Animal
We believe in putting science into practice and encouraging students to challenge their own perception of traditional equine management systems whilst striving to provide evidence-based solutions.
About the Course
Optional Pathways
At Writtle University College we believe in giving students agency over their own learning and our dedicated Equitation & Coaching and Breeding & Production focussed pathways allow for professional and demonstrable skill development in these dynamic areas which are among the biggest graduate employment sectors in the equine industry.
Equitation & Coaching Pathway
Students with a keen interest in equitation and coaching can pursue this avenue, upskilling themselves and preparing for potential careers in the coaching, training, and sports performance industry.
Breeding & Production Pathway
Students who are more interested in breeding and production have the option to focus on the skills and technical knowledge needed to be at the forefront of this expanding industry.
Forward Thinking
Future-focused delivery, incorporating the latest innovations in technology and commerce with Digital Brand Management and Consultancy Project where students have the opportunity to develop processes, websites and apps for an external company to enable them to influence the business in a real way and put their strong, theoretical business grounding into practice. We also provide access to guest speakers and seminars from key industry players to develop networking opportunities.
Lecturers & Guest Speakers
Throughout the course students have access to lecturers and speakers with a diverse industry-led background both in equine and business, including technical and sales managers or nutritionists at market leading feed companies; self-employed consultants and entrepreneurs; human and equine charity sector representatives; the Thoroughbred and Sports Horse breeding industry leaders; elite performance coaches; business and finance specialists and many other sectors meaning that students receive expertise from staff and guest speakers that have come from industry roles and careers that the students themselves will be working towards.
Course Modules
The BSc (Hons) Equine Performance and Business Management offers a diverse range of modules from traditional equine science subjects such as Anatomy and Physiology and Exercise Physiology, to hands on practical equine modules like Equine Practical Skills and Equine Health Management, to more business and commercially focused modules such as Event Management, Business Concepts and Development and the emergent field of Equitation Science.
View more information about the modules offered by clicking on the titles in the course structure diagram below.
YEAR ONE Level Four |
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SEMESTER A | SEMESTER B |
Equine Anatomy and Physiology (15 credits) |
Equine Nutrition (15 credits) |
Equine Practical Skills (15 credits) |
Breeding and Foaling (15 credits) |
Equine Health Management (15 credits) |
Saddle Fit and Farriery (15 credits) |
Equine Business and Event Management (30 credits) |
YEAR TWO Level Five |
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SEMESTER A | SEMESTER B |
Research Methods (EQ) (15 credits) |
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Grassland and Facilities Management (15 credits) |
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Training for Performance (15 credits) |
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Equine Health and Disease (15 credits) |
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Young Horse Production (15 credits) |
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Applied Stud Management (15 credits) |
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Equitation and Coaching (15 credits) |
Equestrian Enterprise Management (15 credits) |
Business Strategy and Operations (30 credits) |
YEAR THREE Level Six |
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SEMESTER A | SEMESTER B |
Capstone Project (30 credits) |
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Digital Brand Management (15 credits) |
Current Issues in the Equine Industry (15 credits) |
Conception to Competition (30 credits) |
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Influencing Equine Performance (15 credits) |
Equitation Science (15 credits) |
Applied and Clinical Equine Nutrition (15 credits) |
Consultancy Project (15 credits) |
Key
OPTIONAL MODULES Breeding and Production |
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OPTIONAL MODULES Equitation and Coaching |
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Optional modules
Students select either the breeding and production (blue strand) or equitation and coaching (green strand) specialism for their second and third years of study. Students must choose 30 credits worth of option modules both in Level Five and in Level Six.
Note
These are the modules that are offered in this academic year; however, the optional modules available may be subject to change for the following reasons:
- Staff availability - for example the availability of staff to deliver specialist modules, which cannot be delivered by staff who do not have the relevant specialist expertise.
- In response to feedback and annual review processes to ensure we continually enhance our programmes. Changes in these circumstances will usually be made for the benefit of students.
- Student demand - to ensure there are adequate numbers on a module to support the provision of an excellent Learning & Teaching experience.
- The currency of the relevant module. Some modules are specified at a time when they reflect the issues that are currently topical in the subject area. They may have lost that currency by the time that the student is required to exercise the option. In the circumstances, in order to ensure that students are provided with an appropriate learning experience, those modules will be replaced by those which are relevant to the changing nature of the subject area.
The Writtle University College will endeavour to ensure that any impact on students is limited if such changes occur.
Entry Requirements
The following information provides the entry requirements for this particular course.
UCAS Tariff Points
GCE A Levels
Irish Certificate
Scottish Highers
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma
BTEC Level 3 Diploma
C & G Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma (720)
C & G Level 3 Extended Diploma
C & G Level 3 Diploma
Please note:
An equivalent or higher combination of grades to that indicated above will also be accepted.
GCSEs
All applicants must hold a minimum of four GCSE passes at grade C/4 or above to include English, Maths and Science.
Access course
Writtle University College welcomes applicants studying Access to HE Diploma courses. For more information please contact Admissions.
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL/APEL)
Information about our Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL/APEL) policy can be found on our Higher Education Regulations and Policies page.
Extensive Equine Facilities
Our Equine Training and Development Centre situated on Cow Watering Lane offers extensive facilities to optimise the student experience
- Around 70 Horses on campus
- Equine Academy Centre
- Three Indoor Riding Arenas (24m x 60m), (24m x 55m), (22m x 22m)
- Oval Horse Walker
- Mechanical Horse
- Equine Water Treadmill
- Therapy Barns
- Outdoor Arena (20m x 60m)
- Stabling for 92 horses
- Semen collection area
- Classrooms
Due to changes in the facility to benefit the student experience, from the 2022/2023 academic year we will no longer foal mares on campus; we will however retain youngstock and our pony stallions
.
Students interested in gaining specific foaling-related stud duties will be supported to gain experience with industry partners.
Our enhanced facility now has increased grazing for all horses allowing more students the opportunity to bring their own horses to university as well as additional space for events and commercial partnerships.
For more details please email the equine resource team, equineresourceteam@writtle.ac.uk
Learning & Teaching Methods
The following list shows the variety of learning and teaching methods experienced on this course.
- Stud and equitation practicals
- Tutorials
- Seminars and debates
- Inquiry-based learning
- Problem-based learning
- Case studies
- Visits
- Online quizzes, wikis and activities
- Laboratory practicals, including dissections
- Computer software practicals
- Data collection and handling
Assessment Methods
The BSc (Hons) Equine Performance and Business Management contains a variety of assessment methods to ensure practical and academic competence.
- Practical assessments including yard skills
- Examinations - both multiple choice and essay questions
- Essays and technical reports
- Case studies
- Poster presentations
- Seminars
- Project development plan
- Reflective journal
- Dissertation
After Completion of Your Course...
Employment opportunities
This course gives students the opportunity to develop an industry wide skill set that would be valuable for a large range of careers including:
- Coaching and training
- Stud management
- Marketing and brand management
- Equine resource management
- Journalism/media
- Business consultancy
- Insurance
- Young horse production
- Nutrition
- Equine event management
- Lecturing
- Technical Sales and retail
- Bloodstock sales
Educational progression
Students also have the option to progress to a postgraduate qualification such as the MSc Equine Performance Science
.
FAQs
Q. Do I have to do practical yard duties?
A. Yes, you will need to perform a range of basic stable management activities such as mucking/skipping out, grooming, etc. prior to each practical or riding session you attend at the horse units. These will help you to develop your portfolio of practical competence, prepare for BHS stages and improve your skills for employability. This is applicable to all students.
Q. Can I bring my own horse?
A. Yes, we have some DIY livery available at the College yard, and you can ride your own horse during timetabled lessons. Please contact Tessa.Campbell@writtle.ac.uk for further details. There is also a range of local livery yards - livery information can be found here.
Q. How much riding experience do I need and will I ride as part of my course?
A. None of our HE courses require you to ride, either as part of the course or for assessment purposes. However, on certain courses, you may study modules where there is the option to ride, or where the theory of equitation and coaching is covered and many students elect to ride on these modules. We carry out riding assessments where you will be asked to walk, trot and canter both in an instructed ride and in open order, in a safe and effective manner. Our weight limit is 13 stones (including riding equipment).
Q. Are there opportunities to do extra riding?
A. Unfortunately, our college horses work throughout the week and as such there is limited availability for extra-curricular activities, however you can book riding lessons at the college through the Students Union Riding Club. BHS courses are regularly run at the College and are available to students at additional cost (see Short Courses). There are also various opportunities at local yards in the area such as Chelmsford Equestrian Centre, Rayne Riding Centre or Runningwell Equestrian Centre.
Q. How many days do I have to come into University?
A. This will depend on which programme you have chosen. First year study will probably require you to attend lectures and/or practical sessions for approx.. 4 days per week, although generally this will not be 9am to 5pm every day, however please note this is a full-time course and you need to put in a significant amount of your own study time outside of timetabled sessions. Contact time is generally between 16 and 20 hours per week, with self-guided learning in addition to these hours to complete assessment work, background reading, directed study, etc.
Timetables and a full induction will take place at the beginning of the semester.
Q. What if I wish to change the course I have applied for?
A. Once you are in the system and have been accepted onto one of the courses, you may change your course choice by simply informing the admissions department (email: admissions@writtle.ac.uk). It is possible to change your course within the first 2 weeks of starting at Writtle. This is subject to there being places available on the alternative course.
Q. Do I need specific subjects to gain entry to the degree?
A. In the perfect world, every student undertaking a Bachelor of Science (BSc) course would have a solid background in the Sciences, and a good grasp of English and Maths. However, because we have had so many successful students from a variety of academic pathways, we do not specify subjects for entry. To compensate for any weak areas, students must be prepared to do additional background reading, self-directed study and maximise on tutorial opportunities.
Q. How will I be assessed?
A. You will be assessed using a variety of methods throughout the course, including written reports, oral assessments, presentations, closed/open book exams, practical assessments, debates, seminars, reflective journals, annotated videos, portfolio development, case history write-ups and many more.
Q. What are my career opportunities?
A. The equine industry is very diverse and there are a range of opportunities in many fields. As a science graduate you will have a plethora of transferable skills to enhance your profile in almost any area you choose. We also recommend that you gain as much industry-related work experience as possible during your holiday periods. This will not only enhance your CV, but will also give you insight into potential career options. Some of our past equine students have successfully gone onto non-equine related pathways. Alternatively, there is the option to continue with postgraduate studies such as a Masters degree or PhD.
Join the equine team at Writtle University College. This Equine Performance Science Subject Spotlight will take you through the inner workings of horses and how science is used to make sure they're performing at their best, and remaining healthy.