What you'll study
This course includes a varied and vibrant selection of modules covering a number of specific commercial areas. You'll study both compulsory and optional modules, which you'll be able to choose from to suit your interests and career goals. Optional modules change each year in line with student, industry and research demands - you'll find recent topics studied below. The modular structure of the programme gives you flexibility and choice, and you can attend introductory sessions for optional modules to help you decide which ones are best for your individual career pathway.
During your studies, you’ll also have the opportunity to complete an industry-recognised Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) Level 3 Award in Marketing Principles. The CIM is the world’s leading professional marketing body.
Module credits
On successful completion of your modules you’ll gain academic credit that accumulates towards your awards. The marks you gain in your final two years on campus may contribute towards your final degree classification.
This year will focus on fundamental business topics and help you to gain essential skills and knowledge across a wide range of areas. This varied first year will not only equip you to study at higher levels, but will also help you identify which areas of business and the equine industry are most of interest for your future career.
Compulsory Modules
Professional Development and Influence within the Equestrian Sector
An introduction to learning theory and human behaviour in relation to developing an understanding of reflection of self and how humans interact and influence others.
Equine Structure and Function
Learn about the biological systems of the horse, how they interact and how they can be managed.
Equine Industry
Explore the dynamic world of the equine industry in the UK and internationally. Gain an insight into its structure, scope and key organisations while examining the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the sector.
Understanding Business Economics and Financial Information
Analyse external factors and how they contribute to fluctuations in business economics through research and real-world application. Study various financial statements, ratios and trend analyses across multiple organisations and communicate the findings effectively for stakeholders.
Introduction to the Principles of Marketing
An introduction to marketing models and strategies.
Equestrian Project Management
Gain an understanding of the importance of project management and self‐reflection to aid professional development.
During this year, you’ll be able to select from a wide range of optional modules that you’re interested in, which may include equine events management or hospitality, or you may wish to study equine-specific modules. The industry placement forms an important and exciting part of your second year, helping to prepare you for your final year and graduate career.
Compulsory Modules
Professional Placement Experience in the Equestrian Sector
You'll be supported to complete a minimum of 150 hours of work experience during the year, which can be in a variety of equine focused establishments in the UK or abroad.
Equestrian Research in Professional Practice
Through data driven analysis of customer perceptions and service expectations carry out market research to plan and problem solve to positively impact equestrian business performance.
Equestrian Media Relations
Explore the complexities of Public Relations in the sports industry and develop press writing skills.
Accounting Information for Business
This module is designed to help undergraduate appreciate the role of management accounting within organisations, it majors upon capital investment, product and service costing, budgeting and working capital management.
Applied Equine Nutrition
Investigate the horse’s nutrient requirements and how to manage a horse’s diet.
Equestrian Event Management and Fundraising
Explore the operational aspects of event management and the customer experience.
Equine Musculoskeletal Diagnostics
Students will learn about diagnostic procedures used by vets for common lameness conditions.
Equine Performance
Understand how performance horses are exercised and trained to meet the specific demands of various disciplines.
Human Resource Management
This module enables students to explore the holistic human resource process of recruitment within organisations. As part of the assessment students will have the opportunity to develop and engage in ‘real life’ assessment centre activities, creating vital preparation for future employment opportunities.
International Stud Management
This module allows student to gain an understanding of stud management when breeding Thoroughbreds or Warmbloods, and challenges this involves. The module combines the application of scientific principles to the required decision making and actions during the annual stud cycle.
An optional integrated placement year before your final year gives you the opportunity to put your knowledge and skills into practice and gain valuable industry experience. Many students gain their graduate roles with the organisation with which they undertook their work placement.
Your final year allows you to focus on areas of particular interest to you, and you’ll be able to select from a range of optional modules to support you in your future business career or postgraduate study.
One module is your dissertation, a substantial research project that enables you to plan, implement and report on a specialist topic. In addition, you’ll be exposed to contemporary commercial challenges and advanced theory and practice including insights into areas of focus for industry research.
Compulsory Modules
Undergraduate Dissertation
Immerse yourself in independent research and analysis in a related area with one-to-one support from an academic.
Sales, Negotiation and Customer Service
Gain strategies and techniques to develop communications skills in order to influence, sell and negotiatewithin the equine industry.
Sustainability and Global Responsibility within the Equestrian Sector
Explore and analyse current business practice within the global equestrian industry in relation to long term sustainability.
Creating Equestrian Content for Media Platforms
Explore and create industry ready media content for a variety of media platforms.
Optional Modules
Equine Nutrition for Performance
Evolution of feeding strategies to support athletic performance in the horse, whilst maintaining good health.
Equine Therapy and Rehabilitation
This module appraises current research and practice in complementary therapy and rehabilitation for equine orthopaedic conditions.
People, Leadership and Change
Exploring the structure, diversity and culture of organisations in relation to leadership and change management.
Sports Sponsorship and Brand Development
This module allows students to explore the role and significance of sponsorship within the sports industry. They will have the opportunity to align theory with practice by developing a new sponsorship proposal for a chosen sports property.
Strategic Management
This module allows students to explore the strategic practices and principles utilised by global companies. Through an appreciation key external and internal impact factors students will put theory into practice and create a new strategic direction for an allocated organisation.
Volunteering within the Equine Charity Sector
Practically apply theory and knowledge of the equine charity sector to a real-life volunteering environment, proposing methods of raising awareness of their work as an organisation and reflecting on personal development during time spent in industry.
