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 Diploma, 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 (which is why it refers to one-year in the 'Course Length' section adjacent) and, upon successful completion of the first year (with strong attendance and behaviour), progress to the second year.
This is a 3 x A Level equivalent course. We also offer a 2 x A Level equivalent course (the Advanced Technical Certificate), with slightly lower entry requirements and the option to potentially resit either GCSE Maths or English. 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
Biological Systems of Horses
Equine Feeding and Nutrition
Equine Health
Exercising Horses (Optional)
Horse Behaviour and Welfare
Horse Tack and Equipment
Prepare Horses for Presentation
Principles of Health and Safety
The Principles of Competition Grooming (Optional)
Undertake and Review Work Related Experience in the Land-based Industries
Undertake Stable Yard Operations
Year 2: Advanced Extended Technical Diploma (1080) - Business Management in the Land-based Sector
Year 2: Contribute to Managing an Equine Event
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: Riding Horses over Fences (Optional)
Year 2: The Principles of Equitation
Year 2: The Principles of Horse Fitness
Year 2: The Principles of Horse Rehabilitation and Therapy
Year 2: Undertake a Specialist Project in the Land-based Sector
Year 2: Undertake Estate Skills (Optional)
Year 2: Working and Training Horses from the Ground
Entry requirements & additional information
This course provides an excellent vocational alternative to A Level study. Students enjoy the varied style of teaching that goes far beyond traditional classroom study. They also enjoy the fact that - should they choose it - there's the opportunity to progress to Higher Education degrees, with the course carrying the same value (in terms of UCAS points) as three traditional A Levels.
The Entry Requirements are as follows:
A minimum of five GCSEs at Grade 4 or higher. These must include English Language, Maths and either a single or combined science. Applicants for all courses are also expected to show a strong commitment and interest in the subject.
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/