BSc (Hons) Equine Science and Business Bachelor's degree at The Royal Agricultural University
BSc (Hons) Equine Science and Business at RAU combines equine science with business fundamentals, preparing graduates for professional roles in the equine and broader agricultural sectors.
About this course
This course blends equine science and business management principles that are relevant to the breadth of the equestrian sector. There is an option to study some livestock science alongside equine science and business to gain a more holistic animal science programme of study. From the provider’s course page.
BSc (Hons) Equine Science and Business is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at RAU, based in Main Campus. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Animal science graduates from this provider, 90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 45% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £25,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Business & Management, 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 NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Limited evidence Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 90% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 75% (2022-23; 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 one 6 modules
- Equine Anatomy and PhysiologyCore
Module details
This module examines the structure and function of equine body systems, including musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, and endocrine systems. Students explore evolutionary adaptations and physiological processes through lectures, dissections, and microscopy.
Assessment: Two laboratory workbooks and three 30-minute written exams
- Equine Health and DiseaseCore
Module details
This module explores equine disease processes, diagnostics, and treatment. Topics include immunology, bacteriology, virology, parasitology, wound healing, and blood analysis. Students develop lab skills and apply theory to case studies.
Assessment: A 1500-word case study and a practical skills assessment
- Equine NutritionCore
Module details
This module introduces equine feeding principles, nutrient biochemistry, digestive physiology, and diet formulation. Topics include feed analysis, metabolism, supplements, and feeding behaviour. Students engage in lab work, industry visits, and ration planning.
Assessment: A 5-minute audio-visual presentation and a 2000-word ration formulation report
- Equine Breeding and GeneticsCore
Module details
This module explores equine reproductive science and genetics, covering anatomy, physiology, fertility, and breeding technologies. Topics include inheritance, coat colour, performance traits, and foal management. Students engage in lab work and industry visits.
Assessment: A 1000-word academic poster and a 90-minute written exam
- Equine Business EnterpriseCore
Module details
This module introduces core business principles for equestrian enterprises, including planning, finance, staffing, marketing, and operations. Topics include legislation, facility management, and entrepreneurship. Students engage with guest speakers, site visits, and workshops.
Assessment: A four-part portfolio covering operational, financial, staffing, and marketing strategies
- Professional, Practical and Study SkillsCore
Module details
This module develops academic, employability, and practical skills for success in university and land-based careers. It includes reflective writing, data handling, digital literacy, and hands-on tasks relevant to the sector. Students explore sustainability, industry challenges, and professional development.
Assessment: A skills portfolio, a 1000-word reflective account, and a group presentation on a sustainability challenge
Year two 9 modules
- Industry EngagementCore
Module details
This module provides students with a structured industry placement to develop professional, technical, and reflective skills in a real-world context. Students complete a minimum of 444 hours of work-based learning aligned to their career goals.
Assessment: A CV and personal statement (500 words) and a reflective portfolio (1000 words)
- Equine Behaviour and Welfare ApplicationsCore
Module details
This module investigates equine behaviour and welfare through ethology, neuroscience, and learning theory. Topics include feral horse dynamics, welfare frameworks, brain function, and training strategies. Students engage with fieldwork, dissections, and guest lectures.
Assessment: A 10-minute oral presentation and a 2-hour seen exam
- Sustainable Forage and Turf ManagementCore
Module details
This module explores the production and management of grass for forage and equestrian sports surfaces. Topics include soil science, plant physiology, forage conservation, turf sustainability, and climate change impacts. Students engage in lab work, field visits, and forage analysis.
Assessment: A 1500-word article critique and a 2-hour seen exam
- Equine MedicineCore
Module details
This module explores advances in equine medicine, including diagnostics, disease management, and responsible use of veterinary medicines. Topics include respiratory, gastrointestinal, endocrine, and infectious diseases, with a focus on One Health. Students engage with case studies and practical lab sessions.
Assessment: A 1500-word disease review and a 1500-word laboratory skills portfolio
- Marketing ManagementCore
Module details
This module guides students through strategic marketing planning, market analysis, and decision-making. Topics include global trends, consumer behaviour, competitor evaluation, and ethical marketing. Students apply frameworks to real-world business scenarios.
Assessment: Two 2000-word professional practice reports focused on analysis and decision-making
- Research and EvidenceCore
Module details
This module develops students' ability to design and justify research proposals using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Topics include study design, data analysis, ethics, and communication of findings. Students engage with real-world problems and explore research applications across disciplines.
Assessment: A 2500-word research proposal and a 2-hour online test
- Equine Sports Physiology and BiomechanicsElective
Module details
This module examines how horses respond to exercise and training across disciplines. Topics include physiological adaptations, sports nutrition, fatigue, and biomechanical analysis. Students engage with practical sessions using fitness and motion technologies.
Assessment: A 2000-word essay and a 1000-word academic poster
- Financial managementElective
Module details
This module introduces financial principles and decision-making tools for business success. Topics include financial statements, capital budgeting, working capital, and financial planning. Students apply theory to real-world scenarios and analyse companies using ratio analysis.
Assessment: A 15-minute individual presentation and a 3000-word essay
- Livestock HusbandryElective
Module details
This module examines sustainable livestock management across ruminant and monogastric species. Topics include breeding, feeding, welfare, and environmental impact. Students engage with field trips, case studies, and industry tools.
Assessment: A 10-minute individual presentation and a 2500-word feeding plan
Year three 4 modules
- Research ProjectCore
Module details
This module enables students to undertake an independent research project aligned with their subject area. Topics are student-selected and supported through supervisor meetings and workshops.
Assessment: A 5-minute progress presentation and a 12,000-word thesis or multimedia portfolio
- Advances in Equine NutritionCore
Module details
This module explores recent developments in equine nutrition, including digestive physiology, microbial activity, and sustainable feed ingredients. Topics include nutrient absorption, gut health, and diet formulation for different equids. Students engage with journal clubs and lab-based digestion studies.
Assessment: A 2000-word article critique and a scientific poster presentation
- Equine Orthopaedics and RehabilitationCore
Module details
This module explores equine orthopaedic disease, injury prevention, and rehabilitation. Topics include diagnostic imaging, discipline-specific injuries, physiotherapy, and treatment strategies. Students engage with case studies, lab sessions, and hospital visits.
Assessment: A 2500-word knowledge summary and a scientific poster presentation
- Rural EntrepreneurshipCore
Module details
This module develops the skills needed to launch sustainable rural ventures. Students explore idea generation, business modelling, market analysis, financial planning, and ethical considerations. A study tour and guest lectures provide real-world insight.
Assessment: A 10-minute recorded pitch presentation and a 3000-word business plan
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 course blends equine science and business management principles relevant across the equestrian sector, with an option to study livestock science alongside equine science for a more holistic animal science programme. A course like this typically starts with foundations in management, organisations and business economics. Year 1 usually covers how firms work, marketing principles, and data skills. Year 2 normally progresses to operations and supply chain management, organisational behaviour and human resources, and competitive strategy. In Year 3, you'll usually choose specialist options such as entrepreneurship, international business, digital business, consulting, marketing, or people and HR, whilst completing a capstone project or consultancy brief that integrates what you've studied.
Who it's for
This course suits students with a genuine interest in equine science alongside business management. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent qualifications; the typical UCAS tariff among entrants was 96–111 points. The programme is taught in English on the main campus.
Careers & job market
Across Business & Management courses nationally, 87% of graduates were in work or further study 15 months after graduating. Starting salaries ranged from £24,000 to £32,000; after five years, graduates earned between £26,350 and £37,200 (national Graduate Outcomes and LEO data). Sixty per cent of working graduates entered highly skilled roles or continued their studies. The course offers specialisations such as marketing, finance, HR, operations, strategy, international business, entrepreneurship, supply chain and consulting, broadening career pathways beyond the equine sector.
University & format
This degree is studied at The Royal Agricultural University, a public university founded in 1842. The BSc (Hons) is a 3-year full-time course taught in English on the Main Campus. The university is a recognised UK degree-awarding body, and this qualification is nationally recognised. The course carries Silver status in the Office for Students' TEF 2023 for teaching quality.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
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.
contextual offer. Eligibility and any reduced offer are applicant-specific.
Work placement. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 95% |
| a previous degree | 5% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications and UCAS points. If you're worried about grades, this course has historically taken a wide range, and contextual offers may apply.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
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 RAU →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 Business & Management graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £25,000 | £24,000 – £28,000 | 15 |
| 3 years after | £23,500 | £20,000 – £27,500 | 50 |
| 5 years after | £28,500 | £22,500 – £33,500 | 50 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate / AnalystOn a scheme or first role · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / ManagerOwning an area, marketing, finance, ops · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / Head ofLeading a function and a team · 5–10 yrs
- 4Director / FounderRunning a business unit or your own company · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Business & Management nationally
National figures for Business & Management 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.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Business & Management courses at the same study level.
Compared with 3,421 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Administrative occupationsSOC 2020 41 · 20% of published destinations · ASHE median £27,006
- Business and public service associate professionalsSOC 2020 35 · 20% of published destinations · ASHE median £38,760
- Architects, Chartered Architectural Technologists, Planning Officers, Surveyors and Construction ProfessionalsSOC 2020 245 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £45,972
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 30; response rate: 60%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Business & Management 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 reporting and data pulls
- First-draft decks and copy
- Standard forecasts and reconciliations
- Scheduling and admin workflows
More human than ever
- Strategy and judgement under uncertainty
- Leading, negotiating and selling
- Sense-checking and owning what AI produces
- Relationships with clients and teams
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Business & Management 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
- Consultancies
- Corporate graduate schemes
- Retail & FMCG
- Startups & scale-ups
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Business & Management graduates.
Business Director, Marketing ScienceXcedeBusiness ManagerLGPS CentralBusiness Change ManagerIGA Talent SolutionsBusiness Case ManagerPeregrineBusiness DirectorMedialab GroupBusiness Rates SurveyorW TalentIs 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.
Where graduates go
90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £25,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 7.9 out of 10: NSS 72.7% · in work or study 90% · continued 75%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
Royal Agricultural University
Business and management across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Is Business & Management right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to RAU from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £16,950 / 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 RAU’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 RAU and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at RAU
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Common questions
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What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
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