Animal

Diploma of Higher Education Equine Bioscience

We are pleased to confirm that Writtle University College and ARU (Anglia Ruskin University) are joining together. The merger will happen during the 23/24 academic year. Writtle’s full range of Higher and Further Education courses will continue to be delivered on site at the Writtle campus, enhanced by resources available at nearby ARU. If you are starting your course in September 2024, your degree will be awarded by ARU. Find out more about ARU, including our recent Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework, at aru.ac.uk.

The Diploma of Higher Education in Equine Bioscience is aimed at those individuals who are interested to acquire a sound knowledge of biological and veterinary sciences applied to the horse.

This 2 year full-time or 4 year part-time programme offers a high quality course in equine bioveterinary sciences, combining the development of a thorough scientific understanding with the ability to apply it to the field and the equine industry.

The course combines theory and practical skills and aims to allow students to:

  • Understand and use basic scientific principles to develop an advanced knowledge of the horse both in health and disease.
  • Develop objectivity and lateral thinking when gathering, organising and deploying evidence, data and information.
  • Acquire key technical, personal and interactive skills that are required within the academic/working environment.
  • Provide a framework to help students with their personal development, to enable them to graduate with key transferable skills relevant to the wider interest of society, including: effective oral and written communication, numeracy, computer literacy skills and the application of relevant specialist software; the ability to work cohesively with others through the development of inter-personal skills.
  • Understand management issues, constraints within which decision-making occurs and the problem-solving skills to identify solutions.
  • Develop capacity for independent learning and critical thinking by stimulating their interest in equine bioscience, thus providing the background for lifelong learning.
  • Develop an in-depth knowledge of research methodologies and the capacity to design and complete an individual project.
  • Accurately apply practical laboratory and/or field skills and diagnostic techniques.
  • Acquire the knowledge and understanding required to relate to the environmental, social and political issues that affect the industry as well as an appreciation of the economic realities involved in horse management and care.

STAGE ONE
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)
Ethics and Welfare
(15 credits)
Veterinary Microbiology and Laboratory Skills
(30 credits)
 

The following information provides the entry requirements for this particular course.

UCAS Tariff Points

80

GCE A Levels

80 UCAS tariff points, to include one GCE A level grade C or above

Irish Certificate

80 UCAS tariff points, to include 2 x B1 or H2 higher

Scottish Highers

80 UCAS tariff points, to include 2 x B

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma

Total (IB) Diploma point score of 24 or more

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma

MMP

BTEC Level 3 Diploma

DM

C & G Level 3 Extended Diploma

Pass (48 + in combination with other qualifications to meet 80)

C & G Level 3 Diploma

Distinction (72 + in combination with other qualifications to meet 80)

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.

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

  • Equine practicals
  • Laboratory practicals, including dissections
  • Computer software practicals
  • Case studies
  • Data collection and handling
  • Inquiry-based learning
  • Online quizzes, wikis and activities
  • Problem-based learning
  • Seminars and debates
  • Tutorials
  • Visits

Diploma of Higher Education Equine Bioscience contains a variety of assessment methods to ensure practical and academic competence.

  • Practical assessments including yard and laboratory skills
  • Examinations - both multiple choice and essay questions
  • Essays and technical reports
  • Case studies
  • Poster presentations
  • Seminars
  • Project development plan

Employment Opportunities

After completion of the BSc (Hons) Equine Bioveterinary Science, graduates will have the knowledge and skills which match employment requirements within the broad fields of the equine industry. For example, within para-veterinary and diagnostic laboratory positions, biotechnology and the veterinary pharmaceutical industry (e.g. marketing department of major veterinary pharmaceutical companies etc.).

Educational Progression

On successful completion, students also have the option to progress on to the final year of the BSc Equine Bioveterinary Science.

Understanding Horses

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.