Equine Science BSc (Hons)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Nottingham Trent University

Program Overview

The BSc (Hons) Equine Science at Nottingham Trent University is designed for students passionate about horses, animal science, and the welfare and performance of equine species. This program blends scientific understanding with practical experience, giving you the expertise to work confidently in the equine, animal health, and research industries.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
Your first year introduces the core principles of equine and animal science. You’ll study modules such as Introduction to Equine Health and Husbandry, Principles of Biology and Chemistry, and Introduction to Equine Anatomy and Physiology. This year focuses on understanding the biological foundations of horse care, behaviour, and health, supported by practical sessions in NTU’s modern equine facilities at Brackenhurst Campus.

Year 2
In your second year, you’ll deepen your scientific knowledge with more applied study and research. Key modules include Equine Exercise Physiology, Equine Nutrition, and Research Methods in Animal and Equine Science. You’ll explore how horses respond to training, diet, and environmental factors, while also developing your ability to collect and analyse data—essential for careers in equine performance, welfare, and research.

Year 3
Your final year allows you to apply everything you’ve learned to real-world situations. You’ll complete an Independent Research Project on a topic of your choice, alongside advanced modules such as Equine Reproduction and Development, and Advances in Equine Science. This final stage prepares you for professional work or postgraduate study by refining your critical thinking, research, and problem-solving skills within the context of equine health, performance, and welfare.

Focus Areas: Equine health and physiology, nutrition, welfare, reproduction, behaviour, and performance management.

Learning Outcomes: Students develop a strong scientific understanding of equine biology, physiology, and nutrition, alongside practical research and analytical skills that prepare them for careers in the equine, animal science, and research industries.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): This program is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, recognising the high-quality scientific and practical training it provides for future professionals in the field.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): Nottingham Trent University is consistently recognised for its graduate employability, ranking among the UK’s top modern universities according to The Guardian University Guide. Its focus on applied science and strong links with industry ensure excellent career prospects for graduates.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BSc (Hons) Equine Science at Nottingham Trent University is designed to give you far more than classroom knowledge — it’s about gaining real, hands-on experience that prepares you for a successful career in the equine and animal science industries. From the very first year, you’ll combine academic study with practical sessions at NTU’s award-winning Brackenhurst Campus, where state-of-the-art equine facilities, laboratories, and research environments help you apply science in real-world contexts.

You’ll work with horses, learn how to analyse performance and health data, and use modern technology to investigate nutrition, exercise, and behaviour. The program focuses on building technical, analytical, and management skills that employers value highly in the equine sector. Some of the exciting learning experiences include:

Brackenhurst Equine Centre: Home to purpose-built stables, a covered riding arena, and a horse walker, where you’ll study equine behaviour, physiology, and performance in a real professional environment.
Equine Performance and Training Facilities: Use high-speed treadmills, heart rate monitors, and motion analysis tools to assess training regimes and fitness in horses.
Specialist Laboratories: Access to modern labs for genetics, nutrition, and physiology research, equipped with industry-standard technology for scientific testing and analysis.
Fieldwork and Research Projects: Take part in on-site and external studies on equine health, welfare, and performance, often in collaboration with industry partners.
Placements and Sandwich Year Options: Gain hands-on experience with employers in the equine, veterinary, or animal science sectors — from racing yards and welfare charities to feed companies and research organisations.
Digital and Analytical Tools: Training in data analysis and research software commonly used in animal and biological sciences.
Collaborative Projects: Work with peers on group investigations and research presentations that mimic professional team settings in animal science and equine management.
Library and Learning Resources: Access to extensive online and physical collections in animal science, journals, and equine research databases through NTU’s modern library network.

Through this immersive and applied approach, NTU ensures you graduate as a confident, career-ready professional with the scientific and practical skills demanded by employers in the equine and animal industries.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Nottingham Trent University’s BSc (Hons) Equine Science program leave with the scientific expertise, research experience, and practical insight needed to succeed across a wide range of animal and equine-related careers. This degree opens doors to professions where science and animal welfare meet, preparing you for roles such as equine nutritionist, animal health specialist, equine welfare officer, or research scientist.

NTU’s strong focus on employability, industry connections, and accredited scientific training ensures that graduates are well-equipped to enter competitive sectors with confidence:

Career Support and Employability Services: The NTU Employability Team offers tailored career coaching, placement guidance, and exclusive links with equine and animal science employers to help students secure meaningful roles after graduation.
Graduate Employment Rate: Around 93% of life sciences graduates from NTU are employed or engaged in further study within six months of completing their degree, showcasing the university’s strong career outcomes.
Industry Partnerships: Students benefit from NTU’s collaborations with leading organisations, including The British Horse Society, World Horse Welfare, and Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, creating opportunities for placements, research, and professional networking.
Professional Accreditation: Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, this degree provides recognised professional value, enhancing career credibility and supporting eligibility for chartered biologist status in the future.
Graduate Readiness: With a balance of scientific understanding, data literacy, and hands-on equine management experience, graduates are fully prepared for roles in equine research, veterinary support, education, and welfare sectors.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this program, many students choose to continue their studies at a higher level. You could progress into a master’s degree in Equine Health and Welfare, Animal Science, or Veterinary Biosciences, or pursue a PhD in Equine Physiology or Behaviour. These pathways allow graduates to specialise further and contribute to scientific advancements in equine performance, health, and welfare research.