The UK has one of the highest quality equine industries in the world, contributing billions of pounds to the country’s economy and providing jobs for tens of thousands of people. It’s an exciting and diverse field with a global reputation for excellence and a huge range of career opportunities.

This equine science degree will equip you with the skills and experience you’ll need to explore those opportunities. You’ll be getting hands-on from day one in our British Horse Society (BHS) approved Equestrian Centre mirroring industry practices as you develop and apply the behavioural, physiological, psychological, research and training skills required to optimise the performance and welfare of the horses in your care.

You’ll also dive into the science that underpins modern equine care, from biology and nutrition to equine cognition and disease, and investigate overlapping areas including the ethics of equine care and sustainability in the equine industry. This will help you to develop a deep understanding of the modern equine industry, allowing you to not just be a part of it, but to shape its future.

We also offer BSc (Hons) Equine Science (with foundation year). Our integrated foundation degrees offer a unique gateway to our BSc courses for those who currently don't meet the degree-level entry criteria.

Travel the world

Spend six months on international exchange with one of our partner universities in Australia or Canada.

Industry-recognised qualifications

Study towards the British Horse Society (BHS) exams.

Stunning facilities

With a dedicated BHS-approved Equestrian Centre, NTU is the perfect place to study equine science.

Expert teaching staff

You’ll be working with people with exciting and rewarding careers in the equine industry.

This course is built on a really strong scientific foundation, with the latest equine sports and equine science research feeding directly into our teaching through our expert course team, who combine multiple specialities and decades of experience in industry.

You don’t need a specific background or qualification to join this course – we welcome students from a wide variety of science-based backgrounds including psychology and sports science, and with qualifications from further education to A-level and beyond.

Likewise, riding experience isn’t essential – there are riding and non-riding pathways available – and a foundation route for those who don’t quite meet the entry requirements of this course.

The highlights of this equine science degree include:

the chance to complete a year’s placement, building priceless professional connections and experience

embedded work-like experience; regular trips to equine rescue and rehab facilities, veterinary centres, training yards, and competitions; and guest lectures from a range of visiting equine experts

superb equine facilities at our stunning Brackenhurst Campus, including a BHS-approved Equestrian Centre with indoor and outdoor arenas

a team of around 30 horses at our Brackenhurst Campus — including school masters, competition horses and youngsters — which are used for riding, coaching, stable management, and research.

100% of our Equine Science graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of finishing their degrees (of those available for work or study, latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2023/24).

Module information

A standard full-time BSc (Hons) course is made up of 120 credits studied each year. Some courses may vary, however, and you can find information on the total number of credits achieved per module below.

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll be studying throughout the

Year OneYear TwoOptional placement yearFinal Year

ModulesExpand all +

Mammalian Anatomy and Physiology

Study the fundamental biological systems of mammals, and how these work together to maintain homeostasis.

20 credits

Equine Nutrition

Learn how to apply the fundamental science of nutrition to equine feeding practices. Consider how discipline and sustainability of food sources influence nutritional management around the world.

Academic, Research and Professional Skills

Develop the practical, technical and communication skills required for the application of science to the equestrian industry.

Equine Behaviour and Welfare

Explore the roles that evolution and domestication have played in the development of innate and learned equine behaviour. Assess the consequences of a variety of current approaches to horse management on behaviour and welfare.

Science of Equitation

Investigate and apply the science behind the riding and training of horses, whilst developing the horsemanship skills required by industry.

Equine Management and Health

Study the veterinary science of horse health, and practically apply these principles to the management of the horse.

Applied Exercise Physiology

Investigate the physiological responses to exercise and training in the equine and human athlete, developing your understanding of the demands of equestrian sports.

Nutrition for Health and Performance

Explore the effect of nutrition on the health and performance of the sports horse, and how this can be managed.

Sports Injury

Develop a detailed understanding of the common injuries affecting sports horses, and the diagnosis, repair and healing of musculoskeletal tissues.

Introduction to Research

Explore the principles of research methods, focusing on data collection, analysis, and interpretation. You'll look at experimental design, literature evaluation and hypothesis testing, preparing you for undertaking independent research as part of your final year dissertation.

Training and Cognition

Discuss the various approaches to horse management and training and the biological basis of learning. You'll also look at the neural adaptations that occur in relation to different types of learning and memory.

Reproduction, Breeding and Genetics

Study the physiological basis of equine reproduction, and evaluate the veterinary and stud management practices and technologies used to support the selection and breeding of performance horses.

Optional placement year

You may choose to take an optional year-long placement in Year Three, either in the UK or overseas.

0 credits

Optimising Performance

Evaluate established and emerging technologies and training techniques in order to take a multidisciplinary approach to sustainably optimising the performance of both the equine and human athlete.

The Sustainable Equine

This module examines the intersection of research, practice, and sustainability within the global equine industry. Students will engage with current debates surrounding environmental stewardship, animal welfare, and economic viability, exploring how horses impact, and are impacted by, their environments.

Equine Disease and Diagnostics

Understand equine diseases in regional and global context, and develop practical ability in laboratory and non-laboratory procedures used in industry and veterinary science.

Applied Science Communications

Develop an appreciation of knowledge exchange and science communication within the context of applied equine science. You'll develop key graduate skills, including planning, evaluating and presenting data, via team based projects that meet a real-life brief provided by industry.

Dissertation

Undertake an independent research project under the supervision of our experienced staff. Focus on an area that interests you and use your practical and/or research skills to help you shape the focus of your degree.

40 credits

We regularly review our course content based on student and employer feedback to ensure they remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or availability in future years. Optional modules will only run where there is sufficient demand. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis to protect the academic and student experience.

Student experience

Abbi McGlennon

Equine Science student

“Whatever I did, it had to have the aim of positively impacting the health and welfare of the animals I love.”

Read Abbi's profile

Adam Channer

“The Equine Science course has a bit of something for everyone, and such a great range of modules and teaching staff.”

Read Adam's profile

Isabelle Grayston

“The staff are very knowledgeable and care about you personally and not just academically. You get the best of both worlds having theory and practical lessons.”

Read Isabelle's profile

Elli Smith

“The lecturers have gone above and beyond to assist me in securing the extra support I require”

Read Elli's profile

Rebekah Arthey

“This course has given me the confidence to look into careers I hadn’t previously thought about.”

Read Rebekah's profile

Mansukhpreet Kaur Atwal

“I love how the degree is so hands-on and always relevant to industry. I don’t just learn about the theory or the science, but also how to apply the knowledge in a practical manner.”

Read Mansukhpreet's profile

Student Work

Performance_Analysis_Room.png

BSc Equine Sport Science - Using modern technologies, a student gathers data by attaching a fitness tracker to a horse prior to exercising it.

BSc Equine Sport Science - Students use a heat mapper to learn about horse health and physiology during exercise.

BSc Equine Sport Science - A rider exercises a horse in our outdoor arena.

BSc Equine Sport Science - A rider practises showjumping with a horse in our indoor Mary King arena.

Video Gallery

Learn more about our equine science courses here at NTU and see how the subject is empowering women to pursue a career in STEM and further scientific knowledge. You can also take a tour of our facilities and watch an online taster session.

Natasha Bonnick, BSc (Hons) Equine Science

How you're taught

As a teaching team, we’ve got decades of experience and remain research active and heavily involved in the equine industry. With connections to equine governing bodies such as The British Horse Society, British Eventing, and the International Federation of Equestrian Sports to name just a few, our research work spans everything from equine housing and biomechanics to equine sports psychology, animal behaviour and welfare. We also boast international athletes among our ranks, and one of our team has even designed a slow feeder that is now used worldwide.

Our approach to teaching focuses on personalisation. We believe you should be in charge of your education, and you’ll be able to shape your degree to meet your own career and personal goals via assessments, placements, internships and your dissertation.

You’ll be learning through a mix of:

interactive lectures, covering the most important topics in equine science, and the specifics of the scientific theoretical frameworks that underpin equine study

small-group seminars, designed to improve your communication, teamworking, and problem-solving skills

practical sessions in our labs and computer rooms, using the same tools and techniques seen in industry

regular work at our Equestrian Centre, involving ridden, groundwork, handling and training, mechanical horse, health and management practices

an exciting range of field trips, both at home and abroad

independent study, as you build up your scientific research skills and begin discovering your specialised areas of interest.

Please note that field trip locations may vary and are subject to availability and change.

Contact hours

For each 20-credit module, you’ll spend about 200 hours learning overall. Around 40 of those hours will be taught in lectures or seminars. The rest of the time is for independent study, reading, research, or working on assignments. You will also spend time on practical sessions.

How you're assessed

This course uses a variety of assessment techniques to ensure that you can demonstrate the range of learning outcomes, most commonly assignments, reports, presentations, and unseen examinations.

Just like in industry, guided and independent practical work is used throughout the equine science degree to assess your ability to apply scientific principles to research topics.

In your final year, you will be required to provide an individual dissertation on a chosen topic.

Who will teach you?

Kelly Yarnell

Principal Lecturer

Dr Kelly Yarnell staff profile

Visit Kelly Yarnell's staff profile

Jess Johnson

Senior Lecturer

Jess Johnson is a lecturer at the School of Animal, Rural, and Environmental Sciences and a module leader.

Visit Jess Johnson's staff profile

Sarah Hallam

Sarah Hallam is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Animal Rural & Environmental Sciences

Visit Sarah Hallam's staff profile

Sarah Upton

Dr Upton (née Redgate) is the Course Leader for the MSc in Equine Performance, Health and Welfare; MRes Equine Health and Welfare and MRes Equine Performance.

Visit Sarah Upton's staff profile

Lauren Birkbeck

Lauren Birkbeck is the Course Leader for the BSc (Hons) Equine Sports Science programme. She holds an Honours degree in Equine Sports Science, a Masters by Research degree in Sport Science (Biomechanics), and spent many years working in the equestrian sports industry.

Visit Lauren Birkbeck's staff profile

Alison Northrop

Alison Northrop’s area of expertise broadly comprises understanding more about the biomechanics and physiology.

Visit Alison Northrop's staff profile

Entry requirements

UK students

Standard offer: 112 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications, including an A-level Science subject or equivalent.

Contextual offer: 104 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications, including an A-level Science subject or equivalent.

For this course we accept the following Science subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Sports Science / Physical Education. We also consider science modules as part of BTECs and other qualifications.

To find out what qualifications have tariff points, please use our tariff calculator.

Additional requirements

Additional requirements for UK students

Access to Higher Education courses

If you’re aged 19+ and don’t have the qualifications to meet the entry criteria, you can study an Access to HE course right here at NTU. These one-year courses are designed specifically as an alternative route to university.

Contextual offers

We consider every application in the context of your individual circumstances and educational background. This may include information about where you live, the school or college you attended, or experiences that may have shaped your educational journey. This is known as a contextual offer, and we use information provided through UCAS to help inform our decisions. By considering achievement in context, we can better recognise academic potential and ensure applicants are assessed as fairly and fully as possible.

Meeting our entry requirements

Hundreds of qualifications in the UK have UCAS Tariff points attached to specific grades, including A-levels, BTECs, T Levels and many more. You can use your grades and points from up to four different qualifications to meet our criteria. Enter your predicted or achieved grades into our Tariff calculator to find out how many points your qualifications are worth.

Other qualifications and experience

NTU welcomes applications from students with non-standard qualifications and learning backgrounds, either for year one entry or for advanced standing beyond the start of a course into year 2 or beyond.

We consider study and/or credit achieved from a similar course at another institution (otherwise known as credit transfer), vocational and professional qualifications, and broader work or life experience.

Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route. If you wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning, please contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.

Getting in touch

If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form.

International students

Academic entry requirements: 112 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications, including an A-level Science subject or equivalent.

We accept equivalent qualifications from all over the world. Please check your international entry requirements by country.

English language requirements: See our English language requirements page for requirements for your subject and information on alternative tests and Pre-sessional English.

Additional international requirements

Additional requirements for international students

If you need help achieving the academic entry requirements, we offer a Foundation preparation course for this degree. The course is offered through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC) based on our City campus.

English language requirements

View our English language requirements for all courses, including alternative English language tests and country qualifications accepted by the University.

If you need help achieving the language requirements, we offer a Pre-Sessional English for Academic Purposes course on our City campus which is an intensive preparation course for academic study at NTU.

If you have the right level of qualifications, you may be able to start your Bachelors degree at NTU in year 2 or year 3. This is called ‘advanced standing’ entry and is decided on a case-by case basis after our assessment of your qualifications and experience.

You can view our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy which outlines the process and options available, such as recognising experiential learning and credit transfer.

Sign up for emails

Sign up to receive regular emails from the International Office. You'll hear about our news, scholarships and any upcoming events in your country with our expert regional teams.

If you need advice about studying at NTU as an international student or how to apply, our international webpages are a great place to start. If you have any questions about your study options, your international qualifications, experience, grades or other results, please get in touch through our enquiry form. Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world.

Policies

We strive to make our admissions procedures as fair and clear as possible. To find out more about how we make offers, visit our admissions policies page.

Fees and funding

UK students - see the fees for this course, as well as information about funding and support.

£10,050 per year

Year abroad - £1,507

Placement year - £2,010

If you choose to do a placement year or year abroad, you'll pay a reduced fee for that year. Please be aware that you will be charged the fee set for the year this takes place, rather than being fixed at the rate applicable when you start your course, and any increases are subject to Government approval. As a guide, the fees above are for the 2027/28 academic year.

Find out about the extra support we may be able to provide to help pay for uni, including NTU bursaries and scholarships.

You will need to pay tuition fees for each year that you are at university. The tuition fees, including the placement year and study abroad options are subject to government policy and may change in future years of study.

Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but we don’t want you to feel anxious or confused about it. Visit our fees and funding pages if you have any concerns.

International students - see the fees for this course, as well as payment advice and scholarships.

£18,400 per year

You will need to pay tuition fees for each year that you are at university. The tuition fees might increase from the second year of your undergraduate course, in line with inflation and as specified by the UK government.

Scholarships

We offer international scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for a scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.

Living costs

See our advice on managing your money and the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham.

Paying fees

As an international student, you'll need to make an advance payment as part of your offer conditions. You'll then need to pay your tuition fees in full, or have an agreement to pay in two further instalments, in order to enrol on the course.

Find out how and when to pay your fees, including information about your advance payment, instalment dates and how to make payments securely to the University.

Enquiries

If you have any queries relating to advance payments or arrangements to pay, please contact our friendly and experienced international enquiries team.

Additional costs

Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses. There are just a few additional things you may need to budget for:

Textbooks and library books

Your modules will point you to key textbooks and recommended reading. Many are available online, and in our libraries, but some students choose to buy their own copies. You’ll receive resource lists showing where to access eBooks, digital resources and physical copies. Our friendly Library team is always on hand to help you find what you need.

Printing and photocopying costs

The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the printing and photocopying information on the Library website.

Field trips

Non-residential UK day excursions are included in the tuition fee. You will be charged a maximum of 20% of the price per student cost for any compulsory residential trips or courses in the UK, as a contribution towards travel, accommodation and entrance fees where applicable. For example, a typical 5-day UK residential field trip cost would be approx. £500 per student, and we would ask for a £100 contribution from students. You will be charged a maximum of 30% of the price per student cost for any compulsory overseas residential courses, as a contribution towards travel, accommodation and associated trip fees where applicable. For example, a typical 6-day residential overseas field trip cost would be approx. £600 per student, and we would ask for a £180 contribution from students. Other non-compulsory field trip opportunities in the UK and abroad may also be offered, and these will be charged at 80% cost to students. A valid passport and any associated visas will also be required for field trips outside of the UK.

Placements

If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.

Riding equipment costs

All students will be expected to provide their own riding equipment to include jodhpurs or breeches; hairnet; riding hat; gloves; long boots or jodhpur boots with matching half chaps; polo shirt and sweatshirt.

All students will also be expected to provide their own appropriate fieldwork clothing, including walking boots (with ankle support), wellingtons, waterproof trousers and coat.

Fees and funding advice

For more advice and guidance, phone the Student Money Team on +44 (0)115 848 2494.

Cost of living information and support

Managing your money can help you make the most of life at NTU. Here's how we can support you, and now you can make your funding go further.

Cost of living in Nottingham

Our student benefits and free services

Money advice for international students

Careers and employability

The UK and global equine industries are enormous and support a wide range of different careers. Our graduates are a living, breathing example of this, with our alumni now working in areas that span everything from equine nutrition, therapy, and psychotherapy, to academic research, event management, teaching, journalism, veterinary science, and competitive riding and training.

This equine course will help you to develop the skills, knowledge and connections you need to launch your own exciting career in the equine industry – no matter what area you are interested in. We’ll get you career-ready through a combination of getting hands-on with the science that underpins equine studies, and real-world experience alongside some of the biggest names in the industry.

And you’ll have tons of support to help you get there. If you’d like to know more about the support you’ll receive both during and after your course, visit our Employability page.

Employability Promise

Personalised support, one-on-one coaching and industry-specific advice – it’s all part of our Employability Promise. And it doesn’t end when you leave NTU – you’ll have access to all our careers services for three years after you graduate (conditions apply).

Graduate employers

Graduates from this course have successful careers in organisations such as:

British Horse Society

Southwell Equine Assisted Learning

Barton Equestrian Centre

The Seeds of Change

Clearwater Stud

Our graduates are…

Graduates from this course now work in a wide range of roles such as:

Equine Coach

Professional Rider

Veterinary Nursing Assistant

Assessed work-like experience

We’ve embedded at least eight weeks of assessed work-like experience into all of our courses. This gives you the opportunity to apply your learning in real-world scenarios, build your confidence, and develop the experience employers are looking for.

NTU Enterprise

If you’re a budding entrepreneur, NTU Student Enterprise can help you to develop your ideas and innovations and turn them into a reality. We also offer training, mentoring, workshops, financial advice and more to develop your business skills.

Where your course could take you

Discover how our students and alumni used their qualification to further their careers. Take a look at our other profiles and explore the possibilities awaiting you.

Rebeca’s equine vet placement in Sydney

Hear more about Rebeca’s Third Year placement in Australia and how the experience will help her to achieve her goal of becoming a Veterinary Physiotherapist.

View Becky Butcher's profile

Aleksandra’s role as a Vet Tech

Alumna Aleksandra talks us through her current job role at Newmarket Equine Hospital and how her degree, and placement in Kentucky, prepared her for this career.

View Aleksandra Dimitrova's profile

Campus and facilities

More than just a campus, Brackenhurst is the ultimate outdoor classroom. From its indoor and outdoor riding areas, pens, crew yards and paddocks, this is the perfect place to get hands-on with equine science.

Relax with a coffee in the Orangery, kick back with your course mates in the Students’ Union, and enjoy the peace and quiet of our Victorian walled garden and Eco-Library — from students and staff to the animals themselves, ‘Brack’ is all about community.

The campus – home to almost 2,000 students and staff – sits on the doorstep of Southwell, a picture-perfect market town filled with rustic pubs, cosy cafés, and boutique shops. A little further afield (and served by a reliable bus service) you’ve got Nottingham — a legendary student city that offers something for everyone.

Tour the Equine Sciences facility

Stable 360

Equestrian Centre

For more information visit the Equestrian Centre page.

Laboratories

For more information visit the Laboratories page.

Brackenhurst Library

For more information visit the Brackenhurst Library page.

Take a virtual tour

View Equine Sciences facility tour video transcript

Applying

Ready to join us? Then apply as soon as you can. Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the instructions for applying. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.

Keeping up-to-date

After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU on our Your Application page. Good luck with your application!

Apply through UCAS

You can apply for this course through UCAS. If you are not applying to any other UK universities, you can apply directly to us on our NTU applicant portal.

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.

Please read our application guidance before you start your application.

We advise you to prepare and apply as early as you can as Student visa processing time can vary.

We'll send you important emails throughout the application process. Please check your emails regularly, including your junk/spam mail folder.

Apply through NTU portal

Personal statement guidance

You’ll submit a personal statement with your UCAS application – here are our tips on what to include and how to structure your personal statement.

Application support

If you have any questions about applying, get in touch through our online form or call us on 44 (0)115 848 4200.

Related courses

Animal Biology

BSc (Hons)

Veterinary Nursing

Veterinary Nursing Science (final year top-up)

Zoo Biology

More from this subject

View more courses on the Animal, Equine and Veterinary Sciences subject page

Further study

View Animal, Equine and Veterinary Sciences postgraduate courses

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