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BA International Horseracing Business

International Horseracing Business

BSc (Hons) Top-up Level 6

You’ll join the final year of the BSc (Hons) International Horseracing Business course, building on your previous knowledge. Top-up courses are equivalent to the final year of an undergraduate degree and allow you to 'top-up' an existing qualification into a full honours degree.

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. 

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Key Information

Course Duration: 1 year full-time; part-time available
UC UCAS Code: D8N2
Part or Full Time: Full Time / Part Time
Level of Study: Top-up Level 6
Typical Offer: Related HND or FdSc

Course information

Download Programme Specification

Alongside core business and racing topics, you’ll be able to tailor your degree to suit your interests and career goals. You’ll have the opportunity to delve deeper into fundamental areas of international horseracing business including hospitality, marketing, sponsorship and media. You’ll also be able to study the equine management side of the commercial racing world, developing your expertise whilst gaining practical and professional experience to enhance your CV.

Throughout the course, you’ll make valuable connections that can open the doors to a range of exciting work experience and graduate employment opportunities. You’ll also have opportunities to visit horseracing yards and racecourses across the UK and further afield, which will give you valuable insights ready for your career. Live business briefs, field trips and work experience will strengthen your understanding of the global racing world.

Academic requirements 

  • A pass at Foundation Degree or HND in an equine science or management related subject 
  • We welcome students with equivalent qualifications; please contact us to discuss 

 

Non-academic options 

  • Direct entry into Level 6 can be subject to interview and approval of prior content covered 
  • Previous learning towards a university-level qualification or relevant work experience may count as credit for this course 

 

International students 

  • We welcome applications from international students and accept international qualifications at equivalent levels to the above 
  • You may also need to evidence proficiency in English language 

 

Please contact us for further information.

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Your career

Industry opportunities on this course are diverse to ensure you develop the skills, experience and connections needed for your graduate career. Many of our students secure graduate roles with their work placement employers.

Work placements and experience

These form part of compulsory modules, alongside an optional integrated placement year. We’ll support you to secure a placement with a UK-based or international employer, to match your interests and career goals. Placements can be paid or unpaid, depending on the position. Previous students have used these opportunities to explore new areas of the racing and bloodstock industries.

Our county of Gloucestershire is renowned for horseracing and hosts one of the world’s most prestigious annual race meetings – the Cheltenham Festival. The county is home to some of the world’s most prestigious racehorse trainers and racing facilities, which we make good use of to facilitate realworld learning.

Guest lecturers and field trips

Industry professionals form an important part of your learning, enabling you to experience different businesses and careers. A wide range of speakers from across various aspects of the racing industry will feature throughout your programme to ensure you gain a full understanding of the breadth of opportunities within racing, and how industry stakeholders work together. You’ll also make valuable industry connections, in preparation for your career.

Graduate destinations

Several of our graduates from equine programmes have gone on to forge successful careers within the horseracing industry. One has even gone on to become the UK’s youngest racehorse trainer. Roles include:

  • British Racing Authority's Development Programme
  • Senior Regional Marketing Executive, The Jockey Club
  • Account Manager, RDW Exhibitions
  • Events Manager, Grandstand Media
  • Nominations Executive, Tweenhills Stud
  • Marketing & Communications at Dan Skelton Racing
  • Racing Secretary
  • Bookmaker data analyst
  • Racing media & PR
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

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

Alongside core business and racing topics, you’ll be able to tailor your degree to suit your interests and career goals. You’ll have the opportunity to delve deeper into fundamental areas of international horseracing business including hospitality, marketing, sponsorship and media. You’ll also be able to study the equine management side of the commercial racing world, developing your expertise whilst gaining practical and professional experience to enhance your CV.

Throughout the course, you’ll make valuable connections that can open the doors to a range of exciting work experience and graduate employment opportunities. You’ll also have opportunities to visit horseracing yards and racecourses across the UK and further afield, which will give you valuable insights ready for your career. Live business briefs, field trips and work experience will strengthen your understanding of the global racing world.

Entry requirements

Academic requirements 

  • A pass at Foundation Degree or HND in an equine science or management related subject 
  • We welcome students with equivalent qualifications; please contact us to discuss 

 

Non-academic options 

  • Direct entry into Level 6 can be subject to interview and approval of prior content covered 
  • Previous learning towards a university-level qualification or relevant work experience may count as credit for this course 

 

International students 

  • We welcome applications from international students and accept international qualifications at equivalent levels to the above 
  • You may also need to evidence proficiency in English language 

 

Please contact us for further information.

Employability

Your career

Industry opportunities on this course are diverse to ensure you develop the skills, experience and connections needed for your graduate career. Many of our students secure graduate roles with their work placement employers.

Work placements and experience

These form part of compulsory modules, alongside an optional integrated placement year. We’ll support you to secure a placement with a UK-based or international employer, to match your interests and career goals. Placements can be paid or unpaid, depending on the position. Previous students have used these opportunities to explore new areas of the racing and bloodstock industries.

Our county of Gloucestershire is renowned for horseracing and hosts one of the world’s most prestigious annual race meetings – the Cheltenham Festival. The county is home to some of the world’s most prestigious racehorse trainers and racing facilities, which we make good use of to facilitate realworld learning.

Guest lecturers and field trips

Industry professionals form an important part of your learning, enabling you to experience different businesses and careers. A wide range of speakers from across various aspects of the racing industry will feature throughout your programme to ensure you gain a full understanding of the breadth of opportunities within racing, and how industry stakeholders work together. You’ll also make valuable industry connections, in preparation for your career.

Graduate destinations

Several of our graduates from equine programmes have gone on to forge successful careers within the horseracing industry. One has even gone on to become the UK’s youngest racehorse trainer. Roles include:

  • British Racing Authority's Development Programme
  • Senior Regional Marketing Executive, The Jockey Club
  • Account Manager, RDW Exhibitions
  • Events Manager, Grandstand Media
  • Nominations Executive, Tweenhills Stud
  • Marketing & Communications at Dan Skelton Racing
  • Racing Secretary
  • Bookmaker data analyst
  • Racing media & PR

How you'll study

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

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.

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. 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.

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.

Optional modules change each year in line with student, industry and research demands - you'll find recent topics studied below. You can attend introductory sessions for optional modules before deciding which ones to study.

Module credits

On successful completion of your modules, you’ll gain academic credit that accumulates towards your award. You need to complete a total of 120 credits to gain the honours degree (level 6 entry) award.

Compulsory Modules

EITHER Undergraduate Dissertation OR Investigative Skills for the Successful Undergraduate and Applied Research Project

Undergraduate Dissertation

This module involves independent research and analysis in an animal-related field with one to one support from an academic.

Investigative Skills for the Successful Undergraduate

This module will help you to meet the academic expectations for this final year and also support you in preparing for your applied research project. You'll gain confidence in research design, data analysis and critical writing.

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.

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.

Horseracing, Governance and Law

Apply theoretical concepts gathered over the duration of your degree to the structure and governance of the horseracing industry and its distribution of power.

 

Optional Modules

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.

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.

Modules

Overview

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. 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.

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.

Optional modules change each year in line with student, industry and research demands - you'll find recent topics studied below. You can attend introductory sessions for optional modules before deciding which ones to study.

Module credits

On successful completion of your modules, you’ll gain academic credit that accumulates towards your award. You need to complete a total of 120 credits to gain the honours degree (level 6 entry) award.

Level Six (year one)

Compulsory Modules

EITHER Undergraduate Dissertation OR Investigative Skills for the Successful Undergraduate and Applied Research Project

Undergraduate Dissertation

This module involves independent research and analysis in an animal-related field with one to one support from an academic.

Investigative Skills for the Successful Undergraduate

This module will help you to meet the academic expectations for this final year and also support you in preparing for your applied research project. You'll gain confidence in research design, data analysis and critical writing.

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.

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.

Horseracing, Governance and Law

Apply theoretical concepts gathered over the duration of your degree to the structure and governance of the horseracing industry and its distribution of power.

 

Optional Modules

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.

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.

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

The course is taught in English.

Year Contact learning Placement learning Independent learning
Level six (year one) 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 on all assessments in written format. You'll be able to access feedback for presentations and coursework in written format on our virtual learning environment. You can also access feedback on written examinations in group or individual tutorials with the module leader. Remember that feedback on assessments is not the only feedback you receive. Feedback is an ongoing process when you engage in lectures, seminars and practicals, and on formative work you may be asked to complete.

Year Written exam Practical exam Coursework
Level six (year one) 13% 28% 59%

This programme 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 associat​ed with studying this course.

Clothing and footwear (circa £100)

You’ll need to purchase some special​ist 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.

Hartpury College Mens Football Academy

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.

Hartpury University Accommodation

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.

Hartpury University Finance
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TEF Gold

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

GUG 2025 Top 10 Teaching Quality Landscape

Teaching quality

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

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Graduate employability

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

Nss 2024 Top 10 Academic Support

Academic support

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

Hartpury University Equine

Become a game changer

World-class equine facilities

Benefit from multi-million-pound equine facilities, used by world-class riders and horses from across the globe.

From research opportunities in our rider performance and hydrotherapy centres, to client-facing positions in our commercial therapy centre, you’ll develop professional skills for the future.

Equine facilities

Success stories

Jessica's story

Success Stories
Jessica's story
Jessica Balmer
“I had a whole new world opened up to me at Hartpury. I started as a shy young person and graduated with the confidence and skills to go out and succeed. I had so many opportunities in so many different areas – achieving industry qualifications, helping on the yard, volunteering at equestrian events, training and competing, getting involved with professional demos, and keeping fit in the gyms.”
Jessica Balmer
BSc (Hons) Equine Business Management
Clarissa Burnell Price

"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

"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.

Watch via YouTube
Student And Horse In Equine Yard

Meet our academic team

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.

Meet our team

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.

Related courses

Explore our equine degrees
BA Hons Equine Business Management
Course

BSc (Hons) Equine Business Management (Top-up Level 6)

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.

Bsc Hons Equine Science
Course

BSc (Hons) Equine Science (Top-up Level 6)

Extend your foundation degree or HND to a full BSc (Hons) degree. You will join the final year of the BSc (Hons) Equine Science programme, building on your previous knowledge. This makes the course ideal for applicants who are considering an equine career in a scientific context, including postgraduate study, research, and teaching.

BA Hons Equine Business Management
Course

BSc (Hons) Equine Business Management

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.

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