FdSc Equine Science (Riding and Coaching) Year 1 Part Time – 4 years

This course is specifically designed to combine the development of your academic knowledge and understanding with relevant vocational skills and competencies.

Through active participation in the course, you will have the opportunity to develop an understanding of current equine scientific knowledge and its application to the practical environment. You will also develop an awareness of event management and marketing techniques, including social media strategies, in order to promote entrepreneurship and business growth.

This modular programme will be delivered through engaging lectures and practical studies in our laboratories and on-site equestrian centre and through work-based learning, equivalent to one day per week on placement.  This will be enhanced through field trips (mandatory and voluntary) to enable you to apply theory to practice. 

Your learning will be supported by our highly qualified teaching team who have a wealth of academic and professional experience in many specialist areas. Guest speakers will also ensure that you receive the most up-to-date professional experience and knowledge. 

Delivered at the Derby College Group Broomfield Hall Campus, the programme includes 8 hours of taught material each week, with a minimum of 8 hours of expected self-study per week. The course offers both riding and non-riding options.

Upon completion, you will achieve a Foundation Degree from the University of Derby.

This course is regulated by the OfS and the qualification is awarded by the University of Derby.

All students benefit from 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 2023-23 we enrolled 13 students on this programme.

The course fees are £6,500 per academic year.

The core higher education academic year will be for a duration of 33 (thirty three) 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. 

All applicants will be invited to an interview to discuss their qualifications, experience and any other related issues.

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 1 or equivalent and working towards BHS Stage 2 or equivalent.  There is a 13 stone weight limit.

You should have one of the following:

• 64 UCAS points – from either an Extended Diploma or National Diploma in Equine Management
• At least two A-levels or AS-levels in a science-related subject
• A GNVQ/NVQ Level 3 in an equine-related subject

All applicants should also meet minimum riding requirements:

• Experience of riding a variety of horses in a range of environments
• 13 stone weight limit

Relevant and comprehensive industry experience will also be considered.

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

BHS qualifications would be advantageous but not essential.

We also welcome suitably experienced applicants who may lack institutional qualifications. All such applicants will be interviewed and may be set an appropriate piece of work upon which a judgement will be made, taking into account their academic potential and relevant experience.

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.

Modules:

Year 1

• Induction Module
• Animal Biology
• Study Skills
• Equine Anatomy and Physiology
• Equine Nutrition
• Yard Management
• Riding and Training Horses 1 (riding option)
• Equine Behaviour and Learning Theory (non-riding option)

Year 2

• Equine Health and Welfare
• Equine Disease and Disorders
• Equestrian Event Management
• Employability for the Equestrian Industry
• Riding and Training Horses 2 (riding option)
• Equine Rehabilitation and Therapy (non-riding option)

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 whilst 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 both years of the course at 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 Foundation Degree. Cost of membership is approx. £79 (June 2023)
• British Horse Society exams:

        – BHS Gold Membership – £79/year

        – BHS Stage 1 – (including Ride Safe)

        – BHS Stage 2 – (including Stage 2 Teach)

        – BHS Stage 3 – (including Stage 3 Teach)

You will be assessed throughout the course, using a variety of methods including: assignments, assessments, practical work, reports, presentations and poster presentations

Upon successful completion of this two-year programme, you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to pursue a new career or advance an existing one in a wide variety of equestrian businesses, including self-employment.  

The programme will provide excellent practical skills, enabling you to develop necessary industrial experience in a range of contexts.  

The Foundation Degree also provides an ideal platform to top-up to a Level 6 (degree) programme specialising in a wide variety of subjects such as Equine Exercise and Physiology, and Training and Developing Horses. 

This qualification is awarded by the University of Derby.

www.derby.ac.uk

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