BSc (Hons)
Equine Science
& Welfare
Management

• Apply new and existing scientific principles to the management and training of horses, whilst embracing equine welfare. 
• Obtain free tuition for British Horse Society qualifications alongside your degree and a contribution towards a relevant vocational exam of your choice.
• Study at our rural Northop campus in the beautiful North Wales countryside, with access to excellent equestrian facilities, as well as making use of the amenities at the Wrexham campus, on the edge of the largest town in North East Wales.
• Get ahead in the job market by gaining industry experience from work placements, educational visits and guest speakers
• Join our Equestrian society and enjoy a range of events, activities and trips throughout the year.

Year 1 (Level 4)

During the first year students will combine theory and practice.  They will investigate equine behaviour and how horses learn. They will question the ethics of our industry and gain practical skills necessary for their future career. Students will complete a work placement, and even at the start of their academic journey will be asked to focus on their career path.

Modules

• Biological Concepts: This module aims to develop students’ understanding of the key principles of animal biology, biological pathogens, laboratory skills and anatomical structure and function. The origins and classification of life will be covered together with cell and tissue structure and function. The main organs and systems of the animals’ body will also be introduced.
• Stable Management (1): This modules aims to ensure learners work safely and competently with horses.  It covers the care and feeding of horses together with selection and fit of tack and equipment.  Preparation of horses for travelling and competition will also be included.
• Professional Practice: A range of career opportunities and associated challenges with gaining employment within equine sector will be studied in this module.  Students will also have the opportunity to develop their skills, knowledge and competencies within a workplace setting of their choice.
• Academic and Personal Development: This module aims to familiarise learners with the Higher Education culture, to build on key skills (logical, mathematical and critical) necessary for successful study in Higher Education.
• Ethics and Welfare: This module aims to investigate contemporary issues within equine and animal welfare and to introduce students to a range of relevant ethical issues.  A variety of contemporary welfare issues will be critiqued during the module.  Students will have the opportunity to deliver their own workshops and seminars.
• Equine Behaviour and Cognition: Students will investigate the link between environment and behavioural patterns of horses, and link equine cognition to management practices.  Equine evolution, behavioural development, domestication and the effects of modern equestrian practices on the horse will be studied.  Understanding of learning theories will also form a significant part of the module’s delivery.

YEAR 2 (LEVEL 5)

The second year provides students with the opportunity build on first year topics and to put learning into practice. Equine learning theory is applied to practical equine training, and the horse human partnership is explored. Scientific principles are developed, and research skills aim to prepare students for their final year. The applied project adds a unique dimension to the year allowing students to go out into the workplace and contribute to a business.

Modules

• Anatomy and Physiology: This module aims to equip students with a working knowledge of topographical and skeletal anatomy and to enable them to identify anatomical landmarks. You will learn to relate anatomical structure to function and further develop your practical laboratory skills.
• Learning and Training: This module aims to reinforce the principles of learning theory as applied to equines, to link equine learning to training practices and to evaluate traditional and contemporary equine training methods and equipment.  Theoretical and practical delivery will cover topics including equine learning and intelligence, methods of training horses, and dealing with problems within equine training.
• Stable Management (2): This module builds on the stable management covered at level four, and includes the preparation of horses for varying disciplines, basic farriery equipment and hoof care and provides students with the opportunity to learn to lunge horses.
• Nutrition and Feeding Practice: This module will enable you to analyse the structure, role and value to the body of nutritional components of horse feed.  You will learn how to critically analyse the composition of horse feed and the role of different feeds within the horse’s diet. You will also be taught how to calculate feed rations for horses of varying ages and for different levels of ‘work’.
• Research Methodologies: This module will enable you to understand the role of relevant research within the field of equine studies. In addition it will provide you with sufficient capability to plan a research project in your field of study, to define the research parameters, assess appropriate methodologies, and present your findings. You will learn how to examine and assess the appropriateness of different research methodologies to various research briefs and become aware of ethical and political issues in social research.
• Equine Health and Fitness: Students will assess equine conformation, health and disease in this module.  Methods of getting horses fit and their physiological response to exercise will also be included.  The module will be delivered through both theory and practice.

Year 3 (Level 6)

The final year provides students with the opportunity to complete their own unique piece of research, thus enabling them to focus on a topic of choice. Equine health, reproduction and welfare are concentrated on in this final year, together with methods of behaviour modification. Career development is also a central theme, and third years are expected to complete additional professional development activities alongside their degree to enhance their chances of employment.

Modules

• Equine Reproduction and Young-stock Management: This module aims to provide an introduction to the anatomy and physiology of reproduction in the mare and stallion, and to investigate the effect of modern reproductive techniques on reproductive success.  The growth and development of the foal will be covered during the module’s delivery, together with the early handling of foals and training of the young horse.
• Research Skills and Professional Development: The module aims to equip students with the skills to critically evaluate research design as applicable to equine science and welfare management, to select and justify appropriate methods for data collection and analysis, and to critically reflect on personal development over the duration of the programme of study, linking scholarship and practice through reflection on specific professional development activities.  Students will study the research process, and statistical analysis relevant to their field of study.  They will also cover use of the statistical package SPSS.  They will also reflect on their professional development in preparation for future employment.
• Research Project: This module aims to ensure students can critically evaluate research, and will guide students through the completion of a research-based study of a specialised area related to equine science and welfare management.
• Animal Behaviour Modification: The module aims to develop students’ awareness of the need for a systematic approach to understanding the aetiology of behavioural problems seen in horses.  It will extend their understanding of how to analyse behavioural problems in horses and appreciate the limitations of relevant diagnostic techniques.  It will also provide them with the opportunity to develop the necessary skills to suggest appropriate solutions to behavioural problems.
• Stress and Animal Welfare: The module enables students to explore how animal stress can be managed in a range of environments and situations. It also aims provide students with an understanding of the physiological and behavioural adaptations of animals resulting from modern use and husbandry.

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal academic framework review, so may be subject to change.

BSc (Hons) Equine Science and Welfare Management

UCAS code: D422

112 UCAS Tariff points at GCE A Level or equivalent. Appropriate AS Level and Level 3 Key Skills qualifications will also be taken into account. At least four GCSEs at grade C (including English and Maths). An equestrian background is necessary. 

The entry requirements are for general guidance. Alternative qualifications and experience are considered. All applications are considered on their individual merits.

If you have studied in another European country, please check the Entry Requirements for your qualification.

Part-time applicants should apply using this form.

International Students

If you are an international student please visit the countries page and select your country to see the relevant academic and English language entry requirements.

Equine Science and Welfare Management is assessed in a variety of ways. Assessment includes academic essays, research posters, presentations, seminar discussions and practical assessment.

Module delivery is achieved through a combination of theoretical lectures, seminar discussions, guest lectures, educational visits, and practical work. Between lectures students are expected to read around their subjects making use of the detailed reading lists published in Module Guides. Each module is assessed in a variety of ways. 

Assessment includes academic essays, research posters, presentations, seminar discussions and practical assessment. The balance between the different forms of assessment is determined by the different aims and learning outcomes of the modules.

Teaching and learning

Wrexham Glyndŵr University is committed to supporting our students to maximise their academic potential.

We offer workshops and support sessions in areas such as academic writing, effective note-making and preparing for assignments. Students can book appointments with academic skills tutors dedicated to helping deal with the practicalities of university work. Our student support section has more information on the help available.

The degree will prepare you for a variety of careers including horse welfare and rehabilitation work, training horses, coaching riders or commercial equestrian yard management. You will also be prepared for employment in careers allied to the equine industry, for example research and consultancy work or postgraduate study. 

In addition to working in these areas previous students have also set up their own businesses

The Careers & Zone at Wrexham Glyndŵr University is there to help you make decisions and plan the next steps towards a bright future. From finding work or further study to working out your interests, skills and aspirations, they can provide you with the expert information, advice and guidance you need.

You do not have to pay your tuition fees upfront.

For 2017/18, Wrexham Glyndŵr University’s tuition fees will be £9,000 per year for a full time undergraduate degree course.

The fees you pay and the support available will depend on a number of different factors. Full information can be found on our fees & finance pages. You will also find information about what your fees include in the FAQs section of those pages. 

You can see the full programme specification here.