Bloodstock and Performance Horse Management (Taught)

This intensive, one-year course in Bloodstock and Performance Horse management is unique to the Royal Agricultural University. It is designed to provide a stepping-stone into the equine sector and support those interested in a career in the UK's world leading bloodstock and performance horse industry. A graduate diploma is a UK qualification that is a recognised higher education FHEQ Level 6 qualification, equivalent to a final year undergraduate programme, that is often used as a conversion degree supporting students to develop a new disciplinary focus, in this case the UK bloodstock and performance horse industry.

The equine industry in the UK is diverse and covers a range of different sectors including horse racing and bloodstock production, the sport horse sector including the Olympic disciplines and the leisure sector. Each of these areas in turn are served by a range of organisations providing goods and services, and the sport side of the industry also supports wider industries such as leisure, tourism and hospitality.

Within this programme there is a strong focus on the breeding and production of horses for racing and performance. You will study the underpinning principles of equine reproductive physiology and genetics, which is then built upon to cover modern approaches to equine breeding and stud management, including assisted reproductive technologies as used in the sports horse sector. You will gain unique insight into the production of bloodstock in the UK context, as well as the place of the UK within the global bloodstock industry. Teaching will also cover the most recent development in training and performance optimisation across a range of equestrian sports, as well as orthopaedic injuries and rehabilitation practices. This content is supported with trips and visits to racing yards and studs both local to the university and in Newmarket, the racing capital of the UK, alongside an optional study tour to Ireland.

It is likely that you will have already acquired elsewhere a range of intellectual and transferable skills. However, this programme enables you to:

Understand the scientific theory behind the practical application of performance horse management
Focus on the breeding, genetics and production of bloodstock
Explore the training and sports physiology of performance horses
Achieve a blend of science theory and practical industry visits for the application of knowledge
You will be taught by lecturers with extensive industry experience and high profile, research-active academics who will inspire your studies and set you on the path to becoming an equine professional, equipping you with the knowledge and skills you need to understand and address challenges within the industry.

You will study six modules, working on case studies, assignments, and management projects as well as visits to equine businesses.

Prospective students are strongly encouraged to complete pre-course reading in order to secure a minimum basic knowledge of equine anatomy and physiology to prepare you for the rest of the course.