Equine Science and Performance Management

Why choose this degree?
- Excellent facilities, expert teaching, strong links with industry and small class sizes.

- Take your equine knowledge to the next level with this specialist postgraduate programme.

- Develop research expertise relevant to industry using extensive laboratory, performance analysis and BHS-approved Equine Centre facilities.

- Access fantastic facilities such as the Rider Performance Studio and Racewood Eventing Simulator.

What makes UCS special?
All our Equine Science and Equestrian Performance Management degree combine professional teaching in our BHS-approved Avansce-accredited Demonstration and Training Equine Centre with expert staff and cutting-edge teaching resources such as the Rider Performance Studio.

The UCS team are all BHS qualified and Avansce-accredited and bring their extensive industry experience. The Centre has hosted equine leaders such as the Australian Paralympic Equestrian Team for their London 2012 pre-Olympic Games training, research by world-famous equestrian expert Monty Roberts and clinics/demonstrations with World Performance Coaches, Trainers and Riders such as Yogi Breisner FBHS and Vittoria Panizzon.

Students are encouraged and supported to undertake their own industry-relevant research, and our staff and students present their research at industry conferences and events.

What will I learn?
Master’s Level modules are delivered by tutors qualified at postgraduate level in relevant subjects, many of whom have a strong British Horse Society (BHS) and performance horse background, most being research active.

The research project enables you to undertake a detailed experimental study in a chosen area to develop analytical research skills with the support of dedicated supervisors. Interpretation and critical evaluation of current research findings will enable you to further develop links between the equestrian industry and the equine scientific community. Previous MSc research projects have included:

- The effect of Handedness and Footedness on Postural Asymmetries in Amateur Dressage Rider at Trot and Canter on a Simulator

- Contemplating the Five Domains: UK Horse Owner Perceptions of Equine Welfare

- The potential impact of female body shape on rider posture and scores received from dressage judges

- Equine (Equus caballus) social network construction within small domestic groups

How will I be assessed?
Research Modules are assessed by a mix of coursework, written and oral exams, case studies, seminars and research-based reports. Emphasis is placed on the development of critical evaluation and research skills with the use of formative assessments throughout the programme of study. Developmental feedback will enable you to widen the range of your academic skills as you progress through the programme.

Where can I go from here?
Masters graduates could progress to a career in equine research and performance analysis, equestrian training, lecturing, equestrian business and journalism or alternatively you may choose to progress to study at doctorate level.