BSc (Hons) Equine Business Management (with Foundation Year)

If you want to develop business skills and pursue your equine passion while gaining real-world commercial experience, then this is the ideal course for you. You’ll be able to tailor your studies to suit your individual career goals and apply your skills practically through industry work placements.

The foundation year entry provides an alternative route into degree-level study. It’s ideal for those who need to gain subject-specific knowledge and skills in order to progress with the full bachelor's degree.

Key Information

Course Duration: 4 or 5 years full-time; part-time available

UC UCAS Code: DF42

Part or Full Time: Full Time / Part Time

Placement Year: Optional

Typical Offer: 32-48 UCAS tariff points or equivalent

Course information

Download Programme Specification

Compulsory modules will equip you with the skills to succeed in a commercial equine environment, covering core business subjects including finance, management and marketing. A comprehensive range of optional modules will allow you to apply your acquired knowledge and skills to the areas of the equine industry you’re most passionate about.

You could focus on horse performance, equine nutrition or take an active role in the planning and organisation of successful events and competitions. Alternatively, you might choose to delve deeper into business through accounting and commercial decision-making, or explore the vibrant equine sport and hospitality sector.

Whatever route you choose, you’ll be able to apply the key principles of successful business on a campus brimming with commercial opportunities. Alongside your studies you’ll have the opportunity to experience a behind-the-scenes taste of equine business. Students gain experience at our regular international and national equine competitions and events, as well as in our commercial equine therapy and rider performance centres.

If you’re interested in studying abroad, you’ll have the opportunity to study a semester of your degree at an overseas institution. You’ll also have the opportunity to complete an industry-recognised Chartered Institute of Marketing qualification to enhance your learning.

UCAS tariff points | 32-48 UCAS tariff points.

A Levels | EE-DD or equivalent from at least one full A Level.

Vocational Awards | PPP in an Extended Diploma.

Access | 32-48 UCAS tariff points in an Access to Higher Education Diploma.

International Baccalaureate | 32-48 UCAS tariff points in an IB Diploma, to include one Higher at H3 or above.

Scottish Highers | 32-48 UCAS tariff points from at least one Higher. You must have completed two years study at Higher Level.

Irish Leaving Certificate | 32-48 UCAS tariff points from at least one Higher.

T Level | An overall grade of Pass.

Additional Information

In addition to the above, we require a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 9-4 (A*-C), to include English and Maths. We will consider equivalencies including but not limited to functional skills level 2, Irish Ordinary level, National 5s, IB standard level.

We will consider combinations of level three qualifications.

We welcome applications from individuals with equivalent, non-UK qualifications and mature students (over 21). We may interview as part of the application process.

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Your career

Industry opportunities on this course are diverse. We’ll help you to develop the skills, experience and connections needed for a successful graduate career in equine business management. Many of our students even go on to secure their graduate roles with their work placement employers.

Work placements and experience

You’ll undertake a compulsory work placement in year two, allowing you to work in the industry and put what you’ve learned into practice. Students have recently completed placements at British Dressage, our own NAF Five Star International Hartpury Horse Trials, the British Equestrian Trade Association and Cirencester Park Polo Club. You could work in a variety of roles including media and marketing, sales, or sponsorship and events. An optional integrated placement year between your second and final years may also help you acquire more extensive industry experience.

On-campus opportunities

Our commercial equine facilities can offer opportunities to gain industry experience. You’ll have access to our world-class equine facilities including a state-of-the-art rider performance centre with the most advanced riding simulators in the world, a leading Equine Therapy Centre, international competition arenas and stabling for 230 horses.

Alongside this, our equine events, rider performance and equine therapy centres are successful businesses in their own right, providing opportunities for you to gain invaluable work experience in a commercial environment. These experiences not only help you develop your knowledge but also help you make valuable connections among our professional equine contacts.

Field trips and guest lecturers

Visits and lectures from industry professionals form an important part of your learning, enabling you to experience different businesses and enterprises, and develop your career.

You'll develop a greater understanding of commercial business and equine management practices as you take part in study trips to local and national equine business organisations. Hearing from industry experts and professionals in lectures will also help you explore potential career paths. Previous guest lecturers have included representatives from Cheltenham Racecourse.

Study internationally

Our Study Abroad programme means that you can make the most of opportunities to study a semester or full year of your degree at one of our partner institutions while achieving credits towards your degree.

Graduate destinations

As an Equine Business Management graduate, you may go on to work in racecourses, event management, teaching, biomechanics, and sales, commercial or operational management. Recent graduate destinations have included:

South West Regional Marketing Executive for the Jockey Club
New Business Development Merchandiser at Lindt
Development Assistant at British Equestrian Federation
Account Manager at RDW Exhibitions
Events Management at Grandstand Media
Nominations Executive at Tweenhills Stud
Account Executive at Henson Franklin

Success Stories

Your support network

You'll benefit from a strong support network from day one to be the best you can be. This will range from your personal tutor and specialist academic support team (our Achievement and Success Centre) to dedicated wellbeing and employability (Innovation, Careers and Enterprise) centres.

Academic support

You’ll have your own personal tutor while you’re here who will support you to succeed in your studies. You’ll also have access to our academic and wellbeing support teams who run regular workshops and one-to-one sessions on campus and online.

Alongside this, we have a comprehensive bank of online study skills resources to help you make the most of your qualification.

Your learning experiences

You'll experience a range of teaching methods to strengthen your digestion of topics, including lectures, workshops and practical sessions, as well as supported work placement learning as part of many courses.

Your career

Each year of your course will be made up of two semesters, within which you’ll study compulsory and optional modules on different industry-focused topics. This will enable you to develop your own unique portfolio of knowledge, skills and experience, ready for your career. The course is taught in English.

Course information

Overview

Entry requirements

UCAS tariff points | 32-48 UCAS tariff points.

A Levels | EE-DD or equivalent from at least one full A Level.

Vocational Awards | PPP in an Extended Diploma.

Access | 32-48 UCAS tariff points in an Access to Higher Education Diploma.

International Baccalaureate | 32-48 UCAS tariff points in an IB Diploma, to include one Higher at H3 or above.

Scottish Highers | 32-48 UCAS tariff points from at least one Higher. You must have completed two years study at Higher Level.

Irish Leaving Certificate | 32-48 UCAS tariff points from at least one Higher.

T Level | An overall grade of Pass.

Additional Information

We will consider combinations of level three qualifications.

We welcome applications from individuals with equivalent, non-UK qualifications and mature students (over 21). We may interview as part of the application process.

Employability

Your career

Work placements and experience

On-campus opportunities

Field trips and guest lecturers

Visits and lectures from industry professionals form an important part of your learning, enabling you to experience different businesses and enterprises, and develop your career.

Study internationally

Graduate destinations

South West Regional Marketing Executive for the Jockey Club
New Business Development Merchandiser at Lindt
Development Assistant at British Equestrian Federation
Account Manager at RDW Exhibitions
Events Management at Grandstand Media
Nominations Executive at Tweenhills Stud
Account Executive at Henson Franklin

How you'll study

Your support network

Academic support

Alongside this, we have a comprehensive bank of online study skills resources to help you make the most of your qualification.

Your learning experiences

Your career

Modules

What you'll study

This course includes a varied and vibrant selection of modules covering a number of specific commercial areas. You'll study both compulsory and optional modules, which you'll be able to choose from to suit your interests and career goals. Optional modules change each year in line with student, industry and research demands - you'll find recent topics studied below. The modular structure of the programme gives you flexibility and choice, and you can attend introductory sessions for optional modules to help you decide which ones are best for your individual career pathway.

During your studies, you’ll also have the opportunity to complete an industry-recognised Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) Level 3 Award in Marketing Principles. The CIM is the world’s leading professional marketing body.

Module credits

On successful completion of your modules you’ll gain academic credit that accumulates towards your awards. The marks you gain in your final two years on campus may contribute towards your final degree classification.

Academic Literacy for University Studies

Understand and explore topics including the scientific method and enquiry, team working, research skills, and effective time management.

Professional Development in Practice

An opportunity to explore graduate destinations associated with your programme of study, building a portfolio of experiences aiding your professional development.

Exploring Current Concepts

Develop understanding and knowledge of literature reviews including constructing a rationale and summarising and presenting relevant information to suit a purpose, subject and audience.

Equine Studies

The module aims to introduce the central anatomy, physiology, welfare and health that underpin best husbandry and management practices, along with key legislation and health and safety requirements in the equine industry.

Business and Enterprise Management

This module covers the learning and understanding of the balance of theory and practice in contemporary business practice; an appreciation of the complexity of modern organisational environments and the critical role of enterprise and innovation.

This year will focus on fundamental business topics and help you to gain essential skills and knowledge across a wide range of areas. This varied first year will not only equip you to study at higher levels, but will also help you identify which areas of business and the equine industry are most of interest for your future career.

Compulsory Modules

Professional Development and Influence within the Equestrian Sector

An introduction to learning theory and human behaviour in relation to developing an understanding of reflection of self and how humans interact and influence others.

Equine Structure and Function

Learn about the biological systems of the horse, how they interact and how they can be managed.

Equine Industry

Discuss the scope and management of the equine industry in the UK and Europe.

Understanding the Business and Economic Environment

An introduction into macro and microeconomics.

Understanding Business and Financial Information

Study various financial statements and their use.

Introduction to the Principles of Marketing

An introduction to marketing models and strategies.

Equestrian Project Management

Gain an understanding of the importance of project management and self‐reflection to aid professional
development.

During this year, you’ll be able to select from a wide range of optional modules that you’re interested in, which may include equine events management or hospitality, or you may wish to study equine-specific modules. The industry placement forms an important and exciting part of your second year, helping to prepare you for your final year and graduate career.

Compulsory Modules

Professional Placement Experience in the Equestrian Sector

You'll be supported to complete a minimum of 150 hours of work experience during the year, which can be in a variety of equine focused establishments in the UK or abroad.

Equestrian Research in Professional Practice

Through data driven analysis of customer perceptions and service expectations carry out market research to plan and problem solve to positively impact equestrian business performance.

Equestrian Media Relations

Explore the complexities of Public Relations in the sports industry and develop press writing skills.

Optional Modules

Accounting Information for Business

This module is designed to help undergraduate appreciate the role of management accounting within organisations, it majors upon capital investment, product and service costing, budgeting and working capital management.

Applied Equine Nutrition

Investigate the horse’s nutrient requirements and how to manage a horse’s diet.

Equestrian Event Management and Fundraising

Explore the operational aspects of event management and the customer experience.

Equine Musculoskeletal Diagnostics

Students will learn about diagnostic procedures used by vets for common lameness conditions.

Equine Performance

Understand how performance horses are exercised and trained to meet the specific demands of various disciplines.

Human Resource Management

This module enables students to explore the holistic human resource process of recruitment within organisations. As part of the assessment students will have the opportunity to develop and engage in ‘real life’ assessment centre activities, creating vital preparation for future employment opportunities.

International Stud Management

This module allows student to gain an understanding of stud management when breeding Thoroughbreds or Warmbloods, and challenges this involves. The module combines the application of scientific principles to the required decision making and actions during the annual stud cycle.

An optional integrated placement year before your final year gives you the opportunity to put your knowledge and skills into practice and gain valuable industry experience. Many students gain their graduate roles with the organisation with which they undertook their work placement.

Your final year allows you to focus on areas of particular interest to you, and you’ll be able to select from a range of optional modules to support you in your future business career or postgraduate study.

One module is your dissertation, a substantial research project that enables you to plan, implement and report on a specialist topic. In addition, you’ll be exposed to contemporary commercial challenges and advanced theory and practice including insights into areas of focus for industry research.

Compulsory Modules

Undergraduate Dissertation

Immerse yourself in independent research and analysis in a related area with one-to-one support from an academic.

Sales, Negotiation and Customer Service

Gain strategies and techniques to develop communications skills in order to influence, sell and negotiatewithin the equine industry.

Sustainability and Global Responsibility within the Equestrian Sector

Explore and analyse current business practice within the global equestrian industry in relation to long term sustainability.

Creating Equestrian Content for Media Platforms

Explore and create industry ready media content for a variety of media platforms.

Optional Modules

Equine Nutrition for Performance

Evolution of feeding strategies to support athletic performance in the horse, whilst maintaining good health.

Equine Therapy and Rehabilitation

This module appraises current research and practice in complementary therapy and rehabilitation for equine orthopaedic conditions.

People, Leadership and Change

Exploring the structure, diversity and culture of organisations in relation to leadership and change management.

Sports Sponsorship and Brand Development

This module allows students to explore the role and significance of sponsorship within the sports industry. They will have the opportunity to align theory with practice by developing a new sponsorship proposal for a chosen sports property.

Strategic Management

This module allows students to explore the strategic practices and principles utilised by global companies. Through an appreciation key external and internal impact factors students will put theory into practice and create a new strategic direction for an allocated organisation.

Volunteering within the Equine Charity Sector

Practically apply theory and knowledge of the equine charity sector to a real-life volunteering environment, proposing methods of raising awareness of their work as an organisation and reflecting on personal development during time spent in industry.

Modules

Overview

What you'll study

Module credits

Level three foundation year (year one)

Academic Literacy for University Studies

Understand and explore topics including the scientific method and enquiry, team working, research skills, and effective time management.

Professional Development in Practice

An opportunity to explore graduate destinations associated with your programme of study, building a portfolio of experiences aiding your professional development.

Exploring Current Concepts

Develop understanding and knowledge of literature reviews including constructing a rationale and summarising and presenting relevant information to suit a purpose, subject and audience.

Equine Studies

Business and Enterprise Management

Level four (year two)

Compulsory Modules

Professional Development and Influence within the Equestrian Sector

An introduction to learning theory and human behaviour in relation to developing an understanding of reflection of self and how humans interact and influence others.

Equine Structure and Function

Learn about the biological systems of the horse, how they interact and how they can be managed.

Equine Industry

Discuss the scope and management of the equine industry in the UK and Europe.

Understanding the Business and Economic Environment

An introduction into macro and microeconomics.

Understanding Business and Financial Information

Study various financial statements and their use.

Introduction to the Principles of Marketing

An introduction to marketing models and strategies.

Equestrian Project Management

Gain an understanding of the importance of project management and self‐reflection to aid professional
development.

Level five (year three)

Compulsory Modules

Professional Placement Experience in the Equestrian Sector

You'll be supported to complete a minimum of 150 hours of work experience during the year, which can be in a variety of equine focused establishments in the UK or abroad.

Equestrian Research in Professional Practice

Through data driven analysis of customer perceptions and service expectations carry out market research to plan and problem solve to positively impact equestrian business performance.

Equestrian Media Relations

Explore the complexities of Public Relations in the sports industry and develop press writing skills.

Optional Modules

Accounting Information for Business

Applied Equine Nutrition

Investigate the horse’s nutrient requirements and how to manage a horse’s diet.

Equestrian Event Management and Fundraising

Explore the operational aspects of event management and the customer experience.

Equine Musculoskeletal Diagnostics

Students will learn about diagnostic procedures used by vets for common lameness conditions.

Equine Performance

Understand how performance horses are exercised and trained to meet the specific demands of various disciplines.

Human Resource Management

International Stud Management

Integrated placement year (optional) / Level Six (final year)

Compulsory Modules

Undergraduate Dissertation

Immerse yourself in independent research and analysis in a related area with one-to-one support from an academic.

Sales, Negotiation and Customer Service

Gain strategies and techniques to develop communications skills in order to influence, sell and negotiatewithin the equine industry.

Sustainability and Global Responsibility within the Equestrian Sector

Explore and analyse current business practice within the global equestrian industry in relation to long term sustainability.

Creating Equestrian Content for Media Platforms

Explore and create industry ready media content for a variety of media platforms.

Optional Modules

Equine Nutrition for Performance

Evolution of feeding strategies to support athletic performance in the horse, whilst maintaining good health.

Equine Therapy and Rehabilitation

This module appraises current research and practice in complementary therapy and rehabilitation for equine orthopaedic conditions.

People, Leadership and Change

Exploring the structure, diversity and culture of organisations in relation to leadership and change management.

Sports Sponsorship and Brand Development

Strategic Management

Volunteering within the Equine Charity Sector

The modules contain a mixture of scheduled learning – lectures, workshops and practical sessions – alongside independent learning. You're expected to dedicate at least two to three hours of independent study per contact hour. Your course may also include work placement learning as part of some modules.

The foundation year includes an internship using Hartpury’s on-site facilities and industry links.

Year	Contact learning	Placement learning	Independent learning
Level three foundation year (year one)	24%	0%	76%
Level four (year two)	24%	0%	76%
Level five (year three)	21%	12%	67%
Placement year (optional)	1%	80%	19%
Level six (final year)	18%	0%	82%

You'll be assessed through a mixture of written exams, practical exams and written assignments. Many of the modules will be marked based on a mixture of assessment types, whilst others will be based solely on one type of assessment. Feedback will be given online (electronic and oral), and in some cases face to face.

Year	Written exam	Practical exam	Coursework
Level three foundation year (year one)	13%	37%	50%
Level four (year two)	38%	41%	21%
Level five (year three)	0%	34%	66%
Placement year (optional)	0%	0%	100%
Level six (final year)	0%	28%	72%

Each year of this course is taught over two semesters, normally consisting of 12 weeks of scheduled teaching and then assessment weeks.

During scheduled teaching you'll have a day without timetabled sessions to support you in managing your workload, gaining valuable volunteering and work experience and completing part-time work.

Scheduled teaching takes place between 8:30 to 20:30 Monday to Friday
Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities
Work placements may entail different days and hours
Part-time students may need to attend learning activities five days each week, depending on modules selected
Timetables are available during enrolment week

View term dates

Please visit our student finance page for information on tuition fees and student loans, as well as non-repayable grants, bursaries and scholarships, eligible to different groups, to support with study costs.

Below, you'll find extra costs associated with studying this course.

Clothing and footwear (circa £100)

You’ll need to purchase some specialist kit and clothing before you enrol, or during enrolment week. In particular, appropriate footwear for practical sessions on the yard. We’ll let you know exactly what you need to purchase in your enrolment guide.

Hartpury University branded clothing is also available through our online shop, for those who wish to purchase it, however, this is not essential.

Optional field trips (up to circa £1,800)

You'll have the chance to engage in various trips and visits as part of your course. While many of these are included in the course fees, there is the opportunity to engage in additional significant study tours, experiencing international horse management practices in person. It is estimated these costs will be approximately £1,800.

Chartered Institute of Marketing qualification

During your degree you’ll have the opportunity to complete the CIM Level 3 Award in Marketing Principles. This is a self-funded opportunity – please enquire for the latest costs on application.

Accommodation and living costs

Please visit our student accommodation page for details.

Livery

We have stabling for 230 horses on campus. If you're interested in having your horse at Hartpury on DIY livery while you study, please visit our livery page for details and costs.

Equine Academy

If you have the talent and drive to develop your skills as an equestrian athlete alongside your studies, you may be eligible to join our Equine Academy. For further details including costs, please visit our Equine Academy page.

Fees & Finance

Our Resource Library is where you'll find all the essential details about Hartpury University's courses. It includes Programme and Module Specifications, along with Course Information Sheets for every course. You can easily download a complete revision history for each of these, clearly showing the dates changes were made.

Course Information Sheets: These are PDF versions of the course webpages. They provide an overview of the course, what to expect during your studies, and the topics covered.

Programme Specifications: These are detailed, validated documents containing academic specifics for each programme. They include descriptions of the programme, its aims, learning outcomes, year and module structure, as well as teaching, learning, and assessment strategies.

Module Specifications: Each Programme consists of several Modules. Our Module Specifications outline the topics covered and the expected outcomes for students studying each Module.

Resource library

Academies

If you’re playing sport competitively, or you have the talent and drive to do so, you may want to join one of our Sports Academies. Over 200 international athletes have developed their talents with us over the past 10 years. You could be our next success story. We're a semi-professional sports environment offering world-class facilities and professional coaching and support services.

Accommodation

Settle into an accommodation option to suit your taste and budget – at Hartpury University, undergraduate students can choose to live on-campus surrounded by Gloucestershire’s beautiful countryside or off-campus in the heart of Gloucester City centre. Enjoy the best of both worlds.

Finance

We can help you understand how it all works, and what you need to do next. Find out everything you need to know about tuition fees, student loans and bursaries and scholarships. In 2021/22, we provided assistance to over 1/3 of our students through bursaries, scholarships and grants, totalling a little under £1million.

TEF Gold

Our undergraduate provision has been awarded Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Gold in all aspects - Overall, Student Experience, and Student Outcomes.

Teaching quality

Ranked in the top 10 universities for teaching quality (The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2025).

Graduate employability

97% of our graduates are in employment, further study or other purposeful activity (Graduate Outcomes, 2024).

Academic support

We’re a top 10 university for academic support (NSS 2024, UK universities).

Become a game changer

World-class equine facilities

Equine facilities

Success stories

Daniel's story

Success Stories

Daniel's story

“Being at Hartpury gives me a lot of flexibility to combine my riding and get the support I need with my degree. The Achievement and Success Centre, in particular, has given me a lot of help. It’s meant I’ve done well academically. Getting a degree has been really rewarding.”

Daniel Olley

BSc (Hons) Equine Business Management

"Being at Hartpury has made me a better and stronger person. There are so many opportunities – from major equine events to guest speakers and work experience on site. I worked in the Equine Therapy Centre in my first year. The more you get involved in, the more you benefit. You wouldn’t get the same level of access to facilities like this anywhere else."

Daniel Olley, BA Equine Business Management student

High-performance equine environment

We have an international reputation for equine education. Our students are challenged to reach new heights in their fields.

If you’re passionate, hard-working and motivated to make a difference, we’ll give you the skills and connections to channel this energy into an exciting equine career. Whatever your career aspirations, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to gain experience on and off campus.

Get to know our dedicated and passionate teaching staff who’ll help you achieve your very best. We’re proud to have been awarded Gold in all three areas of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF): Overall, Student Experience, and Student Outcomes. This places Hartpury University in the top 15% of published institutions in England. Plus, we're ranked sixth in the UK for Teaching Quality, in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.

Important information

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information, however our programmes are reviewed and developed regularly. Changes or cancellation of courses may be necessary to ensure alignment with emerging employment areas, to comply with accrediting body requirements, revisions to subject benchmark statements or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make necessary changes and will notify all offer-holders of changes as and when they occur.

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