Looking for a more accessible way to study Equine Science?
Want to develop your passion into a career but think you haven’t got the time? Oxford Brookes University in partnership with Abingdon and Witney College has the course for you. There are part-time options available on all our courses and our foundation degree has been especially designed to suit those who are not able to fit their studies in with conventional timetables.
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Foundation degree in equine science and management
This two-year full-time course is designed for those who want to combine the practical and theoretical elements of equine science and management with valuable work experience placements. It also gives the opportunity to EARN WHILE YOU LEARN. Selected modules across both years are delivered exclusively online allowing great flexibility for learners and to studying at a time convenient to you.
Run over two days per week, which includes the online modules, students are able to balance either work or family commitments with studying for a well recognised qualification. The course offers graduates the opportunity to either go straight into the work place or continue in higher education by topping up onto BSc courses.
What students say
Foundation degree student and assistant trainer to Alan McCabe,Alex Jennings-Bevan.
“Having left school at 16 to start work, the thought of further education was quite daunting but the foundation degree in equine science and management was an ideal reintroduction to learning, being clear and well structured in its delivery. I am able to balance full-time work whilst studying for this qualification.
“Currently working as assistant trainer to Alan McCabe, a racehorse trainer based in Leicestershire, I enrolled on the foundation degree to gain scientific knowledge to accompany the practical experience that I have gained during years of employment in racing”.
Oxford Brookes University works in partnership with Abingdon and Witney College to deliver two further equine science courses.
BSc equine science and BSc equine science and thoroughbred management
Our two BSc courses are modular and designed so that students can create their own programme to suit their own needs and interests. They have a significant emphasis on academic research and are taught predominantly at Oxford Brookes. However we make sure that we put theory into practice by using the facilities at the Common Leys campus, which includes a small commercially run thoroughbred stud.
Students on all courses have the opportunity to use the riding horses and the stud horses for research as well as getting involved in the day-to-day operations of a busy and varied yard.
What students say about the BSc courses
Classic-winning racehorse trainer Andrew Balding on the BSc in Equine Science and Thoroughbred Management:
“It appears to be a very well balanced and interesting course and would have huge benefit to anyone wanting to pursue a career in the thoroughbred industry.”
Graduate of the BSc Equine Science, Kayley Goff:
“This degree equipped me with the knowledge and skills I needed to not only gain a six-month work placement as event assistant at Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials (at the end of my third year), but also to continue to progress my equine career long term.”
What employability skills can I expect to develop during the course?
Our modules are all linked to a core set of transferable “employability” skills. We realise the high value of these skills when looking for employment and therefore each module addresses these in some way. The skills incorporated include self management, communication, teamwork, problem-solving and information technology. There is a focus within academic work on development of higher order skills including critical appraisal, analysis and evaluation.
We are actively engaged in research with key employers within the industry to ensure that our courses remain up-to-date and industry relevant. You will have the opportunity to meet a number of key employers during the course of your degree and have constant access to our unique mentor panel. Specialists and high-profile leaders from across the breadth of the equine industry have agreed to act as mentors to our students, specifically to impart advice regarding work experience and career development.
Can I come and visit the college and university?
We would be very happy for you to come and have a look round either Oxford Brookes, Witney Stud Farm at the Common Leys campus, or both. Please email lee-ann.penaluna@abingdon-witney.ac.uk or abishop@brookes.ac.ukif you would like to arrange a visit.
For official Open Day dates please keep up to date on the Oxford Brookes University website. To talk to one of our equine lecturers about our courses please tel: 01993 208159 or or 01993 208161. You can also follow one of our lecturers on twitter for up to date information on open days, career opportunities and Witney Stud news @anniebishequine
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