Equine Bioveterinary Science
Study biological and veterinary sciences as they apply to the horse, in order to improve their health and welfare, at ARU in Writtle.
UK students have the option to study this course over one year to achieve a CertHE. You’ll study the same modules as students on Year 1 of the BSc.
Contact us to discuss what you can do, or choose your preferred option when you apply.in the East of England for undergraduates employed as managers, directors or senior officials.
Source: GOS 2025
We'll combine theory with practical experience in the laboratory and with horses in our Equine Training and Development Centre, so you'll develop a thorough scientific knowledge as well as the skills to apply it in the equine industry.
You’ll cover all the main equine bioveterinary science areas including breeding and reproduction science, diseases and epidemiology, equine health, immunology and pharmacology, pathophysiology, nutrition, performance, and veterinary microbiology.
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All first year students have the opportunity to ride as part of their first year provision
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Choose one of our DIY livery packages and bring your horse to university while you study
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Get practical experience in the laboratory and with horses on our dedicated equine campus
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We are well-connected with industry partners, helping you gain further hands-on experience and build your network
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Gain a thorough scientific knowledge as well as the skills to apply it in the equine industry
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Join our Equine Academy, which supports talented competition riders and provides coaching from UKCC-qualified coaches
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.
Careers
You'll graduate with 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. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.
Teaching and modules
Equine bioveterinary science is exciting for its potential to enhance horse health, performance, and welfare through research.
You’ll learn both theoretical and practical skills relevant to working with horses.
We'll cover their biology, health, nutrition, breeding and foaling, genetics, exercise, welfare and behaviour.
You’ll analyse diseases of the horse and sports medicine for both horses and dogs, gain key laboratory skills such as cell culture and microscopy, and study epidemiology and public health.
You’ll also develop broader competencies such as research methods and business skills and learn about issues in the equine industry. You’ll graduate being able to evidence 'first day competence' when applying for employment in the equine industry.
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 *.
- 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
- 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)
- Major 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)
If you study the Cert HE, you'll complete core modules from Year 1 of the BSc (Hons) course. Contact us to discuss what you can do, or choose your preferred option when you apply.
Our course team includes industry-experienced staff and practitioners in equine rehabilitation, behaviour, nutrition and breeding, as well as competition riders and UKCC coaches.
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Stephanie KeyLecturer
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Professor Roberta BlakeProfessor
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Susan MooneySenior Lecturer
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Rosa VerwijsSenior Lecturer in Equine Behaviour and Nutrition
Facilities
Study equine courses with ARU in Writtle and benefit from our Equine Training and Development Centre.
On our 150-hectare campus, we have around 70 horses, a working stable yard, indoor and outdoor riding arenas, an oval horse walker, and a therapy barn. We also have a DIY Livery Yard for your horse.
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.
Take a guided tour and meet our students.
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 Equine Academy eligibility and how to apply.
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Academy barn - Writtle students are able to bring their own horses to university with them on DIY livery.
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Central track and turnout which leads to our Equine Training and Development Centre
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Our Equine Training and Development Centre, home to all things equine and approximately 70 horses.
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Horse water treadmill
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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.
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Our outdoor arena is 20m x 60m in size and located next to the horse walker.
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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.
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The Therapy Barn is a large teaching space that allows presentations to be shared with students while simultaneously apply their learnt techniques.
