Equine Performance Science
Take your equine knowledge, academic skills and research practice to the next level. Study for a Master’s with residential weeks at ARU in Writtle.
It's possible for UK students to study this course part-time. You'll take the same modules as MSc/MA students, but sometimes in a different order or in different years.
As a part-time student you'll typically study for twice as long as full-time students. For example if the MSc/MA course takes one year, you can expect to study over two years, though for some courses this may vary.
Save money on your course fees as an ARU graduate.
See if you're eligible for our Alumni Scholarship
If you’re passionate about the science behind advancing equine athletic performance, this is the course for you.
Blending online and campus study, you’ll explore topics including gait evaluation, injury pathophysiology and rehabilitation, advanced nutrition, and equitation science and human influences on performance. You’ll learn how to assess, monitor and enhance both performance and welfare in real-world contexts.
You’ll graduate ready to drive innovation and deliver better outcomes for horses and riders alike.
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Learn how you can deliver better outcomes for horses and riders
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Study through a combination of online learning and residential weeks at ARU in Writtle
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Use dedicated equine facilities and industry-standard equipment on campus
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Learn from experienced tutors and industry professionals
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Develop scientific, analytical and communication skills tailored to careers in performance management, therapy, nutrition or research
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Fit your studies into your life, with options to study full- or part-time
Study at an award-winning university
We were named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.
Careers
Prepare for a career in the competitive and evolving equine sector.
Whether your future lies in performance, therapy, research or consultancy, this MSc prepares you to drive innovation and deliver better outcomes for horses and riders alike. As well as gaining scientific and therapeutic knowledge and skills, you’ll develop as a leader, communicator, and problem-solver.
Graduation doesn't have to be the end of your time with us. You might decide to continue your academic career and join a research programme at ARU. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and save £400 on your fees.
Teaching and modules
Develop the knowledge and skills to keep equine athletes on top form.
Using our dynamic online platform, you’ll learn the theory behind equine evaluation, welfare, biomechanics and sports medicine, and nutrition, as well as the horse-human dyad. You’ll also explore potential careers and develop professional skills.
You’ll spend two weeks in June on campus, putting your new skills into practice with our horses. You have the option to spend an additional two weeks carrying out data collection, which may inform your Major Project – a substantial research project on a relevant topic of your choice.
Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.
- Welfare of the Performance Horse (15 credits)
- Professional Practice in Equine Science (15 credits)
- Advanced Equine Biomechanics and Sports Medicine (30 credits)
- Optimising Nutrition for the Equine Athlete (15 credits)
- Applied Research for Equine Postgraduates (15 credits)
- Human Influence on Equine Performance (15 credits)
- Performance Evaluation and Enhancement (15 credits)
- Major Project (60 credits)
- Equine Performance in Practice (2 residential weeks in June) (0 credits)
- Data collection (2 residential weeks in June or July) (0 credits) *
It's possible for UK students to study this course part-time. You'll take the same modules as MSc/MA students, but sometimes in a different order or in different years.
As a part-time student you'll typically study for twice as long as full-time students. For example if the MSc/MA course takes one year, you can expect to study over two years, though for some courses this may vary.
Read profiles of teaching and research staff on this course.
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Professor Roberta BlakeProfessor
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Briony WitherowSenior Lecturer
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Jane HartLecturer in Equine Performance
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Rosa VerwijsSenior Lecturer in Equine Behaviour and Nutrition
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Susan MooneySenior Lecturer
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Chloe MabbuttLecturer in Equine
Facilities
Study equine courses with ARU in Writtle and benefit from our Equine Training and Development Centre.
On our 150-hectare campus, we have around 70 horses, a working stable yard, indoor and outdoor riding arenas, an oval horse walker, and a therapy barn. We also have a DIY Livery Yard for your horse.
You’ll also be able to make full use of facilities including extensive library and IT resources and access support, should you need it, with study skills, careers advice, health and wellbeing, and more.
Take a guided tour and meet our students.
Equine Academy: support for talented riders
The Equine Academy at ARU Writtle supports a group of competition-level riders every year. It offers training sessions for the rider, stabling for the horse, and access to our equine facilities and experienced support staff.
Find out more about Equine Academy eligibility and how to apply.