Equine Science

Our online MSc in Equine Science is the only one of its kind in the world.  

It offers you the opportunity to study for a Postgraduate Certificate, Diploma or Master’s degree, part-time and over a period of one to six years (depending on which level you are looking to undertake and the amount of time you can spare to undertake your studies). 

Studying online 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. You will also have contact time with your tutor and fellow students from around the globe, due to the emphasis we place on student support and meaningful interaction. You may even make a few good friends along the way! 

Among our students are those looking to continue their studies after their first degree; those at the outset of their career; those looking to change track and those looking to progress in the field they are in. Some of our students undertake the programme due to their passion for horses, rather than professional interest. Regardless, our focus is always to provide a quality education that will enable you to fulfil your potential and develop an advanced understanding of equine science. 

You will learn about a range of topics during your studies, including scientific methodology used in equine science, equine digestion and nutrition, equine behaviour and welfare, equine orthopaedics, equine reproduction, equine exercise physiology and equitation science. 

Acclaim 

Bryony Lancaster and Sharon Boyd were nominated for the Edinburgh University Students' Association (EUSA) Teaching Award this year for both the 'Personal Tutor' and 'Support in Student Learning' categories. The Equitation Science course was also nominated in the 'Best Course' category. 

MSc, PGDip, PGCert, PPD

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 

Research and analysis 

Students will work towards gaining: 

• an increased understanding and awareness of the application of scientific principles to the study of equine science 

• the ability to apply this knowledge in research and in a more practical context 

• the ability to use effective and modern methods for describing and analysing scientific data 

• enhanced ability to communicate scientific results and information in research and other forms of debate 

• sufficient understanding of equine science to undertake independent research or a PhD research programme in this field 

• the knowledge for undertaking philosophical debate relating to the use of horses 

Intellectual skills 

Students will aim to be able to: 

• apply the skills needed for scientific study and research 

• critically evaluate research and a variety of information 

• collate information from a variety of sources in order to gain a coherent understanding of the subject area and produce a concise summary of the information 

• apply knowledge and understanding to solve a variety of familiar and novel problems 

• design, undertake, analyse and report a scientific study 

• apply scientific knowledge to aid equine performance and welfare 

The 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. 

The programme is structured to allow sequential progression via Certificate, Diploma and MSc phases (final year). However, it is also possible to exit at the Certificate or Diploma phase. The Certificate year can take 1-2 years, the Diploma year can take 2-4 years and the full Master’s can take 3-6 years depending on how much time you can dedicate per academic year. 

Thus, the programme is very flexible and students can also opt to take time out if work or family life impact too much on study time. Moreover, it is possible to pay by individual course (module) to help spread the cost of your studies. 

The Certificate and Diploma phases

The Certificate phase comprises three compulsory courses from the options below. Each course is taught over a period of 10 weeks. The Diploma phase comprises of six compulsory courses from the options below. If students intend to continue onto the final Master’s phase, Research Methods in Equine Science is a prerequisite. 

The MSc phase (dissertation) 

During the dissertation element of the programme, students will have the opportunity to further develop their scientific skills and use scientific theory, in a less structured environment. 

The dissertation is a written assignment of 9000 words. This will allow the candidate to analyse and present relevant research data that they have already collected during their own work. Alternatively, the candidate may wish to undertake a desk study to explore and develop a theme of relevance to their current working environment, or in an area of interest that has arisen during their period of study on the programme. 

This feature will require a high level of commitment and application from the candidate and provides a valuable exercise in the writing and presentation of information to a standard that engages appropriately with academic conventions in relation to style, tone, structuring and referencing. 

Supervision for this element of the programme will be provided by existing research staff and subject experts currently employed by the University of Edinburgh. Candidates will also be encouraged, where appropriate, to work closely with senior staff at their home institutions. 

Overview of structure of the programme 

The taught curriculum is completed entirely online from one's own home or office during times that are convenient to the schedule of today's busy individual, and is comprised of study guides, lecture notes, textbook and journal excerpts, and online assessments. A key feature of the programme is the interactive online discussions, which enable students from a range of disciplines to bring unique perspectives to a variety of subjects. Online discussion groups offer students additional opportunities to interact with teaching staff and peers. 

Equine Digestion and Nutrition 

This module is designed to provide 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 

The anatomy and physiology of the equine alimentary canal will be studied to provide students with a detailed understanding of the equine digestive system. The pathophysiology of selected equine alimentary diseases will also be studied. 

Information will be given on the nutrient requirements of horses involved in all types of work. Nutrient sources for horses will be discussed, with emphasis placed on the health and welfare issues surrounding the inclusion of various types of feedstuffs in horse diets. 

Evaluation of the methodologies used to determine the nutritive value of feedstuffs for horses will also be undertaken and will include a review of the current research and ethical issues surrounding experimentation in the horse. 

Students will also formulate diets for horses performing various activities and will be able to make recommendations on rations for all classes of horses. 

For details about the course, including the learning outcomes, you can visit the  Degree Regulations & Programmes of Study page. 

Equine Behaviour and Welfare 

This course is designed to introduce equine behaviour with particular emphasis on the effect of environment on both the behaviour and welfare of the developing and adult horse. 

• 20 credits 
• Course leader: Dr Sebastian McBride 

Issues surrounding abnormal equine behaviour are discussed and the primary concepts of animal learning and how they can be applied to equine training will also be presented. 

The course will also deal with behaviour at the neurophysiological level as a way of improving, through a mechanistic approach, an understanding of specific equine behaviours from both a causal and functional perspective. 

For details about the course, including the learning outcomes, you can visit the  Degree Regulations & Programmes of Study page. 

Equine Orthopaedics 

This course will present an in-depth analysis of selected topics that affect the British sports horse industry. 

• 20 credits 
• Course Leader: Dr Richard Reardon 

The anatomy, physiology and athletic adaptation of the equine musculoskeletal system will be considered with emphasis on the possible applications of recent research into disease, injury management and prevention. 

A critical aspect will be that students learn how to logically evaluate presented data and assess its value, mainly in the form of reviewing set publications on these topics. 

The lectures and presentations will be augmented by discussion sessions. 

For details about the course, including the learning outcomes, you can visit the Degree Regulations & Programmes of Study page. 

Equine Reproduction 

In this course the students will learn about the anatomy of the reproductive tract in the mare and stallion in relation to natural breeding and assisted reproductive technologies. 

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

• Anatomical problems will be discussed in relation to fertility problems. 

• Reproductive endocrinology in the mare and stallion will be covered in the subfertile/infertile animal, and in relation to abnormal sexual behaviour. 

• Fertility problems, foaling difficulties and how to investigate and correct them will be discussed in detail. 

• The theory and practice behind ultrasonography, artificial insemination, semen collection and evaluation, and embryo transfer. 

• The course will also include problem solving with real case scenarios. 

For details about the course, including the learning outcomes, you can visit the  Degree Regulations & Programmes of Study page. 

Equine Exercise Physiology 

This course will provide students will a detailed understanding of exercise physiology and the adaptations that occur in response to athletic function. 

• 20 credits 
• Course leader: Bryony Lancaster 

This course will provide students will a detailed understanding of exercise physiology and the adaptations that occur in response to athletic function. It will focus on the design and suitability of various training regimes for all classes of the equine athlete and methods of assessing and monitoring fitness in the horse. 

Consideration will also be given to the health and welfare of the performance horse and the evaluation of the current research in this area of equine science. 

For details about the course, including the learning outcomes, you can visit the  Degree Regulations & Programmes of Study page. 

Equitation Science 

This course is designed to provide an in depth knowledge of equine learning behaviour and an understanding of the effects of human/rider on the training and welfare of horses, allowing students to pursue careers in research, industry or academia. 

• 20 credits 
• Course leader: Gemma Pearson 

Equitation science promotes an objective, evidence-based understanding of the welfare of horses during handling, training and competition, to improve the horse-rider/handler interaction by explaining horse training from an ethological and learning theory perspective. The objective is to encourage the use of scientifically validated training methods to identify training techniques, approaches and equipment which are ethical, sustainable and effective and highlight those which represent problems for equine welfare. Equitation science therefore involves the development of an understanding of the application of psychological principles such as learning theory, motivation and cognition as well as equine ethology, welfare assessment, biomechanics and rider psychology. 

This course is designed to further develop the student’s scientific skills, knowledge and ability to utilise an evidence-based approach when dealing with horses. 

Two aspects of the emerging discipline of Equitation Science are crucial to the improvement of equine welfare. Firstly, the underpinning of both horse and human/rider training with learning theory and, secondly, the use of technology to provide objective data for traditionally subjective measures (eg. saddle pressures, rein tension/contact, stride length, weight distribution). There is a clear need for tertiary level Equitation Science education in order to produce graduates capable of promoting sound ethical practice and scientific rigour within the equine sector. Equitation Science is applicable to all horses and horse riders/handlers from the professional elite riders and trainers through to the amateur and leisure horse owner. In fact anyone who cares about and is interested in the behaviour and welfare of horses will benefit from gaining an understanding of how to decide upon the most ethical training methods to use based on scientific evidence, be that in hand or under saddle. 

For details about the course, including the learning outcomes, you can visit the  Degree Regulations & Programmes of Study page. 

Research Methods in Equine Science 

Scientific Methodology begins with a focus on foundation concepts, which must be understood and appreciated by professional scientists. 

• 20 credits 

• Course leader: Dr Ian Handel 

Emphasis is placed on the concept of scientific investigation including the importance of collecting data of the highest possible 

quality. Once collected data must be analysed efficiently using appropriate statistical methods and the principles of statistical methods are presented. 

Once analysed data must be written up and the skills and methods required for this are included in the course. This foundation work is then built upon through a discussion of more complex statistical methods, including epidemiological concepts and the introduction of survey and interview techniques the module prepares participants for actual research work in the field. 

An opportunity is given to ‘bring everything together’ in the presentation of project material and the evaluation of published papers. At the end of the module participants should feel confident about undertaking their MSc projects. 

For details about the course, including the learning outcomes, you can visit the  Degree Regulations & Programmes of Study page. 

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 

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

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.