Equine Behavioural Science
Further your knowledge and understanding of horse behaviour and welfare management with our practical, hands-on degree.
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.
As a student here you’ll study specialist behaviour modules and use your knowledge to analyse and evaluate all areas of horsemanship, such as training, nutrition and welfare management.
You’ll be based in the Equine Training and Development Centre, which offers extensive facilities including a working stable yard, riding arenas and an equine therapy barn. There are around 70 horses on campus, and you’re able to bring your own horse to university too: find out more about our DIY Livery Yard.
Our course team includes industry-experienced staff and practitioners in equine rehabilitation, behaviour, nutrition and breeding, as well as competition riders and UKCC coaches.
We also work with the International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants (IAABC) to bring you specialist tuition from renowned equine behavioural scientists. When you graduate, you’ll be able to apply for professional membership of the IAABC and receive ongoing support throughout your career.
Course options
Key facts
- STUDY OPTIONS 3 years
- START DATES September
- LOCATION Writtle
- ENTRY UCAS code: D4E2
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FEES
- £9,535 UK students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)
- £16,700 International students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)
3 years full-time
You’ll learn both theoretical and practical skills relevant to working with horses, covering their biology, psychology, ethology, cognition, health, nutrition, breeding, welfare, training and rehabilitation.
You'll develop the skills to apply scientific technologies and research to analyse behaviour and wefare cases, and the techniques to develop ethical behaviour modification plans for the rehabiitation of horses with undesirable behaviours.
You’ll cover broader skills such as research methods and business skills, to prepare you as a behavioural scientist. You’ll graduate being able to evidence 'first day competence' when applying for employment in the equine industry.
Modules are subject to change and availability.
Assessment
We'll assess your progress in a number of ways including practical assessments (including yard skills), essays, technical reports, case studies, video assessments, experimental work and write-ups, poster presentations, oral presentations, role play, exams (both multiple choice and essay questions), and a dissertation.
Core modules
- Equine Anatomy and Physiology (15 credits)
- Equine Practical Skills (15 credits)
- Equine Health Management (15 credits)
- Equine Nutrition (15 credits)
- Breeding and Foaling (15 credits)
- Saddle Fit and Farriery (15 credits)
- Introduction to Psychology and Welfare (30 credits)
- Into ARU
Entry requirements
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Fees and paying for university
Facilities
Study equine courses with ARU in Writtle and benefit from our Equine Training and Development Centre. We have around 70 horses on campus, with a working stable yard, indoor and outdoor riding arenas, an oval horse walker, therapy barn. On our 150-hectare campus with grazing and space for events we have a DIY Livery Yard for students' horses. Take a guided tour and meet our students.
During your studies, you’ll have access to specialist equipment including Flir Thermal Imaging Cameras; Polar Heart Rate and Heart Rate Variability Monitors; Operant Devices and collection area with phantom mare.
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.
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.
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Academy barn - Writtle students are able to bring their own horses to university with them on DIY livery.
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Lecturers
Our course team includes industry-experienced staff and practitioners in equine rehabilitation, behaviour, nutrition and breeding, as well as competition riders and UKCC coaches.
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Rosa VerwijsSenior Lecturer in Equine Behaviour and Nutrition
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Susan MooneySenior Lecturer
Careers
As a graduate of our BSc (Hons) Equine Behaviour Science degree, you'll have the scientific knowledge and skills to pursue a career as an equine behaviour consultant. You will also be able to apply for professional membership of the International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants (IAABC), which offers ongoing support, mentorship and CPD opportunities as you progress in your career.
As well as working as an equine behaviour consultant, you could consider a career in training rehabilitation or as a:
- research assistant in equine or biological sciences
- nutritionist
- scientific journalist
- lecturer
- welfare assessor/advisor
- police horse trainer
- advisor to governing bodies
- charity advisor.
Graduation doesn't have to be the end of your time with us. You might decide to at ARU and study for a Masters, such as our MSc Equine Performance Science.
