BSc (Hons) Equine Science Bachelor's degree at Oxford Brookes University
BSc (Hons) Equine Science at OBU. Oxford Brookes University's Equine Science degree focuses on the biology, health and behaviour of horses, integrating core scientific theory with research methods and hands-on practice.
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 runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Agriculture & Animal Science, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2021-23. Continuation 85% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
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 degree, offered by the Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, develops your understanding of equine science within the broader context of agriculture and animal production. You'll usually start with foundations in animal science, agri-food systems and practical farm skills. Year 2 moves into nutrition and health, grassland and environmental management, and agricultural technology, building both theoretical knowledge and hands-on capability. In your final year, you'll specialise in areas such as equine science, livestock production, animal behaviour and welfare, or agri-tech, whilst studying farm business management and completing an applied research project, often with an industry partner. The course structure is typical for agriculture and animal science degrees in the UK, progressing from core principles to specialist depth.
Who it's for
You're interested in horses and want to study them scientifically, not just practically. You're drawn to understanding equine biology, behaviour and health at a deeper level, and you're comfortable with research design and data analysis as much as field or clinical work. You value a balance between theory and hands-on learning, and you're aiming for a career where scientific knowledge directly supports animal welfare or performance. This course will suit you if you think systematically about problems, engage with evidence, and want qualifications that open doors in research, veterinary support, stud management or equine health roles.
Careers & job market
Across Agriculture and Animal Science courses nationally, 90% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating. Among those working, 40% are in highly skilled roles or pursuing further study. Starting salaries for this field nationally fall between £22,000 and £27,000; after five years, graduates typically earn between £22,525 and £31,800. Career paths include stud management, equine research, veterinary nursing support, sports horse management and welfare consultancy.
University & format
The BSc (Hons) Equine Science is a 3-year full-time degree delivered at Oxford Brookes University, a public university in Oxford. Teaching is in English. The university is a recognised UK degree-awarding body, and this course leads to a nationally recognised Bachelor's degree. Oxford Brookes holds a Bronze award for teaching quality in the Office for Students' Teaching Excellence Framework 2023.
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Placement year. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 90% |
| another higher-education qualification | 10% |
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 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. 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.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 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.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
continued or completed
continued into the next year or completed their qualification
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2021-23. Published threshold met. Sample size is not included in this snapshot. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
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.
Is this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.5 out of 10: continued 85%.
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?
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