Masters Degrees (Equine)

About the course

The Masters Degree in Equine Science at Aberystwyth is a long established, internationally recognised course and will provide you with a research-led, high quality postgraduate teaching and education, allowing you to acquire the advanced subject knowledge and professional skills required to enter the top careers in the equine industry and related professions. Throughout this course, you will be able to use a multidisciplinary approach to explore collaborations with veterinarians, scientists and industrial partners, and you will learn about the latest scientific advances and their application to horses. Through a strong emphasis on student centred study you will encounter many opportunities to develop your skills in original thought, analysis, interpretation and reasoning; as well as encouraging you, where appropriate, to pursue your own specific areas of interest. As such you will develop into a reflective, autonomous researcher. On graduation you will have a wide and expert understanding of animal, in particular equine, biology and its applications.

Why study Equine Science at Aberystwyth University?

The Institute of Biological, Rural and Environmental Sciences (IBERS) at Aberystwyth University is the longest-established provider of equine related higher education in the UK. Our MSc in Equine Science was established in 1978.

IBERS has an internationally renowned reputation for teaching and research in equine science.

With 360 members of staff, 1350 undergraduate students and more than 150 postgraduate students IBERS is the largest Institute within Aberystwyth University. Our excellence in teaching was recognised by outstanding scores in the National Student Satisfaction Survey (2016), with three courses recording 100% student satisfaction and a further 10 scoring above the national average. The latest employability data shows that 92% of IBERS graduates were in work or further study six months after leaving Aberystwyth University. Our joint submission with Bangor University to the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF) displayed that 78% of our research as world-leading or internationally excellent, and 97% of our research is internationally recognised with 76% judged as world-leading in terms of research impact.

Opportunity to attend conferences with lectures from international animal science experts

Undertake a challenging course taught by enthusiastic, helpful and research-active staff, and further enhanced by contributions from equine experts and academics, many of whom are of international renown

IBERS has an equine teaching yard and the only dedicated and fully licensed equine research yard in UK outside of veterinary colleges

Course structure and content

This course can be studied one year full-time or up to 24 months part-time. When studied full-time, the course is divided into three semesters. During the first two semesters, students complete 120 taught credits (six 20 credit modules), which are delivered primarily through lectures, practicals, workshops and seminars.

During the final semester (June to September), you will complete your master’s dissertation and will arrange your level of contact with your assigned dissertation supervisor.

Core modules:

Equine Nutrition
Equine Reproductive Physiology and Breeding Technology
Animal Breding and genetics
Infection and Immunity
Understanding Equine Action: from Anatomy to Behaviour
Research Methods in the Biosciences
Dissertation

Assessment

Assessment is via a mix of written assignments (case studies, essays, research projects, critical reviews and abstracts), written examinations, seminar presentations, online assignments and scientific posters. Successful submission of the dissertation in the final semester leads to the award of an MSc.

Skills

This course will empower you to:

Develop an in-depth knowledge of the key contemporary topics affecting the Equine Sciences
Enhance your problem-solving and data handling skills
Develop study and research skills
Develop and sustain a self-initiated programme of study
Develop your skills of original thought, analysis, evaluation, interpretation and reasoning
Enhance your communication skills
Work effectively independently and as part of a team

Careers

This course will prepare you for a wide range of careers within the equine industry.

Our graduates often progress to careers in:

Academia
Scientific research and development
Public and private commercial enterprise
Scientific publishing
Equine/ animal nutrition
Equine/ animal welfare
Teaching and training
Equine/ animal breeding
Consultancy and advisory work
Laboratory work
Government agencies and non-government organisations
All throughout the world.
Many of our previous graduates have also progressed to PhDs or veterinary medicine.

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The Master of Science in Horse Science at MTSU centers on a curriculum designed to prepare graduates for the multi-faceted equine industry. Programs are tailored to students’ interests and produce graduates able to adapt to and thrive in this dynamic field. Students may choose from Equine Education, Equine Physiology or Industry Management concentrations. Only the top qualified applicants are invited for an interview at the applicant’s expense, prior to final acceptance into the program. Faculty members mentor students in curriculum development and provide training in scientific methods, principles of equine student education and instruction, and general industry practices. All M.S. degree candidates share a common core of coursework in statistics, research methods, and multiple disciplines in horse science and animal science. A significant number of elective credit hours are available, permitting each student to customize the program with courses in other departments. A limited number of graduate teaching assistantships are available.

Degrees

The Master of Science in Horse Science is offered with three concentrations:

Equine Education includes interdisciplinary courses in coaching and sports management to strengthen knowledge for careers as collegiate riding instructors, equestrian team coaches, horse judging team coaches, or agents for the Cooperative Extension Service.

Equine Physiology emphasizes an interdisciplinary, science-based curriculum structured to build knowledge of scientific principles and apply these principles to a thesis research project related to equine science. Students successfully completing the concentration are prepared for admission into an animal science or equine science Ph.D. program. Students entering this concentration must have a strong foundation in undergraduate biology and chemistry, including organic chemistry.

Industry Management allows students to complete interdisciplinary courses in business management, marketing, and/or sports management to tailor their curriculum for specific industry-related careers.

Equine Education or Industry Management students may choose a research-based thesis or a non-thesis equine experiential learning option. Equine Physiology students must complete a research-based thesis.

The selection procedure is a two-phase process. Based on a review of applications to the M.S. Horse Science program, qualified students are invited for an interview at their expense. Not all applicants are invited for the personal interview.

Career

A wide variety of careers are associated with the horse industry. A student’s talent may pertain directly to horses or to science, education, marketing, management, or business. Some potential career options with advanced degrees in Horse Science follow:

Collegiate horsemanship instructor or equestrian team coach
Community college or technical school instructor
Equine behaviorist
Equine exercise physiologist
Equine facilities manager
Equine nutritionist, equine feed specialist, or nutrition laboratory technician
Equine reproductive physiologist
Horse extension specialist or extension agent
Instructor or program coordinator of therapeutic riding and equine-assisted therapies
Journalist for major horse publications (breed or discipline-specific magazines)
Pasture management specialist
Pharmaceutical representative for equine products
University instructor or teaching professor specializing in horses

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Programme description

This programme involves an in-depth scientific approach to managing health and welfare, reproduction, behaviour, nutrition and exercise for horses. You will also learn how to practically apply a scientific approach to benefit horse health, welfare and performance.

Our online programme is the first and only Equine Science programme to be hosted within an international centre of veterinary excellence. It provides students with detailed knowledge and understanding of equine science and its applications and is excellent preparation for enhancing your equine career or future independent research such as a a PhD.

Online learning

Our online learning technology is fully interactive, award-winning and enables you to communicate with our highly qualified teaching staff from the comfort of your own home or workplace.

Our online students not only have access to Edinburgh’s excellent resources, but also become part of a supportive online community, bringing together students and tutors from around the world.

Programme structure

The taught part of the programme consists of a series of courses, while the final year is devoted to a dissertation.

Certificate and Diploma courses:

Research Methods in Equine Science

Equine Digestion and Nutrition

Equine Behaviour and Welfare

Equine Orthopaedics

Equine Reproduction

Equitation Science

Equine Exercise Physiology

Your final year dissertation of 10,000-15,000 words will allow you to analyse and present relevant research data that you have collected yourself. Alternatively, you can undertake desk study to explore and develop your own area of interest.

Programme duration

The full MSc Equine Science programme can be completed within two years if students wish to study several courses at any one time so all taught courses are completed in one year and the second year is devoted to a dissertation project.

Alternatively students can take up to 6 years to complete the full MSc programme and there is also the option to graduate with either an Equine Science postgraduate certificate or diploma.

Postgraduate Professional Development

If you are looking for a shorter course option, we offer online credit-bearing courses which run for 11 weeks at a time. These lead to a University of Edinburgh postgraduate award of academic credit.

You may take a maximum of 50 credits worth of courses through our Postgraduate Professional Development scheme. These credits will be recognised in their own right at postgraduate level, or may be put towards gaining a higher award, such as a Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma or MSc.

Career opportunities

Graduates from this research-rich, taught MSc will be prepared for employment in research establishments, such as universities and research institutions; industry, such as feed companies, stud farms, pharmaceuticals and consultancy firms; government organisations, such as ADAS and DEFRA; and welfare organisations such as the RSPCA, WSPA and LPH.

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The MSc Equine Science develops a systematic understanding and a critical awareness of current issues at the forefront of equine science. Enhancing the student’s understanding of techniques applicable to research and scholarship in equine science, the course encourages the original application of knowledge to address complex issues.

This MSc Equine Science, awarded by the University of Central Lancashire, recognises the multidiscipline approach of the subjects. The course aims to extend the student’s existing expertise to the full range of skills and knowledge required to inform and lead industry developments. The MSc will encourage debate and critical evaluation of industry practices and research within this field. The course will enable students to reflect on current issues and develop problem solving skills which encourage originality of thought.

Year 1 (Note all modules will be taught in Year 1 on the full time option)

Equestrian Sport, Culture and Society

Application of social science theories and concepts to evaluate the role of the horse in modern sport, culture and society.

Current Issues and Innovation in the Equine Industry

A quest for solutions for complex issues currently impacting on the horse and the equine industry, incorporating consideration of cross-discipline techniques and approaches.

Comparative Exercise Physiology

To systematically review the latest research findings and methodologies in application to athletic animals, including humans.

Year 2

Applied Techniques for Sustaining the Equine Resource

Development of analysis protocols for the recognition of threats to the equine and exploration of feasible preventative and prophylactic approaches to minimise risk.

Equitation Science

Development of a critical awareness of the latest advances in techniques, research and scholarship relating to the scientific study of the horse: rider dyad.

Research Methodology and Design

This module provides students with the essential personal, organisational, management, theoretical and statistical skills needed to work at Postgraduate Level. It will explore research philosophies, research process and design and the process of questionnaire development and design. The module will develop skills in advanced data organisation, presentation, dissemination and problem solving.

Year 3

Masters Dissertation

The dissertation is a triple module and allows students to design and conduct a substantial piece of independent, supervised research in the field of equine science. The dissertation is an independent piece of academic work which allows the student to identify and work in an area of interest to them and manage the research process to agreed deadlines.

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During this course you will approach the issues of equine behaviour and welfare from a variety of different perspectives, including exploring the motivations and physiological control behind behaviour, investigating the range of potential welfare and behavioural concerns within industry and practical ways to assess and tackle them, looking at how different people’s perspectives can influence their approaches to welfare. You will also explore the process of conducting effective research in your own area of interest.

The modules covered in this programme are:
• Principles of Animal Welfare (20 credits)
Provides a bridge for those students who have not previously studied animal welfare. The concepts of animal welfare and the cause of changes in animal welfare status will be covered, as well as relevant UK and EU legislation.

• Attitudes to Animals (20 credits)
Develops an appreciation of current and historical attitudes towards animals and how these impact on animal welfare and on society.

• Physiology of Animal Welfare (20 credits)
Investigates the structure and function of animal brains and the link between brain physiology and behaviour patterns. Explores in depth the role of physiological control systems in the stress response.

• Equine Health & Welfare (20 credits)
Advances knowledge and understanding of the theoretical aspects of horse management, behaviour and welfare. Common health problems affecting horses and the implications of modern management techniques will be explored.

• Analysis of Equine Behaviour (20 credits)
Promotes understanding of equine behaviour, assesses the consequences and methods of assessing and influencing behaviour. This unit also provides students with the opportunity to analyse behaviour.

• Equine Industry & Research (20 credits)
Develops knowledge of the breadth of organisations which contribute to the equine industry. Published studies relating to recent advances within equine management, behaviour and welfare will be discussed and critically evaluated.

• Research Project (60 credits)
Under the guidance of their project supervisor, each student will design and undertake a major research project on an aspect of equine behaviour or animal welfare.

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Recognition of the importance of equine welfare has never been higher, both with industry lead bodies and the general public. Equine welfare underpins safe management of the horse and facilitates a longer and more successful career in every area of their use. To achieve a high standard of welfare understanding the principles of the study of equine behaviour is essential. With a large number of horses on site, and many links with industry stakeholders we believe that UWE Hartpury is well placed to support postgraduate level study in this fundamental area. At postgraduate level it is expected that you can engage and inform with developments and innovations in this fast moving subject area. This programme develops an applied understanding of the principles of equine behaviour and welfare, and supports the students in gaining and applying the research techniques necessary to evaluate and contribute to current understanding.

Postgraduate study in Equine Science at Hartpury can be the start of many exciting opportunities. The programme consists of taught modules delivered via weekend study blocks to facilitate study alongside your career. As a postgraduate student of Equine Science, you will have a personal academic tutor to help support you to achieve your individual goals and interests. Study skills module weekends are also held during the induction period and combine with formative assessment opportunities to help support your academic development. This is combined with staff who are engaged with advancing equine science on the international stage yet remain accessible and committed to promoting your achievement. Students are encouraged throughout their programme to attend conferences, present their research and become a member of the wider academic community including at our own annual Alltech-Hartpury Equine Performance conference.

The friendly, supportive and personal atmosphere here at Hartpury combines with the flexible modular programme to offer a unique, inspirational, engaging and enjoyable postgraduate experience.

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This Master’s degree course is designed to further develop the equestrian academic skills and knowledge of graduates, focusing on the field of equestrian behaviour, performance and training. Students would be expected to have an existing interest in the key areas of equine behaviour science and horse-rider interactions, specifically their impact on equestrian performance. Potential students may also come from a practitioner background within equestrian training and performance.

M Level units are delivered by tutors qualified at postgraduate level in relevant subjects, many of whom also have a strong British Horse Society (BHS) and performance horse background, most being research active. Full-time study will provide intensive training at postgraduate level for graduates with an equine, sports psychology or biological sciences background, and a two year part-time pathway is also available.

The research project enables students to undertake a detailed experimental study in a chosen area to develop analytical research skills with the support of dedicated supervisors. The student profile is developed throughout the programme utilising a range of advanced academic and research skills with an emphasis on the practical industry applications of research findings. Interpretation and critical evaluation of current research findings will enable the student to further develop links between the equestrian industry and the equine scientific community.

In addition to traditional lectures, units are delivered using extensive laboratory facilities, our BHS Approved ÒWhere to TrainÓ centre, a research population of up to 80 horses, performance analysis hardware and software, conference attendance and demonstrations. Student links are encouraged to external organisations, commercial companies and collaborative research projects. Educational visits are also used to expand equine-specific skills, including visits to training facilities and an international study tour.

Possible Areas of Study
– Equestrian performance and management
– Equine Exercise physiology
– Equine learning Theory
– Sports Psychology
– Sports coaching
– Equine Welfare
– Applied Animal Behaviour Science

Assessment Methods and Research Opportunities
Units are assessed by a mix of coursework, practical assessments, exams, case studies and project work. 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 each student to widen the range of their academic skills as they progress through the programme.

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This Master’s degree course is designed to further develop the equestrian academic skills and knowledge of graduates, focusing on the field of equestrian behaviour, performance and training. Students would be expected to have an existing interest in the key areas of equine behaviour science and horse-rider interactions, specifically their impact on equestrian performance. Potential students may also come from a practitioner background within equestrian training and performance.

M Level units are delivered by tutors qualified at postgraduate level in relevant subjects, many of whom also have a strong British Horse Society (BHS) and performance horse background, most being research active. Full-time study will provide intensive training at postgraduate level for graduates with an equine, sports psychology or biological sciences background, and a two year part-time pathway is also available.

The research project enables students to undertake a detailed experimental study in a chosen area to develop analytical research skills with the support of dedicated supervisors. The student profile is developed throughout the programme utilising a range of advanced academic and research skills with an emphasis on the practical industry applications of research findings. Interpretation and critical evaluation of current research findings will enable the student to further develop links between the equestrian industry and the equine scientific community.

In addition to traditional lectures, units are delivered using extensive laboratory facilities, our BHS Approved ‘Where to Train’ centre, a research population of up to 80 horses, performance analysis hardware and software, conference attendance and demonstrations. Student links are encouraged to external organisations, commercial companies and collaborative research projects. Educational visits are also used to expand equine-specific skills, including visits to training facilities and an international study tour.

Possible Areas of Study
– Equestrian performance and management
– Equine Exercise physiology
– Equine learning Theory
– Sports Psychology
– Sports coaching
– Equine Welfare
– Applied Animal Behaviour Science

Assessment Methods and Research Opportunities Units are assessed by a mix of coursework, practical assessments, exams, case studies and project work. 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 each student to widen the range of their academic skills as they progress through the programme.

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This is a new addition to the Master’s degree courses that will allow students to study part-time for their MSc course alongside a Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training. In return for studying the Level 5 qualification for free students will be expected to teach in a relevant curriculum area for a minimum of 3 hours a week (additional paid hours may be available).

This Master’s degree course is designed to further develop the equestrian academic skills and knowledge of graduates, focusing on the field of equestrian behaviour, performance and training. Students would be expected to have an existing interest in the key areas of equine behaviour science and horse-rider interactions, specifically their impact on equestrian performance. Potential students may also come from a practitioner background within equestrian training and performance.

M Level units are delivered by tutors qualified at postgraduate level in relevant subjects, many of whom also have a strong British Horse Society (BHS) and performance horse background, most being research active. Full-time study will provide intensive training at postgraduate level for graduates with an equine, sports psychology or biological sciences background, and a two year part-time pathway is also available.

The research project enables students to undertake a detailed experimental study in a chosen area to develop analytical research skills with the support of dedicated supervisors. The student profile is developed throughout the programme utilising a range of advanced academic and research skills with an emphasis on the practical industry applications of research findings. Interpretation and critical evaluation of current research findings will enable the student to further develop links between the equestrian industry and the equine scientific community.

In addition to traditional lectures, units are delivered using extensive laboratory facilities, our BHS Approved ‘Where to Train’ centre, a research population of up to 80 horses, performance analysis hardware and software, conference attendance and demonstrations. Student links are encouraged to external organisations, commercial companies and collaborative research projects. Educational visits are also used to expand equine-specific skills, including visits to training facilities and an international study tour.

Possible Areas of Study
– Equestrian performance and management
– Equine Exercise physiology
– Equine learning Theory
– Sports Psychology
– Sports coaching
– Equine Welfare
– Applied Animal Behaviour Science

Assessment Methods and Research Opportunities Units are assessed by a mix of coursework, practical assessments, exams, case studies and project work. 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 each student to widen the range of their academic skills as they progress through the programme.

Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training
This qualification gives students the opportunity to explore underpinning theories, frameworks and research into effective teaching while also gaining practical teaching experience. In return for studying this course for free (MSc fees will still apply) students will be expected to undertake a minimum of 3 hours teaching time each week (additional paid hours may be available). Students will be mentored by a subject specialist teaching mentor and they will be treated as a new member of the teaching team.

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£1,000 postgraduate bursary available. Application deadline 1 July 2015.

This postgraduate course provides a thorough understanding of Equine Health, Performance and Welfare within the context of the human use of horses. You will benefit from first-class facilities and staff expertise in equine behaviour, ethics, nutrition, competition performance, animal biology and veterinary sciences. We are one of the few universities in the UK to offer taught multi-disciplinary modules that develop the scientific expertise and comprehensive understanding that potential employers are looking for.

Why study Equine Health and Welfare at NTU?

• These are unique courses in the UK focusing on Equine Health and Welfare at postgraduate level.
• Benefit from major investment in facilities – BHS (British Horse Society) approved Equestrian Centre, international size indoor and outdoor riding arenas, research arena, horse walker, round pen and crew yards, group housing pens, stabling for up to 60 horses, livery, solarium, weighbridge, treatment stocks, performance analysis room, laboratory facilities and a modern Veterinary Nursing Unit.
• Modules are delivered by academics qualified to PhD level, who are research active in their area of expertise. Their international research links provide opportunities and scope for a wide range of research projects in the field of Equine Health and Welfare.
• Teaching is supplemented by practical sessions and lectures from some of the most experienced consultants in the country.

MRes projects

Students applying for this MRes course can either choose to study a relevant project of their choice, or apply to undertake one of the specific research projects listed below:

• An investigation of rider position upon the ridden horse in equestrian cross country. Lauren Birkbeck.
• Determining the environmental conditions experienced by sport horses during international transportation. Cassie White.
• Visual behaviour in equestrian sport. Dr Carol Hall.
• Thermal biology of equine skin. Dr Gareth Starbuck and Dr Kelly Yarnell.
• Picture recognition in the horse. Dr Carol Hall.

MRes applicants also have the opportunity to apply for a competitive £1000 bursary towards course tuition fees. In addition, all MRes students can apply for up to a maximum of £1000 to cover consumables costs, which will need to be discussed and agreed with the supervisor, and approved by School Management.

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£1,000 postgraduate bursary available. Application deadline 1 July 2015.

This postgraduate course provides a thorough understanding of Equine Health, Performance and Welfare within the context of the human use of horses. You will benefit from first-class facilities and staff expertise in equine behaviour, ethics, nutrition, competition performance, animal biology and veterinary sciences. We are one of the few universities in the UK to offer taught multi-disciplinary modules that develop the scientific expertise and comprehensive understanding that potential employers are looking for.

Why study Equine Health and Welfare at NTU?

• These are unique courses in the UK focusing on Equine Health and Welfare at postgraduate level.
• Benefit from major investment in facilities – BHS (British Horse Society) approved Equestrian Centre, international size indoor and outdoor riding arenas, research arena, horse walker, round pen and crew yards, group housing pens, stabling for up to 60 horses, livery, solarium, weighbridge, treatment stocks, performance analysis room, laboratory facilities and a modern Veterinary Nursing Unit.
• Modules are delivered by academics qualified to PhD level, who are research active in their area of expertise. Their international research links provide opportunities and scope for a wide range of research projects in the field of Equine Health and Welfare.
• Teaching is supplemented by practical sessions and lectures from some of the most experienced consultants in the country.

MRes projects

Students applying for this MRes course can either choose to study a relevant project of their choice, or apply to undertake one of the specific research projects listed below:

• An investigation of rider position upon the ridden horse in equestrian cross country. Lauren Birkbeck.
• Determining the environmental conditions experienced by sport horses during international transportation. Cassie White.
• Visual behaviour in equestrian sport. Dr Carol Hall.
• Thermal biology of equine skin. Dr Gareth Starbuck and Dr Kelly Yarnell.
• Picture recognition in the horse. Dr Carol Hall.

MRes applicants also have the opportunity to apply for a competitive £1000 bursary towards course tuition fees. In addition, all MRes students can apply for up to a maximum of £1000 to cover consumables costs, which will need to be discussed and agreed with the supervisor, and approved by School Management.

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The new Graduate Diploma in Applied Equine Locomotor Research being launched by the RVC offers professional farriers the chance to gain the necessary skill-set to produce original research and increase the evidence base behind farriery.

The course takes a minimum of two and a maximum of five years to complete. Some of the programme is delivered during residential weekend sessions while some of the learning is self-directed, with continuous support from teaching staff.

Under the microscope

Participants in the course will develop knowledge and skill in equine locomotor research directly related to the field of farriery. The course is specifically designed to enable participants to develop the necessary scientific and academic skills in order to produce their own research project to the highest professional standard.

Graduates will be awarded a Graduate Diploma in Equine Locomotor Research, which is a Level 6 (FHEQ) UK Higher Education qualification. The programme has been carefully designed to help graduates meet the project and presentation requirements for the Fellowship of the Worshipful Company of Farriers examination.

The course

We are mindful of the fact that the farriery profession is made up of a cross-section of individuals with varying academic backgrounds.

The course divides into two distinct sections. Section 1 acts as a springboard that enables participants who have not had any involvement in formal education in a number of years to familiarise themselves with current learning methods and thus 'ease into' academic work. Applicants who already hold a degree may be exempt from this and can apply for an exemption from Section 1 of the course and direct entry into Section 2.

Section 1: Contemporary Study Skills - this section of the course includes the following modules:

- Introduction to online learning
- Learning styles and self-regulation of learning
- Searching for information
- Academic writing
- Presentation skills

Section 2: Applied Equine Locomotion - this section of the course comprises of five modules:

- Equine locomotor biomechanics and orthopaedics
- Critical evaluation of scientific literature
- Study design and equine locomotor assessment methods
- Data processing, analysis and presentation
- Research project

How will I learn?

The course will run over a minimum of 24 months, with self-study tasks (‘homework’) in between sessions. Some of the programme is delivered during residential weekend sessions while some of the learning is self-directed, with continuous support from teaching staff.

In Section 1, participants are expected to spend five hours of study a week, and in Section 2, participants are expected to spend ten hours of study a week

'Study' does not only include the time sitting at a desk and working on the computer or reading scientific literature it also includes thinking “on the job”, discussing cases with fellow farriers, vets or other knowledgeable stakeholder as well as collecting data, e.g. taking photographs of horses’ feet or reflecting about what you could have done differently about the last horse while driving to the next horse can count as study time.

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£1,000 postgraduate bursary available. Application deadline 1 July 2015.

This postgraduate course provides a thorough understanding of Equine Health, Performance and Welfare within the context of the human use of horses. You will benefit from first-class facilities and staff expertise in equine behaviour, ethics, nutrition, competition performance, animal biology and veterinary sciences. We are one of the few universities in the UK to offer taught multi-disciplinary modules that develop the scientific expertise and comprehensive understanding that potential employers are looking for.

Why study Equine Health and Welfare at NTU?

• These are unique courses in the UK focusing on Equine Health and Welfare at postgraduate level.
• Benefit from major investment in facilities – BHS (British Horse Society) approved Equestrian Centre, international size indoor and outdoor riding arenas, research arena, horse walker, round pen and crew yards, group housing pens, stabling for up to 60 horses, livery, solarium, weighbridge, treatment stocks, performance analysis room, laboratory facilities and a modern Veterinary Nursing Unit.
• Modules are delivered by academics qualified to PhD level, who are research active in their area of expertise. Their international research links provide opportunities and scope for a wide range of research projects in the field of Equine Health and Welfare.
• Teaching is supplemented by practical sessions and lectures from some of the most experienced consultants in the country.

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Background:

All current clinical practice should derive from advances in research. The overarching purpose of research activities within SVMS is to improve clinical practice and teaching. Clinical practice encompasses many aspects of animal health including diagnosis, treatment, prophylaxis, production and welfare management. Thus, improved clinical practice is the outcome of full integration of research themes with the clinical requirement. The School has established relations with a number of Clinical Associate and Educational Partners who are fully integrated into the research and teaching environment of SVMS and their clinical requirements drive much of the research development.

Project Description:

This unique role consists of a four-year training post, based at one of the Educational Partners (Bransby Horses) and will combine preventive and reactive veterinary care based at the rescue and rehoming centre. It will involve training of clinical veterinary students and undertaking a research doctorate project leading to a DVet Med which will be supervised by academic members of staff based at SVMS. The area of research will be in equine parasitology using three large equine centres in the UK, including Bransby Horses.

Bransby Horses is an equine-based charity founded in 1968 by Mr Peter Hunt based in North Lincolnshire and is dedicated to improving the lives of horses, ponies, donkeys and mules. The team is committed to making positive differences to equines whenever possible, through rescue, rehabilitation, rehoming, education and by providing a safe haven. Currently, the centre has over 400 animals on site and, in 2016, the charity accepted some 200 new intakes.

This studentship is available from (August 2017) or as soon as possible thereafter for a period of four years and provides a tax free UK/EU postgraduate stipend £21,000. There are funding restrictions for non-EU students.

Further Information and Application:

Informal enquiries about the role may be addressed to the principal supervisor: [email protected]
Candidates should apply online at http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/pgstudy/how-to-apply/apply-online.aspx including a cover letter and CV. Queries regarding the application process should be addressed to Postgraduate Admissions Officer ([email protected]).

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The MSc Equine Science programme provides you with the opportunity to develop and further explore a range of applied subjects within the field of equestrian science, building on your prior learning and experience within the industry.

The programme contains core modules within a broad range of subjects; each with a strong applied context enabling you to appreciate and evaluate the interaction of science within practice.

Students have opportunities to use different types of technology, for example gait analysis and electromyography equipment, that they can use for data measurement and collection depending on the modules selected or the line of investigation taken in their thesis.

Your choice of modules will help you to increase your knowledge and understanding of how equine science can maximise performance, extend career length or aid in selection of the performance horse, with a core goal of optimising the horse’s welfare.

Both the postgraduate dissertation module and the optional postgraduate independent study module provides you with the opportunity to examine in greater level of critical detail an area of equine science which you have a motivated interest in and which is potentially linked to future career development.

Students are encouraged to attend conferences, present their research and become a member of the wider academic community, including at our own annual Hartpury-Alltech Student Conference.

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