BSc (Hons) Equine Science (Biomechanics and Performance) (Top Up) Part Time – 2 years

The aim of the BSc (Hons) Equine Science is to provide a progression opportunity for students who have completed a Level 5 qualification in a related discipline. The programme aims to integrate academic and work-based learning and equip students with the skills and knowledge relevant to their chosen career.

The programme is centred on employability and the research, training and professional development modules are all designed to encourage people to refine their practice for their future careers.

This course is regulated by OfS and the qualification is awarded by the University of Derby.  It can be completed full time over one year or part time over two years.  The course offers both riding and non-riding options.

All students have access to the UDO online platform, the Derby College Group Learning Resources Centre, the University of Derby library, and the College’s Moodle pages. 

The programme will run with a minimum of six students.  In 2023-24 we enrolled seven students on this programme.

The core higher education academic year will be for a duration of 33 weeks for the purposes of maintenance loans. You will receive a proportion of this time as direct delivery, with any additional time – as deemed appropriate by the programme team and the awarding body – for activities such as induction, tutorials, research, directed study, reading weeks etc. The direct delivery time for this course will be 28 weeks. 

You need a Level 5 qualification in a relevant subject.  

You will also need four GCSEs at grades 9-4 (A*-C), or the equivalent, to include English, Maths and Science.  

All applicants will be invited to an interview to discuss their qualifications, experience and riding ability.

You will have a riding assessment prior to commencement of the programme if you choose the riding option.  It is desirable that you are riding towards BHS Stage 2 or the equivalent.

International students will need to demonstrate a minimum IELTS score in English in addition to having a successful interview.  Please contact the College for more information.

You will need to be aged 18 or over at the beginning of the course.

All applicants are subject to approval from the University of Derby.

Riding and Coaching

• Equine Exercise Physiology
• Developments in Equine Science
• Independent Research Project
• Training and Developing Horses

Biomechanics and Performance 

• Equine Exercise Physiology
• Developments in Equine Science
• Independent Research Project
• Equine Biomechanics and Performance

Did you know?  

While studying this programme you will build upon your own sustainability and digital skills which will be embedded throughout your time at Derby College Group.  For sustainability, we envisage you will become attuned to supporting the Net Zero strategic plans and will be able to embed this into your daily life through recycling, awareness of product sourcing and reducing carbon emissions.  Your digital skills will grow through the use of key technological platforms, use of apps and awareness of current trends such as AI to support your learning.

This course is delivered on-site at our land-based campus, Broomfield Hall. All lectures delivered on-site are face to face, with smaller class sizes, meaning you get a real one-to-one experience while learning with us. Lectures are interactive and engaging, with a variety of resources available to support your learning journey. 

You will need to purchase personal protective equipment (PPE) for practical work at a cost of approximately £100. You will also need to contribute towards any industry-relevant trips and visits throughout the course, at a cost of approximately £150.  These will be payable at the time of the planned trip or visit.

Optional costs include:

• British Horse Society membership in preparation for industry qualifications, which will be offered alongside the degree.
• British Horse Society exams:
• BHS Gold Membership – £69/year
  • BHS Stage 1 – complete £295 (including Ride Safe)
  • BHS Stage 2 – complete £500 (including Stage 2 Teach)
  • BHS Stage 3 – complete £630 (including Stage 3 Teach)

While on the programme, you will be assessed using a variety of methods including assignments, practical work, reports, presentations and poster presentations. All formative and summative assessment methods have been designed to focus on skills specific to the industry while incorporating key transferable skills.

Further Study

This two-year part-time top-up BSc (Hons) Equine Science, Management and Training programme offers a wide range of progression routes. Graduates will be able to demonstrate a variety of key employability skills and significant industry experience. They can also consider a Masters qualification or moving into research and development.

Careers

You can progress to employment in the equestrian industry in a practical setting, such as owning/running a yard, teaching and coaching, or training and developing horses.

You can also consider employment in the equestrian industry linked to a range of other sectors, including sales and marketing, product development, and business management roles.

There is also the opportunity to build on your entrepreneurship skills and go into self-employment.

This qualification is awarded by the University of Derby.

www.derby.ac.uk

For more information, contact Derby College Group on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk