course students may apply for further academic opportunities including, MA, MEd, MSc, MPhil, PhD and related courses.
Access to a personal computer, the internet and a current email account is essential, recommended computer software requirements are:
Microsoft Windows 10 (or equivalent)
Broadband internet access
The following software is available as free downloadable software and will also be required:
Adobe Acrobat Reader DC (2017)
Adobe Flash Player 26.0.0.131
Extra Costs:
Additional costs for items that are essential for the course include:
Books - approximately �500 (recommended texts will be indicated on reading lists)
Accommodation during study periods at Myerscough College.