BSc (Hons) Equine Science Bachelor's degree at Oxford Brookes University
BSc (Hons) Equine Science at OBU. Oxford Brookes University's BSc (Hons) in Equine Science, delivered by the Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, blends rigorous biological science with practical application to equine health, behaviour and management.
About this course
Equine Science, BSc (Hons) degree course by the Department of Biological and Medical Sciences at Oxford Brookes University From the provider’s course page.
BSc (Hons) Equine Science is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at OBU, based in Oxford Campus. It is studied part-time; duration varies by route.
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Agriculture & Animal Science, see the sections below.
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year 1 6 modules
- Academic and Professional SkillsCompulsory
Module details
Transferable skills are an asset in the careers world. In this module, you'll be introduced to academic practice and professional skills that will aid you in your career progression. These will include the soft skills of discussion, debate, seminar, and presenting, alongside science writing, researching and statistics. You'll also go into detail on the use of Microsoft packages such as Word Excel, PowerPoint and Publisher. Statistical programmes such as MiniTab will also be covered.
- Equine Anatomy and PhysiologyCompulsory
Module details
You'll equip yourself with biological knowledge of the horse, taking a close-up look at the anatomy and physiology. You'll analyse cell and biochemical reactions that sustain life, plus the functioning and anatomy of the body's organs and their interactions with each other. In addition, you'll look at the evolution of the horse and adaptations to the structural systems, exploring the unique athleticism of the equine stature. These basic foundational concepts will form the building blocks of your
- Equine BusinessCompulsory
Module details
There has been no better time to investigate the impact of the equine business trade. The equine industry generates significant revenue for global economies. In this module, you'll look at the external and competitive environment of business and the common frameworks for analysing and evaluating the impact of such on both individual businesses and industries. You'll also gain an insight into the internal functionings of business (marketing, human resource management, and finance), followed by an
- The Global Equine IndustryCompulsory
Module details
In this module, you'll explore the history and development of the modern equine and Thoroughbred industries in their national and international context. You'll examine how equestrianism has developed and grown internationally, and how it is important to the economies of many countries. You'll learn how the industries are administered, operated and financed, and you'll examine the present industry status within a diverse range of cultures. You'll cover business supported by equestrianism, associa
- Equine Behaviour and CognitionCompulsory
Module details
Do you ever wonder what a horse is thinking? In this module, you can get a step closer to understanding how a horse's brain functions. You'll gain an insight into evolution, underpinning the aspects of the horse's flight response and how it is used/suppressed in domestic situations. You'll discover the theory behind how horses remember things and create memories. You'll also investigate the differentiation between breed characteristics, the varied disciplines that horses are involved in, and how
Assessment: multiple choice questions (MCQ), a short presentation and a report
- Applied Equine HealthCompulsory
Module details
In order to maintain a healthy horse who is capable of competitive success, you'll need knowledge of the equine immunity pathways, the invading pathogens, wounds and emergency first aid. In this module, you'll learn about just that. You'll acquire the skills to employ suitable treatment regimes using your scientific knowledge and your ability to adapt to new situations. Identifying a horse for lameness and applying appropriate first aid is an essential part of handling and working in the industr
Year 2 4 modules
- Research MethodsCompulsory
Module details
You'll get to grips with research concepts used within Equine Science, enabling you to develop a critical approach to research, and the ability to explore associated philosophical, methodological, analytical, statistical and ethical issues. You'll equip yourself with the fundamental concepts and practices that underpin the research process including research design, literature critique and critical analysis of research. You'll be given the opportunity to develop your own research proposal, devel
- Equestrian Land and Resource Management 1Compulsory
Module details
On completion of this module, you'll have a good understanding of the importance of soil and grass science in relation to the effective management of land for horses, and how grassland management affects equine health and performance. You'll also investigate specific areas of management that are important in ensuring the success of a wide range of equine enterprises, with a particular emphasis on human resources. You'll also consider the legislative and regulatory frameworks under which equine e
- Equine Medicine and Veterinary TechniquesCompulsory
Module details
Get in the know on how to maintain a horse at optimum health and performance. In this module you'll gain a full insight into the scientific principles underlying health and disease in the horse. You'll also develop a detailed knowledge of relevant veterinary techniques used in the assessment, diagnosis, and management of equine disease. On completion of this module, you'll be able to assess and evaluate the role of the veterinary surgeon in the diagnosis of ill health/injury and treatment of dis
- Equine NutritionCompulsory
Module details
What are the key nutritional elements that a horse needs to remain at optimum health? In this informative module you'll gain an in-depth knowledge of the metabolic processes that occur in a horses's body. This will help you identify nutritional needs for improving and maintaining the performance of the horse. You'll also learn how to adapt and apply your knowledge to optimise the feeding regimes of horses for their long-term success. You'll identify the principles relating to the correct feeding
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
This BSc (Hons) Equine Science degree is taught by Oxford Brookes' Department of Biological and Medical Sciences. A course like this typically moves from foundational animal and crop science in Year 1, grounded in hands-on husbandry and farm skills, through intermediate modules in nutrition, health and grassland management. You'll usually encounter data and technology in agriculture during the second year. In Year 3, you'll progress to specialist options such as livestock production, equine science, agronomy, animal behaviour and welfare, agri-tech and farm placements, alongside farm business management and a dissertation or industry project. The emphasis remains practical and applied throughout.
Who it's for
This course suits you if you have a genuine interest in horse science and are ready for serious, discipline-based study rather than hobby-level engagement. You should be comfortable with laboratory work, data analysis and field-based research. Part-time study here demands time management and sustained motivation, you'll juggle academic rigour with other commitments. The course appeals to those seeking a deeper understanding of equine physiology, behaviour and management, and to people already working in the sector who want formal qualification without leaving their jobs.
Careers & job market
Across Agriculture & Animal Science courses nationally, 90% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating. Of those working, 40% move into highly skilled roles or continue studying. Graduate earnings nationally (15 months after graduating) typically fall between £22,000 and £27,000; after five years, £22,525–£31,800. Career paths include veterinary nursing, stud management, equine welfare roles and research positions, though specific earnings and progression vary by role and employer.
University & format
Oxford Brookes University is a public university in Oxford. The BSc (Hons) Equine Science is delivered part-time and taught in English. Oxford Brookes is a recognised UK degree-awarding body, so degrees are nationally recognised. The university holds Bronze for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
Part-time application dates vary by provider. UCAS dates
Placement year. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Opened 2 July 2026; last choice 19 October 2026. Check vacancies now. A cached page never claims a place is still available.
Entry & how to get in
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code D322). One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by Apply directly to the provider
Part-time application dates vary by provider. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at OBU →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Agriculture & Animal Science graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in agriculture & animal science · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Agriculture & Animal Science nationally
National figures for Agriculture & Animal Science graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
Job market & outlook
How Agriculture & Animal Science graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Agriculture & Animal Science graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Agribusiness & food producers
- DEFRA & agencies
- Estates & farms
- Animal & wildlife charities
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Agriculture & Animal Science graduates.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
Oxford Brookes University
Agriculture, food and related studies across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around Oxford Campus
900 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Agriculture & Animal Science right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to OBU from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £18,250 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check OBU’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with OBU and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at OBU
Common questions
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates earn?
What will it cost me?
Request information about BSc (Hons) Equine Science
Prospectus, key dates, entry and funding, free to your inbox.


