Certificate of Higher Education in Equine Studies

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.

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

The following list shows the variety of learning and teaching methods experienced on this course.

• Theoretical learning
• Small group work
• Lectures and tutorials
• Practical sessions
• Fieldwork and workshops
• Case study work

The Certificate of Higher Education in Equine Studies contains a variety of assessment methods to ensure practical and academic competence.

• Coursework
• Essays and reports
• Written Examination
• Presentations and class discussions
• Practical and theoretical situations
• Portfolios

We frequently get asked questions about our HE Equine courses, so we have put together the following list which we hope will answer your queries .

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.