Equine Science

Why study this programme?

Our MSc in Equine Science offers you the opportunity to study standalone short courses, a Postgraduate Certificate, Diploma or full Masters Degree. Flexible, online distance learning allows you to tailor the timeframe of studies to suit your needs and can be completed in up to six years.

Online study with us offers you the flexibility to study at a time and location that is convenient for you, allowing you to fit your studies in around your personal and professional commitments.

Student support for online students is given as much emphasis as for our on-campus learners and you will have regular contact time with your tutor and classmates from around the globe. Many of our graduates have made great friends along the way!

Among our student are those looking to continue their studies after completing a first degree; those who are early in their career as well as those looking to change track or looking to progress within the field they are in.

Some students undertake the programme due to their passion for horses, rather than a professional interest but regardless of your focus, ours is always on providing a quality education that will enable you to fulfil your potential and develop an advanced understanding of equine science.

You will learn a range of topics during your studies to equip you with the knowledge, skills and networks to enhance equine health and well-being worldwide.

Acclaim

Edinburgh University Students' Association (EUSA) Teaching Awards

• Bryony Lancaster – Personal Tutor and Support in Student Learning categories, nominee
• Bryony Lancaster - Supervisor of the Year 
• Equitation Science – Best Course, nomination

Postgradauate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 2023

• 100% Overall Satisfaction

MSc, PGDip, PGCert, PPD

The online, part-time format of our teaching is particularly suited to students with busy lives.  The flexible learning environment can be adapted to suit individual needs and online study allows you to study at a location that is convenient for you.

This programme is supported by an experienced team of a programme director, co-ordinator, administrator and course leaders and each student is provided with a personal tutor.

This programme will be supported by an experienced team of two programme co-directors, co-ordinator, administrator and course leaders and each student is provided with a professional mentor and student adviser.

Key features of the programme are study guides, lecture notes, textbook and journal excerpts and interactive online discussions, enabling students form a range of disciplines to bring their unique perspectives to build a community of online students.

How online learning works at the University of Edinburgh

The MSc programme begins in September and runs part-time over a period of 3-6 years. The programme is delivered using a blend of online learning methods, supported by the University’s award-winning online learning environments.  

Students enrolling onto standalone short courses may have start dates throughout the academic year.

The programme is structured to allow sequential progression from short courses* to Certificate, Diploma and MSc phases however, there are several earlier exit points.

Image

Students can opt to take time out from learning if work or family life are impacted too much. It is also possible to pay per course** to help spread the cost of your studies.

*^{also referred to as the Postgraduate Professional Development (PPD) scheme}

**^{The University uses the terminology 'course', and sometimes 'module', to refer to the individual components that make up a degree programme}

Certificate and Diploma

The Certificate phase comprises three compulsory courses from within the programme (see Content tab). Each course is taught over a period of 10 weeks.

The Diploma phase comprises of six compulsory courses from within the programme (see Content tab).

If students intend to continue onto the final Masters phase, Research Methods in Equine Science is a prerequisite.

Masters (MSc)

The dissertation element gives students the opportunity to further develop scientific skills and apply scientific theory, in a less structured learning environment. 

This can take the form of any of the following on a chosen area of equine science:

- an in-depth practical research project involving data collection and analyses

- a systematic review

- an extensive literature review

- a meta-study

The dissertation is designed to advance your understanding of the processes and planning involved in undertaking research and to develop your scientific written communication skills, research ethics, statistics and the principle of good research practice.

This is a self-directed course but you are supported by an allocated subject-specific expert supervisor, statistician and experienced researchers from within the programme team.  You are also encouraged, where appropriate, to work closely with senior staff at your home institution. 

Equine Digestion and Nutrition 

This course provides an in-depth knowledge of equine digestion and nutrition, allowing students to pursue careers in research, industry or academia.

• 20 credits
• Course Leader: Dr Andrea Ellis

Course content provides students with a research driven, evidence-based approach to understanding equine digestive health delivered by world-leading experts in equid nutrition. Key topics covered are the anatomy and physiology of the digestive system, ration formulation, the evaluation of food sources and nutritional management.

Students will explore the nutrient requirements of horses involved in all types of work to formulate bespoke dietary plans and make recommendations on appropriate rations.

The course offers an evaluation of the nutritional value of feedstuffs and an emphasis is placed on health and welfare concerns associated with the inclusion of various types of feedstuffs in the diet.

For full details of this course, including learning outcomes, please visit the Degree Regulations and Programmes of Study page.

Equine Behaviour, Welfare and Ethics 

This course offers a focus on the effect physical environment and management has on the behaviour and welfare of both the developing and adult horse.

• 20 credits
• Course Leader: Dr Tamsin Coombs

The course will introduce students to the evolution of equids (horses and donkeys) and how this relates to their normal behaviour and physiology.  The course then focuses on physiology and behaviour associated with poor welfare.

It will explore the relationship between management and welfare throughout an entire animal's life and how we can measure and assess welfare in a variety of situations.

The use of equids, their welfare and associated policy and legislation will be examined at a global level. Students will also explore the application of ethics to our use of equids and the trade-offs between human, environmental and equid wellbeing. 

There is also a focus on human behaviour and its relationship with equid welfare to understand how we can begin to change behaviour in order to improve the lives of equids worldwide. 

For full details of this course, including learning outcomes, please visit the Degree Regulations and Programmes of Study page.

Equine Behavioural Medicine*

This course investigates why problematic and abnormal behaviours occur and how to resolve them.

• 20 credits
• Course Leader: Dr Gemma Pearson

Students will learn how to investigate when a horse presents with a problematic behaviour to formulate a differential diagnosis and effective treatment plan. The course investigates the emotions that drive behaviour in horses with an emphasis on how to recognise, and address, when pain and/or stress are contributing factors. 

The course offers an insight into why horses behave the way they do through an exploration of the neurophysiology that explains behaviour, and how this is modified by early life experiences. Students will gain the tools create behaviour modification plans to improve equine behaviour and welfare.

There is a focus on human behaviour change and how this knowledge can be used to improve success rates and overall satisfaction on an individual client basis or to change hearts and minds to improve both human and equine welfare. 

Each week presents a new topic and includes relevant case studies so students can experience the real-world application of this knowledge. 

For full details of this course, including learning outcomes, please visit the Degree Regulations and Programmes of Study page.

*^{Equitation Science is a pre-requisite for this course}

Equine Orthopaedics 

This course is an in-depth exploration of key topics that affect the sports horse industry and the application of treatment in the equine athlete.

• 20 credits
• Course Leader: Dr Oliver James

The course content explores anatomy, physiology and the musculoskeletal system takes an evidence-based approach to disease, injury management and prevention in the context of the orthopaedic anatomy of a sports horse.

Students explore the most recent advances in treatments and novel therapies with the opportunity to engage with clinical specialists and leading researchers.

On completion of the course, students will have enhanced skills and be able to apply knowledge and understanding to real-life scenarios in support of professional, clinical or amateur equine care.

For full details of this course, including learning outcomes, please visit the Degree Regulations and Programmes of Study page.

Equine Reproduction 

This course covers anatomy and physiology of equine reproduction, evaluation of breeding soundness, management techniques and the latest technologies used across the industry. 

• 20 credits
• Course Leader: Dr Mina Davies-Morel

This course explores a range of topics associated with equine breeding and is delivered by leading experts in veterinary medicine, front line research and industry.  The course provides students with an in-depth examination of equine reproduction in order to apply key skills, knowledge and understanding to their own horse breeding endeavours. 

The course is fully online and delivered in a flexible, but structured, format which provides students with the opportunity to network, enhance skills and prepare to apply knowledge and understanding to real-life scenarios which can enhance existing professional or amateur equine practice. 

For full details of this course, including learning outcomes, please visit the Degree Regulations and Programmes of Study page.

Equine Exercise Physiology 

This course covers anatomy and physiology of the major implicated systems and their adaptation to exercise in the horse, the application of this knowledge to cases of poor performance and evaluation of training regimes across a range of equestrian disciplines.

• 20 credits
• Course Leader: Dr Victoria Lindsay-McGee

This course provides students with a detailed understanding of equine exercise physiology and the adaptations that occur in response to athletic function.  There is a focus on applying this knowledge to assessing the sustainability of various training regimes for all classes of the equine athlete and methods of assessing and monitoring performance, and potential performance, in the horse.  Consideration is also given to the health and impact of ill-health on the performance horse and the evaluation of current research in this area of equine science. 

The course is fully online and delivered in a flexible, but structured, format which provides students with the opportunity to network, enhance skills and prepare to apply knowledge and understanding to real-life scenarios which can enhance existing professional or amateur equine practice. 

For full details of this course, including learning outcomes, please visit the Degree Regulations and Programmes of Study page.

Equitation Science 

This course takes an objective, evidence-based approach to understanding horse welfare to decide on the most ethical training methods to horses in your care.

• 20 credits
• Course Leader: Dr Gemma Pearson

Equitation Science uses an objective, evidence-based approach to understand and improve the welfare of horses in their interactions with humans; this can be during training, competition or even just in the stable.  It uses a multidisciplinary approach with an emphasis on learning theory alongside a wide range of techniques including investigating the use of technology to provide objective measures of welfare or performance and sports psychology to understand how riders/handlers may influence their horse's behaviour.

Students learn how to apply scientific methods to identify ineffective training techniques and those that may result in problems with horse welfare. You will then apply these skills to build training plans that will enhance both performance and horse health and wellness.

Knowledge gained on this course can be applied to all horses by amateur and leisure horse owners to elite riders and professional trainers.

For full details of this course, including learning outcomes, please visit the Degree Regulations and Programmes of Study page.

Research Methods Data Analysis (Equine Science)*

This course is a practical and applied introduction to essential statistics and study design for equine research.

• 20 credits
• Course Leaders: Bryony Lancaster and Dr Charlotte Woolley

Emphasis is placed on the importance of collecting data of the highest possible quality to inform scientific investigation. Students learn the appropriate statistical methods and principles to analyse data efficiently as well as the use of data software packages to support their work.

On completion of this course, students will be able to produce their own research proposal and liaise with industry and research experts.

For full details of this course, including learning outcomes, please visit the Degree Regulations and Programmes of Study page.

*^{this course is a pre-requisite for final Dissertation phase}

Dissertation

This element of the programme gives students the opportunity to further develop scientific skills and apply scientific theory, in a less structured learning environment. 

• 60 credits
• Course Leaders: Bryony Lancaster 

You will undertake either an in-depth practical research project involving data collection analyses, a systematic review, an extensive literature review or a meta-study on a chosen area of equine science. The dissertation is designed to advance your understanding of the processes and planning involved in undertaking research and to develop your scientific written communication skills, research ethics, statistics and the principle of good research practice.  

This is a self-directed course but you are supported by an allocated subject-specific expert supervisor, statistician and experienced researchers from within the programme team.  You are also encouraged, where appropriate, to work closely with senior staff at your home institution. 

For full details of this course, including learning outcomes, please visit the Degree Regulations and Programmes of Study page.

The Postgraduate Professional Development (PPD) scheme is aimed at working professionals who want to advance their knowledge through postgraduate-level learning, without the time, or financial commitment, of a full award.

You may take a maximum of 50 credits worth of courses over two years and gain a University of Edinburgh postgraduate award of academic credit.

It may also be possible to continue your studies after one year and put credits towards a postgraduate Certificate, Diploma or full Masters degree.  Any time spent taking courses through the PPD scheme will be deducted from the amount of time you have left to complete the higher award.

To view the Equine Science short courses available within the PPD scheme and details on how to apply, please visit the Credit-bearing standalone short courses page.

More testimonials from Equine Science students

We have a number of internationally recognised experts in their field contributing to the teaching of many aspects of the programme.

Staff list

A good UK university Honours Degree (first or 2:1), or its international equivalent (e.g. 3.25 GPA score in the USA), with a biological background, for example a degree in: 

• Veterinary science 
• Biological sciences 
• Zoology 
• Animal/Equine Science 
• Pharmacology/Pharmacy 

We may also consider your application if you have a science degree that is below a 2.1 qualification, or you are an experienced veterinary nurse or farrier, or a degree in a non-science subject, and you hold Level 2 or above British Horse Society qualifications and/or have a minimum of 3 years’ demonstrable experience working with or caring for horses. You may be admitted to Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma level only in the first instance. Please contact the Equine Science Programme team before applying.

English language requirements 

If English is not your first language, we will also need to see evidence of your English language proficiency before we can offer you a place. 

English language requirements 

Tuition fees 

Please note that you can pay for the programme on a course (module) basis. Each course is 20 credits and the dissertation year is equivalent to 60 credits. 

Tuition fees for online learning

Tuition fee discount for some of our former graduates 

Alternative Guide to Postgraduate Funding

The University of Edinburgh subscribes to a funding database specifically for those looking for funding to support postgraduate studies.  The guide contains a huge database of funding opportunities, comprehensive guidance and tools to help you prepare a winning grant application including.

The Alternative Guide to Postgraduate Funding Online

Scholarship information 

It is recommended that you conduct your own research on this, but you can refer to the University Scholarship website to view suggestions on Scholarships. 

Online distance learning scholarships 

ITA Scotland 

Get up to £200 towards the cost of a training course with an SDS Individual Training Account (ITA). 

You could use the money to build the skills you need for a job. Or get some training to take your career to the next level. Whatever you want to do, there is a wide range of ITA approved courses on offer. 

ITA Scotland 

UK government postgraduate loans 

If you are planning to study with us, you could be eligible for a postgraduate loan towards your fees. From this year, online programmes are also eligible for this funding (please note, restrictions apply) 

This funding is available for UK nationals, those with settled status, and in some cases, EU nationals not resident in the UK. 

Learn more about postgraduate loans and submit your application 

Online application form 

Applications must be submitted through the University’s online application service, EUCLID. Offers cannot be made without a fully completed online application. 

Apply for this degree

Before submitting your application, please download and read the following guide for uploading documentation: 

Guide to uploading documents (29.5 KB Word) 

Register interest 

If you would like more information before applying for this programme, please link to the form below to register your interest. 

Register interest form 

Contact details 

Contact details for general enquiries and application information. 

MSc/Diploma Equine Science

Contact details

•  Work: +44(0)131 650 8783
•  Email: Equine.Science@ed.ac.uk

The University has a strong and long-standing commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and to promoting a positive culture which celebrates difference, challenges prejudice and ensures fairness.

Find out more