• Apply for this Course
• Request a Prospectus

In recent years, the horse has become a significant part of the agricultural scene as a sporting animal and a lucrative avenue of diversification. This has created a real need for sound equine education to be once again combined with agricultural training in order to prepare graduates for an important new aspect of the changing face of agriculture. An increasing number of people now participate in equitation in all its many forms and this increase requires the effective and efficient management of horses, often within the framework of an existing farm or estate. To this end, and bearing in mind the health and welfare needs of horses used in sport, a comprehensive, modern education in equine business is a requirement of all those hoping to enter the equine industry in a management role.

About the Course

This three-year full-time degree course, which includes a 20-week work placement in year two, offers you skills in the operation of farms and estates that incorporate an equine enterprise of some type, as well as other equestrian businesses.

The course provides a thorough grounding in agriculture, including:

• Crop and Animal Science and Husbandry
• Agricultural Economics
• Marketing and Business Management.

Equine production systems, science, management and financial control are integral aspects of the degree course.

For practical equine experience, we are superbly situated. We are surrounded by all types of equine enterprises, including our own 90-stable polo and livery business. Indeed, many students utilise this venue for reasonably priced DIY livery for their own horses. 

You will undertake a work placement during the course which will provide a detailed understanding of the nature of the agricultural or equine-related business sectors. These placements provide excellent contacts and experience, greatly enhancing future job opportunities for graduates.

The course benefits from the expertise of the many visiting speakers who come from within the top level of all areas of the equestrian industry in Great Britain. Staff have close working relationships with all the main equestrian bodies in the country and you also benefit from our extensive links with agriculture.

You will carry out an in-depth study of the international equestrian industry. These studies are carried out in north west Europe and the USA. A second language is taught in French, German or Spanish, aimed at providing you with business language competence. (It may not always be possible to teach languages at all levels of competence. If there are not enough students at a particular level, you may be asked to study at a different level or another language.) These studies have proved to be extremely popular and beneficial and offer unique opportunities to understand the international equine industry, thereby increasing future employability.

You will also undertake a final year honours project specialising in a subject area of particular interest or relevance to your future employment. Moreover, students have been successful in publishing results from this process, or presenting data at international conferences

Course content

You have a choice of electives in agricultural business or equine subjects in your final year, and also complete a dissertation.

Click here to view the extended course content.

What you need to join the Course

UCAS score of 240 points or more, normally from subjects passed at A2 level. A science subject (i.e. Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, etc) is desirable. We will also accept AS points from subjects additional to those studied to A2 level in order for candidates to meet the tariff for entry. Required UCAS points are occasionally subject to change. You should also have achieved GCSE passes at Grade C or above in English and Mathematics. 

Alternative entry routes are available if you have other qualifications, including a Diploma, AVCE, GNVQ, overseas qualifications and prior experience; although entry is subject to approval by the programme managers and admissions staff.

A full year of practical rural experience before entering the first year of the degree course is desirable, which could incorporate both traditional agriculture and some type of horse work, but is not a prerequisite for joining the course.

Career Prospects

This course provides a basis for careers within agriculture, and also for equine and leisure-related rural enterprises. In addition, the experience gained by graduates enables them to make a success of careers in a number of non-equine related businesses e.g. journalism, event organising, marketing and accountancy. The continuing diversification in land use requires leaders of rural development programmes and managers of farms and estates to be able to deal with both food production and leisure industries. Graduates are trained to take responsibility for farming and equine businesses.