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Postgraduate induction: 11-12 September 2025
Scroll to select your course from the full list further down the page, or click on your subject area below.
Keep visiting this page as you move closer to joining Hartpury University as a postgraduate student for more details on your induction.*
- Academic timetable**
- Kit and equipment
- recommended reading
- induction video from your Programme Manager
- Induction timetable**
Animal
MRes
Welcome video
Your Head of Department and Programme Manager explain more about your first week and life on your course.
Kit and equipment
For sessions based in the animal facilities you may be required to wear boots, so it is recommended you purchase a sturdy pair if you don’t already have them. You don't need any other specific kit for your course, but you may wish to buy Hartpury-branded items.
Recommended books
- Academic Research, Writing and Referencing. Harlow, UK: Longman. Deane, M. (Current Edition)
- Doing Postgraduate Research. London, UK: Sage. Potter, S. ed. (Current Edition)
- The literature review: six steps to success. California, USA. Machi, L.A. & McEvoy, B.T. (Current Edition)
Explore books via Books You Need.
Your first course session
Thursday 11 September, 10am, Hartpury House
Timetables
Check back here for your induction timetable. We'll let you know when it's available and you can find out what you'll be doing during your postgraduate induction.
MRes
Welcome video
Your Head of Department and Programme Manager explain more about your first week and life on your course.
Kit and equipment
For sessions based in the animal facilities you may be required to wear boots, so it is recommended you purchase a sturdy pair if you don’t already have them. You don't need any other specific kit for your course, but you may wish to buy Hartpury-branded items.
Recommended books
- Academic Research, Writing and Referencing. Harlow, UK: Longman. Deane, M. (Current Edition)
- Doing Postgraduate Research. London, UK: Sage. Potter, S. ed. (Current Edition)
- The literature review: six steps to success. California, USA. Machi, L.A. & McEvoy, B.T. (Current Edition)
Explore books via Books You Need.
Your first course session
Thursday 11 September, 10am, Hartpury House
Timetables
Check back here for your induction timetable. We'll let you know when it's available and you can find out what you'll be doing during your postgraduate induction.
MSc, Postgraduate Diploma, Postgraduate Certificate
Welcome video
Your Head of Department and Programme Manager explain more about your first week and life on your course.
Kit and equipment
While you don't need any kit for your course, you may wish to buy Hartpury-branded items of clothing/sports kit.
Information on our shop is available here.
Recommended books
- Academic Research, Writing and Referencing. Harlow, UK: Longman. Deane, M. (Current Edition)
- Understanding Animal Welfare: the science in its cultural context. Chichester, Wiley-Blackwell. Fraser, D. (2008)
- Animals, Welfare and the Law, London UK: Routledge. Robertson, I.A.
- Stress and Animal Welfare: Key Issues in the Biology of Humans and Other Animals, Broom, D. M. (current edition)
- Doing Postgraduate Research. London, UK: Sage. Potter, S. ed. (Current Edition) (MSc only)
Explore books via Books You Need.
Your first course session
Thursday 11 September, 10am, Hartpury House
Timetables
Check back here for your induction timetable. We'll let you know when it's available and you can find out what you'll be doing during your postgraduate induction.
MSc, Postgraduate Diploma
Welcome video: Coming soon
Your Head of Department explains more about your first week and life on your course.
Kit and equipment
- Waterproof coat- for wet weather
- Warm coat- for winter outdoor
- Weather appropriate footwear
- Pens and pencils, paper, and folders to stay organised
Optional
- To actively participate in hands-on activities with horses (leading, etc) you must have-
- A current British standard approved riding hat (see attached for specific details of requirements)
- A pair of gloves for use when handling animals, required if working with horses.
- A pair of closed toed solid shoes or work boots and/or steel toe-capped safety or wellington boots -for outdoor/animal
Recommended books
- Chandler, C.K. Animal-Assisted Therapy in Counselling Routledge. (any edition)
- Fine, Aubrey. H. (Ed.) Handbook on Animal-Assisted Therapy: theoretical foundations and guidelines for practice. Elsevier (any edition)
These websites offer lots of useful (and free) information:
- HAI Research: A decade of progress
- The Federation of Horses in Education and Therapy International (HETI)
- International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations (IAHAIO)
- Waltham Human-Animal Bond Research Institute
- Pet Partners
- The Association for Animal Assisted Intervention Practitioners (AAAIP)
These books may also be useful:
- Hopkins, D. and Reid, T., (2018) The Academic Skills Handbook: Your Guide to Success in Writing, Thinking and Communicating at University. Sage.
- Huff, D. How to Lie with Statistics. Penguin Books (any edition)
- Louv, R. (2006) Last Child in the Woods: Saving our children from nature-deficit disorder
- Martin, P. and Bateson, P. Measuring Behaviour: An Introductory Guide. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. (Current edition)
- Penn, P. (2020). The psychology of effective studying: How to succeed in your degree. Abingdon, England: Routledge.
Explore books via Books You Need.
These articles may also be useful and should all be either Open Access or via Hartpury Library online:
- Acquadro Maran, D., Capitanelli, I., Cortese, C. G., Ilesanmi, O. S., Gianino, M. M., & Chirico, F. (2022). Animal-Assisted Intervention and Health Care Workers’ Psychological Health: A Systematic Review of the Literature Animals, 12(3), 383. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12030383
- Bert F, Gualano MR, Camussi E, Pieve G, Voglino G, Siliquini R. (2016) Animal assisted intervention: A systematic review of benefits and risks - PMC Eur J Integr Med. Oct;8(5):695-706. doi: 10.1016/j.eujim.2016.05.005. Epub 2016 May 20. PMID: 32362955; PMCID: PMC7185850.
- Fine AH, Beck AM, Ng Z. (2019) The State of Animal-Assisted Interventions: Addressing the Contemporary Issues That Will Shape the Future - PMC. Int J Environ Res Public Health. Oct 18;16(20):3997. doi: 10.3390/ijerph16203997. PMID: 31635430; PMCID: PMC6843928.
- Flynn E, Zoller AG, Gandenberger J, Morris KN. (2022) Improving Engagement in Behavioral and Mental Health Services Through Animal-Assisted Interventions: A Scoping Review - PubMed Psychiatr Serv. Feb 1;73(2):188-195. doi: 10.1176/appi.ps.202000585. Epub 2021 Jun 23. PMID: 34157858.
- Harper, N. J., Fernee, C. R., & Gabrielsen, L. E. (2021). Nature’s Role in Outdoor Therapies: An Umbrella Review International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(10), 5117. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18105117
- Johnson, A; Parish-Plass, N; Kirby, M; Winkle, M; Plesa Skwerer, D; Ackerman, L; Brosig, C; Coombe, W; Delisle, E; Enders-Slegers, M J; Fowler, J-A; Hey, L; Howell, T; Kaufmann, M; Kienast, M; Kinoshita, M; Ngai, D; & Wijnen, B. (2024). Recommendations for uniform terminology in animal-assisted services (AAS) | Human-Animal Interactions 12. 10.1079/hai.2024.0003.
- Pandey RP; Himanshu; Gunjan; Mukherjee R, Chang CM. (2024) The Role of Animal-Assisted Therapy in Enhancing Patients’ Well-Being: Systematic Study of the Qualitative and Quantitative Evidence - PMC. JMIRx Med. Mar 18;5:e51787. doi: 10.2196/51787. PMID: 38606668; PMCID: PMC10986847.
- Rodriguez KE, Herzog H, Gee NR. (2021) Variability in Human-Animal Interaction Research - PMC Front Vet Sci. Jan 15;7:619600. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2020.619600. PMID: 33521092; PMCID: PMC7843787.
- Santaniello, A., Garzillo, S., Cristiano, S., Fioretti, A., & Menna, L. F. (2021). The Research of Standardized Protocols for Dog Involvement in Animal-Assisted Therapy: A Systematic Review Animals, 11(9), 2576. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11092576
- Wagner C, Grob C, Hediger K. (2022) Frontiers | Specific and Non-specific Factors of Animal-Assisted Interventions Considered in Research: A Systematic Review Front Psychol. Jun 28;13:931347. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.931347. PMID: 35837630; PMCID: PMC9274084.
- Wijnen, B., & Martens, P. (2022). Animals in Animal-Assisted Services: Are They Volunteers or Professionals? Animals, 12(19), 2564. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12192564
- Winkle, M., Johnson, A., & Mills, D. (2020). Dog Welfare, Well-Being and Behavior: Considerations for Selection, Evaluation and Suitability for Animal-Assisted Therapy Animals, 10(11), 2188. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10112188
- Wood W, Alm K, Benjamin J, Thomas L, Anderson D, Pohl L, Kane M. (2021) Optimal Terminology for Services in the United States That Incorporate Horses to Benefit People: A Consensus Document | The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine Jan;27(1):88-95. doi: 10.1089/acm.2020.0415. Epub 2020 Nov 26. PMID: 33252244.
Your first course session
Thursday 11 September, 10am, Hartpury House
Timetables
Check back here for your induction timetable. We'll let you know when it's available and you can find out what you'll be doing during your postgraduate induction.
MSc, Postgraduate Diploma, Postgraduate Certificate
Welcome video: Coming soon
Your Head of Department explains more about your first week and life on your course.
Kit and equipment
While you don't need any kit for your course, you may wish to buy Hartpury-branded items of clothing/sports kit.
Information on our shop is available here.
Recommended books
- Academic Research, Writing and Referencing. Harlow, UK: Longman. Deane, M. (Current Edition)
- Doing Postgraduate Research. London, UK: Sage. Potter, S. ed. (Current Edition)
- Understanding Animal Welfare: the science in its cultural context. Chichester, Wiley-Blackwell. Fraser, D. (2008)
- Cognition, Evolution and Behaviour (2nd ed.). Oxford, OUP. Shettleworth, S. (2009)
- The Animal Ethics Reader (2017) , 3rd Edition, Edited By Susan J. Armstrong, Richard G. Botzler
Explore books via Books You Need.
Your first course session
Thursday 11 September, 10am, Hartpury House
Timetables
Check back here for your induction timetable. We'll let you know when it's available and you can find out what you'll be doing during your postgraduate induction.
MSc
Welcome video: Coming soon
Your Head of Department explains more about your first week and life on your course.
Kit and equipment
As you will spending a lot of time outdoors observing and measuring biodiversity/habitats etc you will need to ensure that you have suitable clothing for ALL types of weather. You should aim for the following (items in bold are highly recommended):
- Sturdy footwear including waterproof walking boots with ankle support. Wellington boots are useful for very wet/boggy conditions.
- Waterproof and breathable coat/jacket with hood (ensure the waterproofing is at least 10,000mm e.g. Suitable for moderate and periodical heavy rain). It should say information in the garment label.
- Waterproof trousers – very useful as a wind block. Relatively inexpensive pair will be suitable e.g. packable ones that can be stored in a rucksack.
- Rucksack with waterproof cover may be useful, or some way of keeping your notebook etc dry in the field e.g. sealable bag inside.
- Outdoor trousers and other clothing layers, e.g. long sleeved shirt (avoids biting insects, protects from sun). Specific outdoor clothes tend to more comfortable to move in that say jeans, and also hard-wearing e.gt. rip stop fabric or reinforced areas.
- Warm layers – fleece or zip up jacket. Anything that can be layered and removed easily as the UK weather is changeable and having zip up layers allows them to be removed easily and quickly.
- Depending on how you feel the cold you may want to get some thin thermal layers.
- Hat/gloves for particularly cold days.
- Sunblock factor 30 and above.
- Sunhat for warmer weather.
- Insect repellent
- For the Knepp field trip: sleeping bag and roll mat
With any of these items you can always get them during the course of your degree, but essentials are walking boots and a waterproof coat and some clothing that you are happy to wear outdoors and you will be comfortable walking in and bending down etc.
You will be undertaking some plant and invertebrate identification, and a x10 hand lens would be useful for this, having your own hand lens will be a good future investment if you intend to work in professions where you are IDing small species or structures, for example ecology consultancy roles, or reserve management, anywhere where you are required to undertake surveys. For an example of a x10 magnification hand lens from NHBS the Triplet x10, 21mm diameter is a good option: https://www.nhbs.com/singlet-loupe-10-x-21mm-hand-lens
Although the University has some binoculars, you may wish to have your own pair. For bird watching magnifications of 8 X 42 or 10 X 42 are best.
Recommended books
There are no essential texts for this programme, the below are some suggestions on the types of texts that may be useful for you, though we do also have some copies in our library and kit.
Good for general survey methods to support study design – we have a couple of copies in the library, and the older edition is reasonably priced on amazon < £10, if you wanted your own copy.
- Sutherland, W.J. ed., 2006. Ecological census techniques: a handbook. Cambridge university press. (We have a couple of copies in the library
We do have ID guides in the University, but if I were suggesting your own copies then a copy of one flower key and one grass key may be beneficial, though it may be worth waiting until you have tried different guides so that you know which type works best for you, as they are all a little different.
- Francis Rose and Clare O'Reilly (2006). The Wild Flower Key (Revised Edition) - How to identify wild plants, trees and shrubs in Britain and Ireland. Warne; Rev Ed edition.
- Marjorie Blamey, Richard Fitter, Alastair Fitter (2013). The Wild Flowers of Britain and Ireland 2nd Bloomsbury Publishing PLC.
- Edward Hubbard (1992). Grasses: A Guide to Their Structure, Identification, Uses and Distribution. (Penguin Press Science).
- Dominic Price (2017). A Field Guide to Grasses, Sedges and Rushes. The Species Recovery Trust.
Non-essential, but good for reference:
- Academic Research, Writing and Referencing. Harlow, UK: Longman. Deane, M. (Current Edition)
- Doing Postgraduate Research. London, UK: Sage. Potter, S. ed. (Current Edition)
Explore books via Books You Need.
Your first course session
Thursday 11 September, 10am, Hartpury House
Timetables
Check back here for your induction timetable. We'll let you know when it's available and you can find out what you'll be doing during your postgraduate induction.
Business
Top-up
Welcome video
Your Programme Manager explains more about your first week and life on your course.
Kit and equipment
While you don't need any kit for your course, you may wish to buy Hartpury-branded items of clothing/sports kit.
Recommended books
- Business Research Methods. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press. Bell, E., Bryman, A. and Harley, B. (6th Edition 2022)
- Research Methods for Business Students. Harlow, UK: Pearson Education Ltd. Saunders M., Lewis P., and Thornhill, A. (9th Edition 2023).
- Critical Thinking Skills: Developing Effective Argument and Analysis. Basingstoke, UK: Palgrave Macmillan. COTTRELL, S. (4th Edition 2023)
- Academic Research, Writing and Referencing. Harlow, UK: Longman. Deane, M. (2010)
- How to Do Your Research Project. London, UK: Sage. Thomas, G. (3rd Edition 2017)
Explore books via Books You Need.
Your first session
TBC
Timetables
Check back here for your academic and induction timetables. We'll let you know when they're available and you can find out what you'll be doing during your postgraduate induction and beyond.
Equine
MRes
Welcome video: Coming soon
Your head of Department and Programme Manager explain more about your first week and life on your course.
Kit and equipment
While your kit doesn’t need to be Hartpury-branded, you might like to buy your kit from our website.
- When on the Hartpury yard you will need suitable footwear and it is advisable to bring with you gloves and a riding hat that meets the current safety standard, if you have them. Jewellery is not permitted on the yard.
- Optional: you may wish to buy Hartpury branded items of clothing / sports kit but it is not required
Recommended books
- Academic Research, Writing and Referencing. Harlow, UK: Longman. Deane, M. (Current Edition)
- Doing Postgraduate Research. London, UK: Sage. Potter, S. ed. (Current Edition) (N/A – for the PG Certificates)
Explore books via Books You Need.
- You are strongly encouraged to undertake this free online course in advance of coming
- TED Talk: Inside the mind of a master procrastinator
- TED Talk: Grit: The power of passion and perseverance
- TED Talk: How to gain control of free time
Your first course session
Thursday 11 September, 10am, Hartpury House
Timetables
Check back here for your induction timetable. We'll let you know when it's available and you can find out what you'll be doing during your postgraduate induction.
MSc, Postgraduate Diploma
Welcome video: Coming soon
Your head of Department and Programme Manager explain more about your first week and life on your course.
Kit and equipment
While your kit doesn’t need to be Hartpury-branded, you might like to buy your kit from our website.
- When on the Hartpury yard you will need suitable footwear and it is advisable to bring with you gloves and a riding hat that meets the current safety standard, if you have them. Jewellery is not permitted on the yard.
- Optional: you may wish to buy Hartpury branded items of clothing / sports kit but it is not required
Recommended books
- Academic Research, Writing and Referencing. Harlow, UK: Longman. Deane, M. (Current Edition)
- Doing Postgraduate Research. London, UK: Sage. Potter, S. ed. (Current Edition) (N/A – for the PG Certificates)
Explore books via Books You Need.
- You are strongly encouraged to undertake this free online course in advance of coming
- TED Talk: Inside the mind of a master procrastinator
- TED Talk: Grit: The power of passion and perseverance
- TED Talk: How to gain control of free time
Your first course session
Thursday 11 September, 10am, Hartpury House
Timetables
Check back here for your induction timetable. We'll let you know when it's available and you can find out what you'll be doing during your postgraduate induction.
MSc, Postgraduate Diploma, Postgraduate Certificate
Welcome video: Coming soon
Your Head of Department and Programme Manager explain more about your first week and life on your course.
Kit and equipment
While your kit doesn’t need to be Hartpury-branded, you might like to buy your kit from our website.
- When on the Hartpury yard you will need suitable footwear and it is advisable to bring with you gloves and a riding hat that meets the current safety standard, if you have them. Jewellery is not permitted on the yard.
- Optional: you may wish to buy Hartpury branded items of clothing / sports kit but it is not required
Recommended books
- Academic Research, Writing and Referencing. Harlow, UK: Longman. Deane, M. (Current Edition)
- Doing Postgraduate Research. London, UK: Sage. Potter, S. ed. (Current Edition) (N/A – for the PG Certificates)
Explore books via Books You Need.
- You are strongly encouraged to undertake this free online course in advance of coming
- TED Talk: Inside the mind of a master procrastinator
- TED Talk: Grit: The power of passion and perseverance
- TED Talk: How to gain control of free time
Your first course session
Thursday 11 September, 10am, Hartpury House
Timetables
Check back here for your induction timetable. We'll let you know when it's available and you can find out what you'll be doing during your postgraduate induction.
Welcome video
Your Head of Department and Programme Manager explain more about your first week and life on your course.
MSc, Postgraduate Diploma
Kit and equipment
While your kit doesn’t need to be Hartpury-branded, you might like to buy your kit from our website.
- When on the Hartpury yard you will need suitable footwear, gloves and a current safety standard riding hat. Clothing should be of plain dark colour (not denim), no hoodies and no jewellery including earrings
- Yard clothing - hat/gloves/suitable footwear
- We recommend that you buy a lightweight moveable/carriable step/stool for working with horses. Rough guide price £15 online.
- You’ll benefit from having your own goniometer and also a retractable fabric tape measure.
Recommended books
- Animal Physiotherapy: Assessment, Treatment and Rehabilitation of Animals. McGowan and Goff (2016)
- The Horse Anatomy Workbook: A Learning Aid for Students Based on Peter Goody's Classic Work, Horse Anatomy. Raynor (2006) (Allen Student)
- The Dog Anatomy Workbook: A Guide to the Canine Body. Gardiner and Raynor (2014)
Explore books via Books You Need.
- You are encouraged to undertake this free online course in advance of coming
- TED Talk: What are animals thinking and feeling?
- TED Talk: Grief and love in the animal kingdom
- TED Talk: How do animals experience pain?
Your first course session
Thursday 11 September, 10am, Hartpury House
Timetables
Check back here for your induction timetable. We'll let you know when it's available and you can find out what you'll be doing during your postgraduate induction.
Postgraduate Certificate
Welcome video: Coming soon
Your Head of Department and Programme Manager explain more about your first week and life on your course.
Kit and equipment
While your kit doesn’t need to be Hartpury-branded, you might like to buy your kit from our website.
- When on the Hartpury yard you will need suitable footwear and it is advisable to bring with you gloves and a riding hat that meets the current safety standard, if you have them. Jewellery is not permitted on the yard.
- Optional: you may wish to buy Hartpury branded items of clothing / sports kit but it is not required
Recommended books
- Academic Research, Writing and Referencing. Harlow, UK: Longman. Deane, M. (Current Edition)
- Doing Postgraduate Research. London, UK: Sage. Potter, S. ed. (Current Edition) (N/A – for the PG Certificates)
Explore books via Books You Need.
- You are strongly encouraged to undertake this free online course in advance of coming
- TED Talk: Inside the mind of a master procrastinator
- TED Talk: Grit: The power of passion and perseverance
- TED Talk: How to gain control of free time
Your first course session
Thursday 11 September, 10am, Hartpury House
Timetables
Check back here for your induction timetable. We'll let you know when it's available and you can find out what you'll be doing during your postgraduate induction.
Postgraduate Certificate
Welcome video: Coming soon
Your Head of Department and Programme Manager explain more about your first week and life on your course.
Kit and equipment
While your kit doesn’t need to be Hartpury-branded, you might like to buy your kit from our website.
- When on the Hartpury yard you will need suitable footwear and it is advisable to bring with you gloves and a riding hat that meets the current safety standard, if you have them. Jewellery is not permitted on the yard.
- Optional: you may wish to buy Hartpury branded items of clothing / sports kit but it is not required
Recommended books
- Academic Research, Writing and Referencing. Harlow, UK: Longman. Deane, M. (Current Edition)
- Doing Postgraduate Research. London, UK: Sage. Potter, S. ed. (Current Edition) (N/A – for the PG Certificates)
Explore books via Books You Need.
- You are strongly encouraged to undertake this free online course in advance of coming
- TED Talk: Inside the mind of a master procrastinator
- TED Talk: Grit: The power of passion and perseverance
- TED Talk: How to gain control of free time
Your first course session
Thursday 11 September, 10am, Hartpury House
Timetables
Check back here for your induction timetable. We'll let you know when it's available and you can find out what you'll be doing during your postgraduate induction.
Sport
MSc, Postgraduate Diploma, Postgraduate Certificate
Welcome video: Coming soon
Your Head of Department and Programme Manager explain more about your first week and life on your course.
Kit and equipment
While your kit doesn’t need to be Hartpury-branded, you might like to buy your kit from our website.
- Hartpury sports kit – you may wish to get this but it’s not a requirement
- Trainers
- Shorts/trousers
For all activity on the 3G Football & 3G Rugby pitches, studded/moulded studded boots must be worn to access the facility. Trainers, astro turf trainers or any flat soled shoes are not permitted on the 3G pitches. Please ensure you have the appropriate footwear for lessons, training and fixtures.
Recommended books
- Strength Training and Coordination: An Integrative Approach. Rotterdam: Frans Bosch & 2010 Publishers. Bosch, F. (2016)
- Strength and Conditioning for Sports Performance. 2nd Routledge. Jeffreys, I., and Moody, J. (2021)
- Performance Assessment in Strength and Conditioning. Routledge. Comofort, P., Jones, P.A., and McMahon, J, (2018).
- Turner, A. N., Comfort, P. (2022). Advanced Strength and Conditioning: An Evidence-based approach. Routledge
Explore books via Books You Need.
Your first course session
Thursday 11 September, 10am, Hartpury House
Timetables
Check back here for your induction timetable. We'll let you know when it's available and you can find out what you'll be doing during your postgraduate induction.
MRes
Welcome video: Coming soon
Your Head of Department and Programme Manager explain more about your first week and life on your course.
Kit and equipment
While you don't need any specific kit for your course, due to your choice of optional module you may wish to purchase Hartpury University branded sports clothing to wear during practical-based sessions in the gym, field or laboratories.
For all activity on the 4G Football & 4G Rugby pitches, studded/moulded studded boots must be worn to access the facility. Trainers, astro turf trainers or any flat soled shoes are not permitted on the 4G pitches. Please ensure you have the appropriate footwear for lessons and training.
To support the completion of your research and assessments, it is strongly recommended that you posses a laptop for your studies.
Recommended books
- Academic Research, Writing and Referencing. Harlow, UK: Longman. Deane, M. (Current Edition).
- Doing Postgraduate Research. London, UK: Sage. Potter, S. ed. (Current Edition)
- The literature review: six steps to success. California, USA. Machi, L.A. & McEvoy, B.T. (Current Edition).
- The Research Process in Sport, Exercise and Health: Case Studies of Active Researchers. London, UK. Neil, R., Hanton, S., Fleming, S. & Wilson, K. (Current Edition).
- Statistics for Sport and Exercise Science – A Practical Approach. London, UK: Routledge. (Current Edition). Newell, J., Aitchison, T., Grant, S.
Please note regarding “Recommended Books” that these will be accessible via the University Library and therefore you are not encouraged to purchase these prior to the course beginning. However, your supervisor(s) may suggest some specific materials (e.g., journals, podcasts, interviews) to view that are specific to your project domain over the months prior to the course beginning in September 2025.
Explore books via Books You Need.
Your first course session
Thursday 11 September, 10am, Hartpury House
Timetables
Check back here for your induction timetable. We'll let you know when it's available and you can find out what you'll be doing during your postgraduate induction.
MSc, Postgraduate Diploma, Postgraduate Certificate
Welcome video
Your Head of Department and Programme Manager explain more about your first week and life on your course.
Kit and equipment
No course related kit is required. For any Hartpury-branded kit, online shops are available under the relevant tab on our students page.
Recommended books
- Cassidy, T., Potrac, P., & Rynne, S. (2023). Understanding sports coaching: The pedagogical, social and cultural foundations of coaching practice. Routledge.
- Nelson, L., Groom, R., & Potrac, P. (2016). Learning in sports coaching. London: Routledge.
Explore books via Books You Need.
Your first course session
Thursday 11 September, 10am, Hartpury House
Timetables
Check back here for your induction timetable. We'll let you know when it's available and you can find out what you'll be doing during your postgraduate induction.
MSc, Postgraduate Diploma, Postgraduate Certificate
Welcome video
Your Head of Department and Programme Manager explain more about your first week and life on your course.
Kit and equipment
While you don't need any kit for your course, you may wish to buy Hartpury-branded items of clothing/sports kit.
Recommended books
- Academic Research, Writing and Referencing. Harlow, UK: Longman. Deane, M. (Current Edition)
- Doing Postgraduate Research. London, UK: Sage. Potter, S. ed. (Current Edition)
- Hoye, et al., (2022) (eds.) Sport Management: Principles and Applications London: Sage
Explore books via Books You Need.
Your first course session
Thursday 11 September, 10am, Hartpury House
Timetables
Check back here for your induction timetable. We'll let you know when it's available and you can find out what you'll be doing during your postgraduate induction.
MSc, Postgraduate Diploma, Postgraduate Certificate
Welcome video
Your Head of Department and Programme Manager explain more about your first week and life on your course.
Kit and equipment
While your kit doesn’t need to be Hartpury-branded, you might like to buy your kit from our website.
- Strongly advised to have a Hartpury-branded polo and tracksuit bottoms as a minimum. Particularly if you are traveling away as support staff with our sports teams.
- Hartpury sports kit
- Shorts/trousers
- T-shirt
For all activity on the 3G Football & 3G Rugby pitches, studded/moulded studded boots must be worn to access the facility. Trainers, astro turf trainers or any flat soled shoes are not permitted on the 3G pitches. Please ensure you have the appropriate footwear for lessons, training and fixtures.
For the duration of the programme, students will get access to HUDL Sportscode and Nacsport software through our institutional licenses. We can provide students with access to Hudl Sportscode Elite licences for personal machines. There is no requirement to purchase a Macbook for the course, as we have machines that can be loaned out, providing an agreement is signed. Students may be able to purchase their own software licenses at a student-discounted fee or gain access through a company or placement that they work with.
Recommended books
- Butterworth, A. (2023) Professional practice in sports performance analysis. Oxon: Routledge.
- Cullinane, A., Davies, G. & O’Donoghue, P. (2024) An Introduction to Performance Analysis of Sport (2nd Edition). Oxon: Routledge
- Hughes, M., Franks, I., Dancs, H. (2019) Essentials of Performance Analysis in Sport. Oxon: Routledge.
- International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport | Taylor & Francis Online (tandfonline.com)
- Elite • Hudl Blog
- Sports Performance Analysis Blog and Latest News - AnalysisPro
Explore books via Books You Need.
Your first course session
Thursday 11 September, 10am, Hartpury House
Timetables
Check back here for your induction timetable. We'll let you know when it's available and you can find out what you'll be doing during your postgraduate induction.
MSc
Welcome video: Coming soon
Your Head of Department and Programme Manager explain more about your first week and life on your course.
Kit and equipment
As part of the professional standards of the MSc Sports Therapy programme, all students are required to wear the designated Hartpury University practical kit for all scheduled sessions. This includes academic, clinical, and placement-based activities. Wearing the correct kit is a condition of enrolment and supports both the professional identity and expectations of the programme.
Please purchase your required kit from the Hartpury online store. The required items include:
- Hartpury-branded red polo shirt
- Black tracksuit bottoms (plain; do not need to be Hartpury-branded)
- Hartpury waterproof jacket
- Sports trainers
- Loose-fitting shorts
- Sports bra or bikini (choose whichever is most comfortable for practical sessions)
- Studded/moulded boots or AstroTurf trainers* (dependent on session requirements)
Hartpury Sport - Elite Pro Sports
*Please note: For activities on the 3G Football and 3G Rugby pitches, only studded or moulded boots are permitted. Trainers, flat-soled shoes, or astro trainers are not allowed. Please ensure you have appropriate footwear for all lessons, training, and fixtures.
Recommended books
To support your academic progress, we recommend the following resources:
- Trail Guide to the Body (6th Edition) – Biel, Books of Discovery (2014) | ISBN: 978-0-9987850-6-6
- Clinical Sports Medicine (4th Edition) – Brukner & Khan (2012) | ISBN: 8601404439964
- Anatomy app (mobile or desktop): Essential Anatomy 5 by 3D4 Medical (compatible with Android and Mac)
Earlier editions of the above books are acceptable. Explore books via Books You Need.
Additional Information
Laptops
A laptop or equivalent device is essential for the programme. Please bring this with you to the PG Induction sessions. We recommend checking the minimum specification guidance before arrival. If you do not currently have access to a laptop, contact Student Finance to discuss financial hardship support: studentfinance@hartpury.ac.uk
Fitness to Practice
Before PG Induction, you are required too complete the following Fitness to Practice questionnaire. Please complete this form honestly and return it promptly. For queries, contact Admissions directly.
DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) Checks
Due to the nature of the programme and the possibility of working with under-18s or vulnerable adults, all students will be required to complete a DBS check during PG Induction.
Please bring three forms of ID with you for the second day of induction, typically:
- Valid passport or birth certificate
- Driving licence
- Recent (within 3 months) bank statement or utility bill (excluding mobile phone bills)
More details can be found on the UK Government DBS website.
Additional Costs
In addition to the kit (outlined above), students are required to complete an external placement, which may incur travel or other related expenses.
Pre-Arrival Preparation
To support your transition into postgraduate study, please revisit the following key areas from your prior learning:
- Health screening, lifestyle guidelines, and patient signposting
- Anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics, with a focus on major body systems and movement mechanics
- Principles of exercise programming and fitness/performance assessment across diverse populations
- Research methods, data analysis, academic writing, and Harvard referencing
These topics will be developed further during your online PG Induction activities. In addition, begin familiarising yourself with:
- Musculoskeletal anatomy, including bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons
- Common musculoskeletal injuries; their mechanisms, symptoms, and healing processes
- Immediate injury management – observe televised sports
- Gait and posture – watch how people move and identify asymmetries
This preparation will support your success in the Clinical Examination and Assessment for Sports Therapists module.
Your first course session
Thursday 11 September, 10am, Hartpury House
Timetables
Check back here for your induction timetable. We'll let you know when it's available and you can find out what you'll be doing during your postgraduate induction.
Veterinary Nursing
MSc, Postgraduate Certificate
Welcome video: Coming soon
Your Head of Department and Programme Manager explain more about your first week and life on your course.
Kit and equipment
This is an online course. There are no kit requirements.
Recommended books
This is an online course. There is no recommended reading.
Your first course session
Thursday 11 September, 6pm, online via Microsoft Teams.
Academic timetables
- MSc Advanced Veterinary Nursing
- Advanced Veterinary Nursing (Clinical Nursing and Client Support)
- Advanced Veterinary Nursing (Perioperative Nursing and Patient Safety)
- Advanced Equine Veterinary Nursing (Critical Care)
- Advanced Equine Veterinary Nursing (Diagnostic Imaging and Rehabilitation)
Your induction timetable
Check back here for your induction timetable. We'll let you know when it's available and you can find out what you'll be doing during your postgraduate induction.
Research (PhD)
PhD
Welcome video: Coming soon
The Research and Knowledge Exchange team will explain more about your first week and life on your course.
Kit and equipment
While you don't need any kit for your course, you may wish to buy Hartpury-branded items of clothing/sports kit.
Recommended books
- The Research Impact Handbook (2nd Edition), Mark S Reed.
Explore books via Books You Need.
Your first session
Thursday 11 September, 10am, Hartpury House
Timetables
Check back here for your academic and induction timetables. We'll let you know when they're available and you can find out what you'll be doing during your postgraduate induction and beyond.
*Subject to meeting offer conditions.
**Please note that timetables may be subject to change.
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