Equine Studies

Course Factsheet

BSc (Hons) Equine Science & Management (Behaviour and Welfare)

About the Course

This Honours degree programme aims to produce graduates with excellent academic and practical skills. Students are prepared for careers in areas such as research and development, welfare, breeding, nutrition and therapy. In addition to obtaining the main qualification, students are encouraged to enter for the appropriate level of British Horse Society qualification from Stage 1 to Stage 3. The three-year degree programme gives students a broad education in equine science and management with either a Physiology or a Behaviour and Welfare theme to the course.

The Behaviour and Welfare route covers Breeding and Genetics, Equine Training and Behaviour, Applied Behavioural Studies and Animal Welfare Studies. Modules studied in the Physiology route include Equine Therapy, Physiology and Performance, Nutrition and Performance, and Biomechanics. Both routes include Animal Science, Horse Management, Animal Nutrition and Manipulation of the Horse for Performance. There is also a research project where students can undertake independent research on a preferred subject. The BSc (Hons) degree does not require a work placement but students are enthusiastically encouraged to participate in relevant work experience during their vacations and at weekends.

Applicants wishing to top-up from a Foundation Degree or HND into the final year of the BSc (Honours) course will need to demonstrate skills in animal physiology and research methods at level 2 to enable them to progress smoothly onto the programme. Those applicants whose previous programme of study has not covered animal physiology and research skills at the appropriate level will be asked to complete two bridging modules, "Animal Physiology" and "Research Methods" which may be taken during the summer prior to entry onto the course.

Entry Criteria / Additional Information

Students will normally have gained a minimum of 220 UCAS Tariff points achieved by two or more A Level passes (A2 level subjects or a double award Advanced VCE) (Advanced Higher and Highers for Scottish students) or a BTEC National Diploma with a Merit profile or a BTEC National Certificate with Distinctions. For Irish students, 4 grade 'B' and 'C' Highers in the Leaving Certificate or equivalent.

Transferable/Key Skills, AS levels and Scottish Intermediate 2s may be used to contribute to entry requirements but they are not sufficient for entry on their own. Alternative equivalent qualifications will also be treated positively.

Consideration will be given to non-traditional qualifications and relevant work experience. Applicants are encouraged to produce evidence of their potential to benefit from the course. Applicants who believe they may be eligible for Accreditation of Prior Certificated and/or Experiential Learning (APCL/APEL) for certain modules will be considered on an individual basis.

List of Modules

Year 1

• Animal Science: Physiology, anatomy, behaviour and health of livestock and horses.
• Horse Management: Principles of animal husbandry and horse care.
• Data Handling (half module): The module is intended to introduce students to scientific methodology, experimental philosophy, writing styles, data collection and handling, results presentation techniques and some key statistical methods.
• Introduction to Animal Behaviour and Welfare: To gain an appreciation of the natural behavioural patterns of animals and how they are of key relevance when determining an animal’s welfare requirements and when evaluating training regimes.
• Introduction to Pharmacology: An introduction to some key pharmacological principles.
• Equine Training and Behaviour:This module aims to develop application of training techniques as a solution to given behavioural problems. This will be achieved through developing an understanding of a range of training methods and behavioural modification techniques.
• Elective

Year 2

• Animal Welfare Studies: Principles underlying animal welfare in general.
• Research Methods: The module will examine, experimental design, the validity of the findings, who is carrying out research and into what areas. Experimental design will be taught so that data and observations can be assessed for accuracy and reliability. The appropriateness of investigational methods will be explored together with suitable data analytical techniques. Methods of reporting the results of scientific investigations will be appraised.
• Animal Nutrition: Principles of animal nutrition.
• Breeding and Genetics: Principles of animal breeding and genetics.
• Advances in Equine Science: This module aims to develop the students’ awareness of current issues and advances within the field of equine science.
• Ethics of the Horse Industry: This module builds on a basic understanding on animal welfare ethics to enable the student to evaluate ethical issues surrounding current practices within the horse industry.
• Elective

Year 3

• Research Project: (double module) Independent research on a preferred subject.
• Manipulation of the Horse for Performance: Evaluation of the morality of human’s treatment of performance horses.
• Applied Behavioural Studies: This module examines current scientific advances in the field of animal behaviour.
• Elite Equestrian Performance Strategies: The module aims to provide students with a critical understanding of the factors controlling the performance of horse and rider.
• Development in Livestock Technology: Recent advances in established and new technologies associated with livestock production.

Industrial / Work Experience

There is no formal industry placement on this course but there is the option to intercalate and take a gap year to work in the industry anywhere in the world. This enables students to gain experience in a real working environment as well as increasing employment prospects.

Additional Opportunities

An optional study tour is available in conjunction with Auburn University, Alabama, USA subject to numbers.

Part-time BHS training could be available subject to timetabling and availability.

Assessments

Students will face a variety of assessments including essays, technical reports, group and individual presentations, laboratory/practical reports, coursework assignments, individual study projects and case studies.

Possible Careers / Jobs

Graduates will be in a position to apply for posts available in the equine industry (and other related industries) including:

• Equine research and development
• Nutritionists
• Consultants
• Bloodstock agents
• Equine insurance
• Instructors/Lecturers
• Administrators
• Equine journalism
• Welfare Manager
• Veterinary Drugs Respresentative

Progression

Post-graduate studies or employment

Special Requirements

1. Early Morning and Week-end Duties: Will be required on the college yard, through all years of the course. 2. Equipment and/or Clothing: Suitable clothing for yard duties and practical sessions. Riding hat to PAS105, BSEN1384, riding boots, gloves, jodhpurs or waterproof over trousers. All equipment/clothing should be dark in colour (i.e. navy or black). If riding schooling and jumping whip and body protector are also required. 3. Extra Costs : Books - a reading list will be issued by Module Tutors who will advise on books to buy. Stationery is required and is available from the College shop. Students who wish to take BHS examinations must also fund themselves.

How To Apply - Applying through UCAS

Applications for all full-time undergraduate courses are made via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). To apply, visit their website www.ucas.com/apply. The first UCAS deadline for receipt of applications is 15 January, for the following September.

Applications received after the first UCAS deadline will be considered by us for most courses. If you are applying after the 15 January, or if your pre-entry qualifications are different to those stated, you are advised to contact Course Enquiries on 01995 642211 for further advice.

Myerscough College - general contact details

Address: Myerscough College, St Michael's Road, Bilsborrow, Preston
Lancashire PR3 0RY
Telephone: 01995 642211 Email: enquiries@myerscough.ac.uk Website: www.myerscough.ac.uk

Special Education Needs and Disability

Prospective students who have a disability that may affect their studies should inform the College as soon as possible so that reasonable adjustments can be initiated as appropriate. Where necessary students will be asked for evidence to help identify appropriate adjustments. If students wish to apply for a Disabled Student Allowance they need to seek advice from their Local Authority which funds this provision for Higher Education Students. Please note that DSA funding is not available on all courses.

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Myerscough College is proud to work in partnership with the University of Central Lancashire

Please note that the information provided in this fact sheet was accurate at the date of publication. However, courses are continually being modified and information is therefore subject to change.