About the course
The course is delivered at University Centre Myerscough and awarded by the University of Central Lancashire. Our Bachelor of Science (BSc Honours) ensures that you develop skills and knowledge of the fundamental areas of equine science, whilst offering optional and elective modules to personalise your chosen route of study. You will be prepared to enter careers in areas such as research and development, welfare, breeding, nutrition and therapy. This degree allows you to understand and apply new and existing scientific principles to the management and development of the horse. The defining element of the honours degree is the research project, where you conduct independent research on a chosen subject. Our equine undergraduate research students produce outstandingly high quality research, with many able to present their research on a national or international platform. 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 may also have opportunities to benefit from external research collaborations. You may progress to one of our MSc programmes to further enhance your research and specialism. 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. Applicants are invited to top-up from a relevant Foundation Degree or HND into the final year of the BSc (Honours) course and will need to demonstrate skills in research methods at Level 5 to enable you to progress smoothly onto the programme. Those applicants whose previous programme of study has not covered research skills at the appropriate level will be asked to complete a bridging module 'Research Methods', which may be taken during the summer prior to entry onto the course.
Key Information
Location: Preston Campus
Course length: Three Years (90 weeks)
Start date: September 2023
Interested in taking this course? Click here to apply for this course online
Course Modules
Advances in Animal Science and Technology
This module examines advances in the development of knowledge and technologies applied to animal science industries.
Developments in Equine Nutrition (1.5 module) - option
The module aims to explore the relationship between nutrition, health, ill health, feeding practices and performance, including related innovations.
Developments in Equine Reproduction (1.5 module) - option
This module enables the student to critically review and evaluate the innovations make throughout the equine breeding industry including stud management techniques, youngstock management and advancing technologies.
Manipulating the Equine for Performance (1.5 module)
This module aims to critically appraise current approaches to manipulating the horse for performance. The module will provoke debate around moral and ethical limits of acceptability of humans� treatment of performance horses.
YEAR 3
Research Project (Double Module)
Students will be given the opportunity to design and carryout a piece of investigative research into a topic that interests them. This will allow them to demonstrate the skills that they have developed throughout the course including the abilities to design an original investigation, to work independently, and to produce a coherent and critical report.
Entry requirements & additional information
This course is only accepting applicants onto 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 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 Environment:
This course makes the most of the extensive equestrian facilities on site including a wide range of horses, large indoor and outdoor arenas and up-to-date specialist therapy and research equipment. Students will also have access to specialist IT hardware and software. Learning activities on the course are diverse, including lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops. Students will be expected to undertake extensive independent study and research to support lectures, seminars and assessments. Group work and group presentations will form an important part of the course.
Assessment:
Students will face a variety of assessments including examinations, essays, technical reports, group and individual work, presentations, practical assessments, individual study projects and case studies.
Additional Information:
Study trips are organised to supplement the learning in specific modules. Examples include, Twemlowes AI and Embryo Transfer Centre, Newmarket, Northern Equine Therapy Centre, Sync Equine, British Society of Animal Science annual conference, Thoroughbred Rehabilitation Centre, many elite athletes have opened their yards to Myerscough student visits. Enrichment trips have included Horse of the Year Show, ladies day at Aintree and Badminton Horse Trails. Guest speakers often visit and include industry experts in areas such as equine reproduction, nutrition, training and behaviour, coaching and elite equestrian athletes. Students are encouraged and supported to showcase their research projects at national and international conferences, including the International Society for Equitation Science and the European Federation of Animal Practitioners. Students also have the opportunity to trial for our competition BUCS equestrian team and as part of successful trial for this, have additional weekly riding sessions.
What work experience can I get?
Through core modules and electives students will gain hands on experience in a variety of scenarios to build skills that can be used in a working environment.
There is no formal work placement on this course.
On successful completion of the course, students may apply for MSc degrees.
Morning, Evening and Weekend Duties: will be required on the College Yard during the first year of the course. Morning and evening yard duties are timetabled between 9am and 5pm. Weekend yard duties are carried out on a rota basis, usually comprising of 4 � 6 weekends spread throughout the year.
Equipment and/or Clothing: Riding hat to current 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 Gillet
�25 - College rugby shirt
�600 - Field trips and visits (including possible overseas trips)
�70 - If jumping; Body protector
�75 - If riding: Long & short whip, non-suede gaiters, white shirt and tie
�22 - Waterproof trousers
Equine Studies
The equine industry in the United Kingdom is expanding rapidly, with a turnover approaching £1 billion per year. It encompasses many different sectors, from racing, driving and endurance to dressage, horse trials and show jumping. These areas are supported by a large ancillary industry which provides extensive career opportunities.
Meet our Equine Mentors
At Myerscough we work closely with professionals from across the equine industry to give our students current and up to date information and help them to develop the knowledge and skills they need for the wide range of job roles available within the industry.
Our equine industry mentors' scheme is set up to give our students valuable career advice and guidance from industry professionals that have not only been very successful in their chosen careers but have also been students at Myerscough College.
