Equine Performance Science

Learn how to manage the human-horse partnership covering areas such as training, coaching, nutrition and performance.

Our BSc (Hons) Equine Performance Science degree is all about putting science into practice.

It will give you a thorough grounding in the scientific principles underpinning horse health and management. But we’ll also explore elements such as coaching the rider, saddle fit, behaviour, farriery, managing gait abnormalities and more.

You’ll be based in the Equine Training and Development Centre, which offers extensive facilities including a working stable yard, riding arenas and an equine therapy barn. There are around 70 horses on campus, and you’re able to bring your own horse to university too: find out more about our DIY Livery Yard.

Equine athletes are complex, with various strands of support combining to maximise their performance.

As a graduate, you’ll have a thorough understanding of all possible contributors to performance – from a micro to macro level – and be ready to contribute positively to equine performance.

There are a number of ways to study this course. As well as our 3-year full-time degree, you have the option of studying over:

1 year to gain a Certificate in Higher Education

4 years including a foundation year, to gain a BSc

If you study the Cert HE initially, you'll take five core modules then follow one of five pathways. Each pathway includes 2-3 optional modules, and is a route into one of our five BSc (Hons) equine degrees. These degrees are:

Equine Behavioural Science

Equine Bioveterinary Science

Equine Performance Science

Equine Performance and Business Management

Equine Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation.

You can apply through UCAS (UK students) or directly to us (international students).

All BSc students study the same modules, with the addition of foundation year modules for those taking the 4-year course. Cert HE students study Year 1 BSc modules.