Bloodstock and Equine Performance Management with Foundation Year

This degree course with a foundation year incorporates an extra year of study at the start of your course, so that you can progress with confidence. It will develop the skills you need for your later studies. It is particularly suitable if:

• You don’t have the grades for immediate entry onto a three-year course

• You have non-traditional qualifications or experience

• You’re starting university after some time away from education

• You’re looking for more support during the transition into university study

This programme focuses on the themes of breeding, training, health, welfare and nutrition for all performance horses. You will also study bloodstock industry specialist modules, which allow you to explore the unique nuances and challenges of this sector.

'"The programme equips students with the skills, knowledge, and adaptability needed to contribute meaningfully to the bloodstock industry"

Ed Bailey, Ed Bailey Bloodstock

Teaching on this programme includes a wide range of industry speakers representing both national and global organisations. This is combined with the latest research in equine science, to produce graduates who can take scientific advancements into industry practices and drive the future of equine performance management.

There will be plentiful industry visits and industry leading guest speakers allowing you to learn from the best there is. There will also be an optional study tour to Ireland to explore the Irish bloodstock industry as a comparison to the UK. This will incur an additional course supplement of £700 to cover the cost of the tour.

Work Placement

You will complete a 15-week work placement in year two. Students have completed placements at prestigious companies such as Highclere Stud, France Galop, Newsells Park Stud, Jockey Club Estates and Arena Racing Company. If you wish to undertake an extended period of work there is the option to complete a year in the workplace.

The Integrated Foundation Year is suitable for applicants who have taken level 3 qualifications (A-levels, BTEC etc.) in the UK. Overseas students who have not studied in the UK and completed their secondary education in their country, should look at taking an International Foundation Programme in order to meet the entry criteria for the degree programmes offered by the RAU.

Please note that a foundation year is not the same as a foundation degree (FdSc). A foundation year will usually lead onto a three-year degree course, whereas a foundation degree is a standalone qualification generally studied for two years.

https://www.rau.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/bsc-Bloodstock-equine-performance-foundation

The programme has a variety of assessment styles to encourage the application of knowledge in ways appropriate to the industry or to develop core graduate skills. Many of the assessments occurs via coursework or practical assessment rather than traditional examinations. Coursework exercises include (but are not limited to) written essays and reports, practical application of skills, reflective portfolios and oral presentations which may also include using audio visual media. Where examinations are utilised, these are generally ‘seen’ scenarios whereby the paper is made available to students 2 weeks before the assessment date or open book where students can take their course notes into the exam room. The open book or seen exams are looking for students to analyse, evaluate and apply, rather than just to retain knowledge.