About the course
The College offers the opportunity to study at level 3 (A level equivalent) for students who wish to develop a comprehensive understanding of Equine Management - encompassing practical techniques, academic knowledge and technical skills. It is a popular option for both school leavers and successful Level 2 Technical Certificate Equine Care students. The course incorporates a mix of practical activities, lectures, industry visits and case study exercises. Students will also undertake work experience, which will enhance their employability skills. External work experience for 80 hours is required.
During the Level 3 Advanced Technical Certificate, students will gain practical experience in riding, working horses from the ground, yard duties, preparation for presentation and horse tack and equipment.
Students enrol initially on a one-year course and, upon successful completion of the first year (with strong attendance and behaviour), automatically progress to the second year. The reference to '35 weeks' in the 'Course Length' panel is the number of study weeks each year (from September to the end of June), making 70 weeks across the two-year programme.
This is a 2 x A Level equivalent course. We also offer a 3 x A Level equivalent course (the National Diploma), with slightly higher entry requirements. Students normally apply for the one that best meets their anticipated GCSE Results.
Key Information
Location: Preston Campus
Start date: September 2026
Course length: Two Years (35 weeks)
Course Modules
Equine Health
Exercising Horses (Optional)
Horse Tack and Equipment
Prepare Horses for Presentation
Principles of Health & Safety
The Principles of Competition Grooming (Optional)
Undertake and Review Work Experience
Undertake Stable and Yard Operations
Year 2: Advanced Extended Technical Diploma (720) - Biological Systems of Horses
Year 2: Contribute to Managing an Equine Event
Year 2: Equine Feeding and Nutrition
Year 2: Introduction to Equestrian Coaching (Optional)
Year 2: Introduction to the Principles of Young Horse Handling, Training and Backing (Optional)
Year 2: Riding Horses on the Flat (Optional)
Year 2: The Principles of Equitation
Year 2: Undertake Estate Skills (Optional)
Year 2: Working and Training Horses from the Ground
Entry requirements & additional information
A minimum of four GCSEs at Grade 4 or higher. These must include English Language and either Maths or either a single or combined science.
Ride assessments will take place at the start of the academic year to determine skills and abilities. Please note there is a maximum weight limit of 14.5 stone for the riding units. Learners are required to have practical experience of handling and working with horses.
Assessment of technical qualifications is a mixture of internal practical assessment of skills conducted by the teaching team, internal written assignments marked by the teaching team, an externally set synoptic examination that combines the knowledge and practical skills of all of the mandatory units, an external online exam that combines the knowledge of all mandatory units and an online health and safety exam. The assessments and exams are spread throughout the year.
Optional Units:
Study programmes are designed to be individualised to the needs of each student and we offer different optional units to cater for these needs.
The three riding units allow students to progressively develop their riding and training ability both in the saddle on the flat and over fences. This route is practically demanding and we require students to be riding at BHS Stage 2 level for entry which would be assessed and discussed at the formal interview stage and once the course has started.
The working horses from the ground unit allows students to develop their ability to work a range of horses on the lunge, in long reins and loose. These are skills that are in high demand in the industry and will help anyone wishing to undertake the role of groom or backing young horses.
The young horse unit (year 2), allows students to become familiar with the art of working young horses from the ground and backing and training of young horses. The College has a minimum of four young horses each year that are specifically for the use of students undertaking this unit. Students work with the staff team and each other to back the young horses and train them in all aspects of ridden work.
The new businesses unit (year 2) allows students to develop the key skills of exploring new business initiatives within the land-based sector to ensure that any future business they operate will be able to take advantage of the current market status.
Internal Work Experience:
Students will gain work experience on the College Yard and at the Preston Centre will be required to attend weekend duties where they will care for the horses. A rota is produced at the start of the year with the students allocated weekend yard for the entire academic year.
Students also work on the yard, looking after the college horses, one day per week within their normal timetabled hours.
On successful completion of the Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Equine Management learners will be able to progress onto a Higher Education courses or into employment in the equine industry.
University Centre Myerscough offers a Foundation Degree (FdSc) with Honours Top-up (BSc Hons) in Applied Animal Science (Equine Management.)
Progression onto degree programmes at other universities is dependent upon their own individual entry criteria. This might include specific requirements relating to the type of course being studied, the particular modules or units studied on a course, the work-experience that you've undertaken or even previous GCSE attainment. Entry requirements can also change from year-to-year.
It is essential that, if you have a clear career goal in mind, you check and confirm the entry requirements of your preferred degree programme prior to commencing your Level 3 studies here at Myerscough. Information, Advice and Guidance will be provided by the College to support you in making the right choices, but please ensure that you have taken time to consider your future career goals and the specific entry requirements at other universities. The UCAS website is a good starting point: https://www.ucas.com/