UCAS Entry Points
A minimum of 96 UCAS points
The course focuses on the science behind the latest advances in the equine industry.
This programme embeds key veterinary science modules such as Veterinary Biosciences, Equine Health and Epidemiology and Veterinary Microbiology and Immunology. The modules incorporate key laboratory skills which are developed during the degree course, and culminate in students having the opportunity to engage in collaborative projects with industry partners. The route will prepare students for employment in broad fields within the equine industry including nutrition, para-veterinary, pharmaceutical sales, diagnostic laboratory work and equine research. It also provides graduate opportunities for further study into post-graduate degree programmes both within and outside of the equine field.
University Centre Reaseheath is an academic partner of the University of Chester. Foundation degrees, Honours degrees, and Cert Ed are awarded by the University of Chester.
Start Date
September 2021
September 2022
Course Length
Full-time: 3 years
The BSc (Hons) Equine Bioveterinary Science award aims to provide the following:
- To enable students to progress in a professional career involving a scientific or technical role within the equine industry
- To develop student understanding of the scientific principles and management practices associated with the maintenance of optimal equine health and full athletic performance
- To develop the student’s ability to identify and solve problems associated with the sphere of equine science
- To enhance the student’s understanding of equine related scientific research conducted to date
- To enable students to undertake an appraisal of equine science industry sector strategies
What will I study?
The course focuses on the latest advances in equine science providing graduates with a foundation in the scientific skills essential to the equine industry.
The BSc (Hons) in Equine Bioveterinary Science at Reaseheath offers both academic excellence and student satisfaction.
The course is validated by the University of Chester ensuring students graduate with a degree awarded by a well-respected University with a high level of academic and vocational skills.
The BSc (Hons) in Equine Bioveterinary Science embeds key veterinary science modules allowing graduates to access a range of para-veterinary postgraduate courses and employment opportunities.
The HE Equine team are experts in their chosen field with extensive industry experience, students benefit from their passion for knowledge transfer. The team delivers student support second to none to ensure undergraduates have every opportunity for academic success.
Modules (all at 20 credits with the exception of the dissertation module which is a double credit module at 40 credits) include:
Level 4
- RC4036 Equids in the global industry
- RC4037 Introduction to genetics and breeding
- RC4040 Veterinary biosciences
- RC4111 Scientific data collection and analysis
- RC4503 Introduction to behaviour in animals
- RC4520 Comparative functional anatomy and physiology
Level 5
- RC5002 Equine exercise physiology and biomechanics
- RC5037 Equine health and epidemiology
- RC5509 Research methods
- RC5511 Animal nutrition
Optional
- RC5038 Advances in equine breeding
- RC5039 Veterinary physiology and microbiology
- RC5502 Work based learning for the land based industries
- RC5508 Experiential learning
Level 6
- RC6024 Advanced equine nutrition
- RC6025 Advanced equine welfare and ethics
- RC6027 Recent advances in equine science
- RC6506 Dissertation at Reaseheath
Optional
- RC6007 Biomechanical analysis of equestrian performance
- RC6028 Veterinary microbiology and immunology
- RC6515 Animal parasitology
Optional Modules
Optional modules run subject to sufficient uptake. Module selection will take place during induction week each year and confirmation of a module running will take place at this time.
Teaching and Learning
Overall workload
Your overall workload consists of class contact hours, independent learning and assessment activity, plus field trips. Your actual contact hours may depend on which optional modules you select, but the following information gives an indication of how much time you will need to allocate to different activities at each year of the course:
Year 1:
33% of your time is spent in timetabled teaching and learning activity
Teaching, Learning and Assessment: 400 hours
Independent Study: 800 hours
Year 2:
23% of your time is spent in timetabled teaching and learning activity
Teaching, Learning and Assessment: 277 hours
Placement: 100 hours
Independent Study: 823 hours
Year 3:
16% of your time is spent in timetabled teaching and learning activity
Teaching, Learning and Assessment: 189 hours
Independent Study: 1011 hours
Class sizes vary between 10 and 50 students.
Please note – this information is subject to change
Assessment and Feedback
Assessment Methods
Assessments are designed to encourage both academic skills and skills valued in the workplace. They include a combination of coursework and examinations. Coursework may take many forms including: essays, reports, data processing, presentations, academic posters, seminar discussions, interviews, critical reviews, portfolios of evidence and practical competency assessments. The examinations vary, depending on the nature of the module, but may take the form of multiple-choice papers, essays, practical assessments, data handling questions, short answer quizzes, and in class examinations.
The balance of assessment by examination and assessment by coursework depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose. The approximate percentage of the course assessed by coursework is as follows:
Year 1
68% coursework
32% written exams
Year 2
79% coursework
25% written exams
6% practical
Year 3
66% coursework
30% written exams
4% practical
Feedback
Feedback is supplied via Turnitin or directly from the module tutor. The majority of submissions are made via Turnitin and feedback for coursework is provided within twenty working days after the submission date.
Written feedback will be supported verbally should the student require clarification. Formative assessment feedback will be provided at the time of completion where possible, with more detailed summative feedback for reports.
Please note – this information is subject to change.
Timetable Information
During induction week, the students are given an Induction Timetable, which is located within a course specific brochure.
Course Information
Students have the option of completing the level 5 module ‘Work Based Learning for the Land Based Industries’ (or RC5508 Experiential Learning) which includes 150 hours of work experience.
The responsibility of finding a suitable placement lies with the student who is also responsible for any related financial requirements.
Please note – this information is subject to change.
Entry requirement
- A minimum of 96 tariff points from A and AS levels to include Biology
- Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) – a minimum of grade MMM in an Animal, Equine or Science related subject
- Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) – a minimum of grade DD in an Animal, Equine or Science related subject
- City & Guilds Level 3 Technical Advanced Extended Diploma (1080 – first awarded in 2019) – a minimum of grade MMM in an Animal, Equine or Science related subject.
- City & Guilds Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma (720 – first awarded in 2019) – a minimum of grade DD in an Animal, Equine or Science related subject
- Mature students (aged 21+) will be considered on an individual basis on their prior knowledge and experience. This may be assessed by interview, completion of coursework/essay or other methods. There may be a requirement for a formal qualification to be completed first e.g. Access to HE course.
Further study
- Postgraduate study
Career Options
- Consultancy
- Equine rehabilitation
- Equine nutrition
- Research and development in equine and para-veterinary fields
- Equine research
- Veterinary physiotherapy
Please note: acceptance onto riding units is subject to assessment and weight limit of 13 stone.
Useful Information
How much will this course cost?
Tuition Fees
As a Higher Education student you will have two main costs to meet; your tuition fees and living costs.
Our full-time tuition fees for UK and EU students, entering University, can be found on the student finance page. These fees are charged for each academic year of a course and are set by the college annually.
If you are an international student or for the latest information on tuition fees visit the student finance page on our website.
Additional Costs
For practical sessions at the equestrian centre, learners are expected to purchase their own uniform (yard wear – as specified by the Equestrian Centre in joining instructions).
As identified previously, students are required to undertake a work placement in a location of their own choosing. The responsibility of finding a suitable placement lies with the student who is also responsible for any related financial requirements.
Students also have the option to undertake a secondary qualification. The training fees for the first qualification are paid for by the college and payment of the examination fee is the responsibility of the student. If students wish to undertake more than one secondary qualification, they may do so but will need to pay the training fees in addition to the examination fee.
Equipment Costs
Student can expect costs to be in the region of £300, to include PPE of an approved riding hat, riding boots, gloves, and a good waterproof coat (without a hood) as well as navy blue jodhpurs and navy-blue polo shirt.
Prices of equipment are subject to change dependent on retailer.
Additional financial support
University Centre Reaseheath is committed to providing additional financial support to those who need it. To find out about the bursary schemes available visit the additional financial support pages on our website.
Weight limit for riding
In response to the developments in Equitation Science and the importance of promoting personal health and well-being the Equestrian Centre is establishing a new scale of weight limit for riding.
Current research has proven that horses should only be carrying 10- 20% of their own bodyweight when being ridden, this includes the clothing and tack used. With the maximum being 20%, as there is a substantial effect on the horses gait and behaviour in response to rider’s weight. When deciding what weight horses should carry other considerations have to include; age of the horse, the horses condition, level & duration of work, saddle fit, rider ability and balance.
We have therefore taken all of these factors into consideration when evaluating what weight is appropriate for the horses at Reaseheath to carry in order to ensure our horses welfare. It is also important that we are promoting personal health and well-being in all our staff and learners – ‘riders are athletes’ and working in the equine industry is demanding, we want to support our students in being prepared for this in every way we can.
The weight limit for the Equestrian Centre has therefore been determined based on:
- Healthy height v weight parameters
- The height of the riders and the size of pony/horse they are most likely to ride
- Max weight capacity for horse bodyweight (+tack)
- Workload of the horses
- Age range of horses
- Rider ability
The weight limits are:
| Height | Weight (st) | Weight (Kg) |
| Upto 4’10” | 9 | 58 |
| 4’11 – 5’2” | 10 | 64 |
| 5’3 – 5’6” | 11 | 70 |
| 5’7” – 5’9” | 12 | 76 |
| 5’10 upwards | 13 | 82 |
The max weight limit for the centre is 13 stone.
Accommodation
All Higher Education students are given the opportunity to apply for residential accommodation. First year students are guaranteed accommodation and this offer is made to all applicants who live more than a reasonable daily travelling distance from Reaseheath and who apply before 31st July of the year they intend to start their course. For full details on our halls of residence visit the accommodation pages.
Student support
We have a team of dedicated professionals on hand to offer you support when and if you need it during your time with us. These include our Student Services team, Higher Education Support Team (HEST), Library and Learning Resources and the Reaseheath Careers Service. You will find more information on the support provided at Reaseheath here.
How do I apply?
Before you apply you can come and visit us at one of our HE Open Events to see what we have to offer. Once we have received your application we will invite you to attend an Offer Holder Day.
Applications for full-time Degrees and Foundation Degrees are made through UCAS. Applications for all other full-time courses such as Access to HE and Level 4 Diplomas should be made directly to Reaseheath via the online application form. You can find out more here.
Student contract
For students to get the best out of their time at University Centre Reaseheath, we must both recognise that we owe obligations to each other. These obligations are set out in our Higher Education Student Contract. Before you accept an offer of a place at University Centre Reaseheath, it is important that you read these contract conditions. If you are going to be living in Halls of Residence, you will also need to read the Student Accommodation Licence Conditions. Both of these contracts can be found here.
Click here to view the University Centre Reaseheath Student Protection Plan.
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University Centre Reaseheath – Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 6DF
Tel: 01270 613284 | Email: UCR@reaseheath.ac.uk
