Your Applicant Day in Writtle

Inside the Dog’s Mind: Understanding Pet Behaviour
Ever wondered why dogs behave the way they do? In this interactive taster session, you’ll step into the role of an animal trainer to discover how everyday interactions shape behaviour. Through fun group challenges, competitions and a live demonstration with our teaching dog Ava, you’ll experience what training actually feels like, from giving clear feedback to understanding motivation, emotion, and choice. No previous experience is needed, just your curiosity. You'll discover how communication, empathy and problem-solving make for a great animal trainer and by the end, you’ll understand why effective, welfare-friendly training is about understanding minds rather than controlling animals.

For applicants to: Animal Management (Zoo and Wildlife Conservation), Animal Science and Conservation and Community Engagement

We recommend you dress warmly and wear suitable outdoor clothing.

Wildlife in Action: Bird Survey Experience
Take part in a guided nature trail where you’ll explore UK bird species of conservation concern. Using wildlife identification apps, you’ll survey local habitats, record the species you find and see how technology is used in modern conservation practice. This hands-on activity offers a fun introduction to fieldwork and a chance to discover the local wildlife on campus. The trail will move across various parts of our campus and conclude at the farm, where you’ll see the lambing season in action.

For applicants to: Equine Business Management, Equine Science, Equine Therapy, Rehabilitation and Performance

We recommend you dress warmly and wear suitable outdoor clothing, including coats and boots appropriate for yard environments.

From Research to Reel: Equine Marketing in Action
Step into the world of equine marketing and put your creativity to the test. In this 45-minute session, you’ll receive a promotional information pack and a piece of equine kit, then challenged to create a short social media reel to market your product. You’ll decide which key messages matter most, how to appeal to the right audience, and how to use research to back up your message. This hands-on session offers a fast-paced, creative introduction to the kind of evidence-based marketing you’ll experience on our Equine degrees.

Perfecting Equine Performance: Technology in Action
Discover how cutting-edge technology is transforming equine research and performance analysis. In this session, we’ll be showcasing tools such as heart rate monitors, rein tension meters and infrared thermography and how they’re used to assess fitness, performance and welfare in the equine athlete. You’ll gain a hands-on introduction to the scientific investigation and data interpretation skills you’ll develop throughout our Equine degrees.

Session 1: Same Bones, Different Jobs: A Hands-On Journey Through Comparative Anatomy
For applicants to: Veterinary Physiotherapy; Canine Veterinary Physiotherapy; Equine Veterinary Physiotherapy; Animal Therapy, Rehabilitation and Performance; Canine Therapy, Rehabilitation and Performance; Equine Therapy, Rehabilitation and Performance
Curious about how animals move and recover from injury? This interactive session gives you a practical introduction to Veterinary Physiotherapy through hands-on learning. You’ll get to work with real anatomical models and materials, comparing bones, joints and muscles across species. Along the way, you’ll discover how anatomy affects movement, performance and rehabilitation, and how we use this knowledge to help animals stay active and healthy.

Session 2 (canine specific): Bone to Pick
Come and meet our friendly greyhounds in this fun, hands-on session all about canine bony landmarks! You’ll get the chance to work directly with the dogs and teaching staff, as we guide your learning on how to identify key anatomical structures and feel where they are located on the dog. It’s a great opportunity to bring anatomy to life, build your confidence in landmark identification and spend some time with our amazing four-legged teaching assistants!

Session 2 (equine specific): Anatomy in Action
Join us in the equine teaching barns where you'll meet some of our horses and step into the role of an equine physiotherapist. This engaging session combines hands-on learning and real industry insight, giving you the opportunity to experience what it's like to work as an equine physio whilst strengthening your anatomical knowledge.

Spring has Sprung: Delving into Animal Husbandry
Spring has arrived at ARU Writtle! Visit our working farm, home to sheep, pigs and cattle and experience the excitement and challenges of lambing season. You'll have the opportunity to meet some newborn lambs and discover how they are cared for and managed during the crucial early stages of life.

The Hidden War: Pests, Pathogens & Biological Control
For applicants to Agriculture or Horticulture
Step into the hidden world of crop protection through live demonstrations of pest and disease identification. Discover how nature can be a powerful ally, using biological control agents such as mycorrhizal fungi and beneficial organisms to support sustainable food production systems.

For applicants to: Animal Management (Zoo and Wildlife Conservation), Animal Science and Conservation and Community Engagement

We recommend you dress warmly and wear suitable outdoor clothing.

Wildlife in Action: Bird Survey Experience
Take part in a guided nature trail where you’ll explore UK bird species of conservation concern. Using wildlife identification apps, you’ll survey local habitats, record the species you find and see how technology is used in modern conservation practice. This hands-on activity offers a fun introduction to fieldwork and a chance to discover the local wildlife on campus. The trail will move across various parts of our campus and conclude at the farm, where you’ll see the lambing season in action.

The Secret Life of Plants: Silent Partnerships
Discover the hidden relationships plants form with other living organisms to survive and thrive. You’ll explore how these silent partnerships influence plant health, ecosystem function and even our own health and wellbeing. Through this session, you’ll begin to appreciate the remarkable complexity of plant interconnections that quietly shape the world around us.

The Hidden War: Pests, Pathogens & Biological Control
For applicants to Agriculture or Horticulture
Step into the hidden world of crop protection through live demonstrations of pest and disease identification. Discover how nature can be a powerful ally, using biological control agents such as mycorrhizal fungi and beneficial organisms to support sustainable food production systems.

For applicants to: Applied Sport Science, Sport Science for Health

We recommend you wear sports-appropriate clothing for indoor practical activities.

Optimising Performance with Effective Warm-Ups
Explore how warm-ups can enhance both physical and mental performance. In this session, you’ll examine the physiological foundations as well as the psychological effects of the warm-up on performance. Using practical examples, you’ll explore how different activities affect speed, power and readiness. Whether you’re preparing for competitive sport or a weekend park run, this session will provide you with the practical strategies to optimise performance and get the most out of your training.

Eating for Health vs. Eating for Performance: Are They the Same?
Is a calorie just a calorie? Should you focus on what you eat or how much you eat? This session explores the differences between eating for general health and eating to fuel sports performance. We’ll look at energy needs, macronutrient requirements and how dietary strategies can be tailored to meet individual goals, whether that’s improving wellbeing or maximising athletic performance.