BSc (Hons) Equine Dental Science (with Foundation Year)

Hartpury’s transformative Equine Dental Sciences degree is tailored to forge you into a skilled Equine Dental Technician. You’ll receive hands-on learning on the yard and in laboratories, developing technical skills and knowledge important for handling, caring for and assessing the dental health of horses. You will be assigned a BAEDT mentor during the latter half of your first year to enable you to develop your knowledge and practical skills out in the field on placement.

If you want to make the first steps into a career as an Equine Dental Technician then this is the course for you. Come and explore our passion for equine, and get an insider's look at one of our Open Days.

Key Information

Course Duration: 4 years full-time

UC UCAS Code: D22F

Part or Full Time: Full Time / Part Time

Level of Study: Undergraduate Degrees

Typical Offer: 32-48 UCAS tariff points or equivalent

Course information

Download Programme Specification

To support you to develop specialist vocational skills teaching on this programme is a mix of scheduled and independent learning directly linked to BEVA and BAEDT professional practice requirements. The unique way in which this programme is designed enables you to explore anatomy, horse handling and theoretical aspects during your first semester which then progresses throughout the programme both onsite at Hartpury and within practise with a mentor. You will be assigned a BAEDT mentor during the latter half of your first year to enable you to develop your knowledge and practical skills out in the field on placement.

You’ll also develop your commercial business and client communication skills in order for you to be able to be best placed upon graduation* to excel as a professional Equine Dental Technician, blending expertise in equine dental techniques with business readiness.

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.

Practical Competency

In addition to the above, applicants are required to hold a minimum of BHS Stage 2 care or Pony Club B test, or provide signature of a BHS Stage 3 Coach in Complete Horsemanship (UKCC level 2 or equivalent) or BAEDT Equine Dental Technician to confirm that the applicant is able to:

understand basic horse behaviour and normal health
handle horses inside the stable
carry out routine grooming tasks
maintain a clean stable and provide food and water
Lead a horse safely in a variety of environments and hold a horse for inspection

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

This course sets you up with the knowledge, business acumen and practical experience for you to go on to pursue an exciting career as an Equine Dental Technician*

Work placements and experience

These form a large part of core modules throughout your programme, whereby you are assigned a BAEDT mentor during your first year. We’ll support you to secure a suitable mentor who will support you throughout your degree to develop the practical skills in the field.

You could gain work experience using our on-site facilities, often with the opportunity to work alongside Veterinary Surgeons and BAEDT registered dentists with real clients within Hartpury yard and Therapy Centres.

Field trips and guest lecturers

Industry professionals in lectures form an important part of your learning, enabling you to experience different businesses, careers and best practices.

Graduate destinations

Equine Dental Technician *
Masters and PhD programmes

*Students who successfully complete the award will be exempt from the written component of the BEVA/BVDA Equine Dental Technicians examination but will still need to pass the BEVA/BVDA practical assessment to be able to practice legally as an Equine Dental Technician in the UK.

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 in all years of your degree.

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, enabling 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.

Practical Competency

understand basic horse behaviour and normal health
handle horses inside the stable
carry out routine grooming tasks
maintain a clean stable and provide food and water
Lead a horse safely in a variety of environments and hold a horse for inspection

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

This course sets you up with the knowledge, business acumen and practical experience for you to go on to pursue an exciting career as an Equine Dental Technician*

Work placements and experience

Field trips and guest lecturers

Industry professionals in lectures form an important part of your learning, enabling you to experience different businesses, careers and best practices.

Graduate destinations

Equine Dental Technician *
Masters and PhD programmes

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 offers you the opportunity to acquire specialist scientific and professional skills and knowledge applicable to equine dental health both in the classroom and in practice with an assigned BAEDT mentor. Your course will allow you to develop technical skills within the laboratory and skills important for handling, caring for and assessing the dental health of horses and other equids. As your progress through the course you will develop your specialist knowledge of the pathology and treatment of dental disorders.

The second and third year of study will include a combination of onsite delivery at Hartpury and time out with your BAEDT Mentor (estimated at 40:60). These compulsory periods of offsite learning are likely to require the ability to travel and we therefore recommend applicants have a full driving licence.

Your foundation year will focus on sport, study skills and general science depending on your previous academic background. You will develop, and be supported with, the development of skills and knowledge to ensure you can succeed at level 4.

Compulsory Modules

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

This module introduces 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.

Biological Principles for Land-Based Scientists

Study fundamental biological aspects to gain a clear understanding of how organisms come about and how they function and operate for survival and performance.

Your first year will focus on key underpinning subjects, such as anatomy and physiology, an introduction to equine dentistry and dental instrumentation, dental charts and nutrition alongside gaining an understanding of your own impact and influence to help you to gain the fundamental skills required for your course. First year modules will equip you to study at higher levels by providing essential practical and transferable skills alongside essential knowledge of a wide range of key topics integral to your degree.

Compulsory Modules

Introduction to Equine Dentistry and Dental Instrumentation

Develop knowledge of the role of an Equine Dental Technician, horse-handling, and the tools for the role.

Equine Head and Dental Anatomy

Develop and apply underpinning knowledge of the structure and function of the equine head and dental anatomy.

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.

Introduction to Equine Nutrition

Study the basic principles of equine feeding and nutrition.

Equine Industry

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

Explore more in-depth how equine dental pathology and diagnosis impacts equine performance and delve further into areas such as routine equine dental procedures to support your experience and charting of varied cases, dental examination and commercial business management. You’ll understand a range of research methods relative to your aspirational profession, ready to use in scientific research projects.

Compulsory Modules

Equine Dental Examination

Develop knowledge and skills to perform and record dental examinations on a range of horses.

Equine Dental Pathology and Diagnosis

Understand the balance between health and disease, and apply management and control theories to practical examination situations.

Routine Equine Dental Procedures

Develop knowledge and skills to perform routine dental procedures and associated charting which fall into BEVA category 1 cases.

Business Management for Equine Dental Technicians

This module gives student Equine Dental Technicians an insight into the market research, planning and running of a business.

Equestrian Media Relations

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

Your final year allows you to focus on the more advanced cases and dental techniques that will support you in your future career. You’ll undertake a research project that enables you to experience being responsible for planning, implementing and reporting on a specialist topic. In addition, you’ll explore the more complex equine dental procedures in order to support the compilation of your dental charts for your complex BEVA category 2 cases.

Compulsory Modules

Advanced Equine Dental Procedures

Develop knowledge and skills to perform complex dental procedures and associated charting which fall into BEVA category 2 cases.

Applied Research Project

You'll undertake an independent research project and supply a detailed analysis of the findings with one-to-one support from an academic supervisor.

Sales, Negotiation and Customer Service

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

Creating Equestrian Content for Media Platforms

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

Developments in Equine Research

Investigate advances in equine research and its application to the equine industry.

Modules

Overview

What you'll study

Level three foundation year (year one)

Compulsory Modules

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

Biological Principles for Land-Based Scientists

Study fundamental biological aspects to gain a clear understanding of how organisms come about and how they function and operate for survival and performance.

Level four (year two)

Compulsory Modules

Introduction to Equine Dentistry and Dental Instrumentation

Develop knowledge of the role of an Equine Dental Technician, horse-handling, and the tools for the role.

Equine Head and Dental Anatomy

Develop and apply underpinning knowledge of the structure and function of the equine head and dental anatomy.

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.

Introduction to Equine Nutrition

Study the basic principles of equine feeding and nutrition.

Equine Industry

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

Level five (year three)

Compulsory Modules

Equine Dental Examination

Develop knowledge and skills to perform and record dental examinations on a range of horses.

Equine Dental Pathology and Diagnosis

Understand the balance between health and disease, and apply management and control theories to practical examination situations.

Routine Equine Dental Procedures

Develop knowledge and skills to perform routine dental procedures and associated charting which fall into BEVA category 1 cases.

Business Management for Equine Dental Technicians

This module gives student Equine Dental Technicians an insight into the market research, planning and running of a business.

Equestrian Media Relations

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

Level six (final year)

Compulsory Modules

Advanced Equine Dental Procedures

Develop knowledge and skills to perform complex dental procedures and associated charting which fall into BEVA category 2 cases.

Applied Research Project

You'll undertake an independent research project and supply a detailed analysis of the findings with one-to-one support from an academic supervisor.

Sales, Negotiation and Customer Service

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

Creating Equestrian Content for Media Platforms

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

Developments in Equine Research

Investigate advances in equine research and its application to the equine industry.

The modules contain a mixture of scheduled learning – lectures, workshops and practical sessions – alongside independent learning. Students are expected to dedicate at least two to three hours of independent study per contact hour.

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

Year	Contact learning	Placement learning	Independent learning
Level three (year one)	24%	0%	76%
Level four (year two)	24%	0%	76%
Level five (year three)	20%	33%	47%
Level six (final year)	19%	17%	64%

You will 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 informally during scheduled learning and formally following each assessment.

Year	Written exam	Practical exam	Coursework
Level three (year one)	24%	38%	38%
Level four (year two)	19%	50%	31%
Level five (year three)	13%	68%	19%
Level six (final year)	0%	44%	56%

Each year of this course is taught over two semesters, normally consisting of 12 weeks of scheduled teaching and then assessment weeks, with an overview below:

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

You’ll need to purchase appropriate clothing and footwear before you enrol, or during enrolment week. We’ll let you know exactly what you need to purchase in your enrolment guide – everything is available from our supplier’s online shop for approximately £250.

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

You will be placed with a suitable mentor but there will be travel costs involved in driving/commuting daily.

BAEDT Student Membership £150

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

Thalia's story

Success Stories

Thalia's story

“My lecturers encouraged me to get as much experience as possible and were always on hand to give advice. I worked in the Equine Therapy Centre on campus as well as helping with the business-side of things at the Hartpury arena. It was a huge part of me being able to get a job once I graduated.”

Thalia Edwards

BSc (Hons) Equestrian Sport Science

"Completing my work placement at Hartpury’s summer equine events was a great experience. I learnt how to run events, secure sponsorship deals, organise volunteers, and ensure arenas and stables are ready for competitors. I even got to compete in an event myself. I built contacts and connections with a range of people, including the Hartpury Equine management team, which lead to my role as Yard Technician today."

Clarissa Burnell-Price

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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