Three students counting bones on a model of an animal skeleton
BSc (Hons)

Equine Bioveterinary Science

Study biological and veterinary sciences as they apply to the horse, in order to improve their health and welfare. You'll cover areas such as pathophysiology, immunology, microbiology, and breeding. Get practical experience in the laboratory and with horses.

Our BSc (Hons) Equine Bioveterinary Science degree combines theory and practical skills, so you gain a thorough scientific knowledge as well as the skills to apply it in the equine industry.

As a student in Writtle, you’ll cover all the main equine bioveterinary science areas including breeding and reproduction science, diseases and epidemiology, equine health, immunology and pharmacology, nutrition, performance, and veterinary microbiology.

You’ll be based in the Equine Training and Development Centre, which offers extensive facilities including a working stable yard, riding arenas and an equine therapy barn. There are around 70 horses on campus, and you’re able to bring your own horse to university too: find out more about our DIY Livery Yard.

Logo: THE Awards 2023
 

Study at an award-winning university

We were named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.

Why ARU?

  • All first year students have the opportunity to ride as part of their first year provision

  • Choose one of our DIY livery packages and bring your horse to university while you study

  • Get practical experience in the laboratory and with horses on our dedicated equine campus

  • We are well-connected with industry partners, helping you gain further hands-on experience and build your network

  • Gain a thorough scientific knowledge as well as the skills to apply it in the equine industry

  • Join our Equine Academy, which supports talented competition riders and provides coaching from UKCC-qualified coaches

Course options

Key facts

Looking for different course options?

Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.

Year 1
  • Equine Anatomy and Physiology (15 credits)
  • Equine Practical Skills (15 credits)
  • Equine Health Management (15 credits)
  • Equine Nutrition (15 credits)
  • Breeding and Foaling (15 credits)
  • Ethics and Welfare (15 credits)
  • Veterinary Microbiology and Laboratory Skills (30 credits)
  • Into ARU
Year 2
  • Research Methods (15 credits)
  • Equine Research Technology (15 credits)
  • Exercise Physiology (15 credits)
  • Equine Behaviour Science (15 credits)
  • Commercial and Professional Skills for Bioveterinary Science (15 credits)
  • Equine Reproduction and Genetics (15 credits)
  • Equine Pathology Immunology and Pharmacology (30 credits)
Year 3
  • Capstone Project (30 credits)
  • Applied and Clinical Equine Nutrition (15 credits)
  • Equine Biotechnology (15 credits)
  • Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health (15 credits)
  • Current Issues in the Equine Industry (15 credits)
  • Equine Growth and Development (15 credits)
  • Sports Medicine (15 credits)
Module details

To prepare you for university study, you can take a foundation year at the start of this course. Find out more about foundation years.

Year 1
  • Academic and Personal Management Skills (20 credits)
  • Biological Concepts (Introduction to Laboratory Skills) (20 credits)
  • Maths for IT and Science (15 credits)
  • Chemistry for Life Sciences (15 credits)
  • Independent (Themed) Project (20 credits)
  • Applied Industry Techniques (30 credits)
Module details

If you study the Cert HE, you'll take the Year 1 five core modules then follow one of five pathways. Each pathway includes two to three optional modules, and is a route into one of our five BSc (Hons) equine degrees. These degrees are:

  • Equine Behavioural Science
  • Equine Bioveterinary Science
  • Equine Performance Science
  • Equine Performance and Business Management
  • Equine Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation.

Our course team includes industry-experienced staff and practitioners in equine rehabilitation, behaviour, nutrition and breeding, as well as competition riders and UKCC coaches.

Facilities

Study equine courses with ARU in Writtle and benefit from our Equine Training and Development Centre. We have around 70 horses on campus, with a working stable yard, indoor and outdoor riding arenas, an oval horse walker, therapy barn. On our 150-hectare campus with grazing and space for events we have a DIY Livery Yard for students' horses. Take a guided tour and meet our students.

You’ll spend some time in our state-of-the-art Lordship Science Centre, with its new Superlabs.

You’ll also be able to make full use of facilities including extensive library and IT resources and access support, should you need it, with study skills, careers advice, health and wellbeing, and more.

Equine Academy: support for talented riders

The Equine Academy at ARU Writtle supports a group of competition-level riders every year. It offers training sessions for the rider, stabling for the horse, and access to our equine facilities and experienced support staff.

Find out more about eligibility and how to apply.

  • Horses poking their heads over the stalls in the academy barn

    Academy barn - Writtle students are able to bring their own horses to university with them on DIY livery.

  • Central track and turnout leading to the Equine Training and Development Centre

    Central track and turnout which leads to our Equine Training and Development Centre

  • An aerial view of the Equine Training and Development Centre

    Our Equine Training and Development Centre, home to all things equine and approximately 70 horses.

  • A horse water treadmill

    Horse water treadmill

  • An indoor equestrian arena

    This is the largest of our arenas (24m x 60m), each of which have a different surface. This allows students to assess the impact of surfaces on equine biomechanics.

  • Equine outdoor arena

    Our outdoor arena is 20m x 60m in size and located next to the horse walker.

  • The tempo indoor equestrian arena

    Tempo arena is one of our indoor arenas, 24m x 55m in size. DIY Livery students have access to all of our facilities when not being used for teaching purposes.

  • An equine therapy barn

    The Therapy Barn is a large teaching space that allows presentations to be shared with students while simultaneously apply their learnt techniques.

    • ;
  • Horses poking their heads over the stalls in the academy barn
  • Central track and turnout leading to the Equine Training and Development Centre
  • An aerial view of the Equine Training and Development Centre
  • A horse water treadmill
  • An indoor equestrian arena
  • Equine outdoor arena
  • The tempo indoor equestrian arena
  • An equine therapy barn
  • Horses poking their heads over the stalls in the academy barn
  • Central track and turnout leading to the Equine Training and Development Centre
  • An aerial view of the Equine Training and Development Centre
  • A horse water treadmill
  • An indoor equestrian arena
  • Equine outdoor arena
  • The tempo indoor equestrian arena
  • An equine therapy barn

Careers

As a graduate of our BSc (Hons) Equine Bioveterinary Science degree, you'll have the scientific knowledge and skills to pursue a career in the equine industry.

Some of the areas you could consider are para-veterinary and diagnostic laboratory positions, academic and industrial equine research, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals – for example the marketing department of major veterinary pharmaceutical companies.

Graduation doesn't have to be the end of your time with us. You might decide to at ARU and study for a Masters, such as our MSc Equine Performance Science or MSc Animal Welfare and Conservation.

Entry requirements

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Aerial view of campus buildings and grounds in Writtle

Life in Writtle

Close to major cities, ARU Writtle is located on a picturesque 150-hectare campus in the heart of the Essex countryside.

Explore the Writtle campus