Equine Business Management BA (Hons)

What is special about this course?

The BA (Hons) Equine Business Management programme will introduce you to all aspects of today’s modern equine business.

It will help equip you with the skills you need for a career in equine business management including marketing, research, and sports science, as well as specific equine modules such as: equine selection; equine business management; equitation; work placement; current issues and legislation in the equine industry; equine behaviour; equine anatomy, physiology and health; and equine fitness, nutrition and welfare. Additionally, this programme is endorsed by the British Horse Society and we offer free training towards BHS exams.

You will undertake project work where you will investigate real-life situations, which will enable you to put what you have learned into practice. You may also have the opportunity to take part in equestrian events and activities organised throughout the year.

Guest speakers and the use of equine evidence-based research will ensure you have access to relevant and current industry information.

This programme offers unique flexibility: you can choose a riding or non-riding route (or a mixture of both) and enjoy access to our equine campus, horses and staff, or you may choose a remote study option, coming to us for blocks of time or using your own training centre at your own expense.

Special features

• Small classes give you a more personal experience of university
• You will undertake equine-related classes and research projects using practical situations
• Access to our purpose-built equestrian centre, where you will be taught by professional staff highly experienced in the industry
• Access to industry links and possible employment opportunities
• Access to a unique range of quality horses
• Riding and non-riding routes are available from year 1
• Opportunities to take part in equestrian events and activities may be offered throughout the year
• Opportunity to study remotely from your own location  (this option is not open to all international students – please check with Programme Leader) 
• International students will have the opportunity to study remotely in years 3 and 4 following a specific framework

Accommodation

We offer modern student accommodation at a number of our locations.

Entry requirements

Entry to year one (CertHE):

• 3 Scottish Highers at Grade C or above or equivalent OR
• 2 A levels at grade C or above OR
• NC in Equestrian Skills or Business Studies including level 6 study
• Applicants with other qualifications or experience will be considered on an individual basis
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) may also be considered for those who have gained British Horse Society qualifications. Please contact the course team for more details

Advanced entry to year two of the degree:

• Direct entry to year 2 may be possible with an HNC in an equine-related subject, or business subject with equine experience

Advanced entry to year three of the degree:

• Direct entry to year 3 may be possible with an HND in an equine-related subject, or business subject with equine experience

Access routes

• It may be possible, with some additional bridging, to access with HNC Business or HND Business subjects

Year 1 - CertHE

Core modules are:
Semester 1

• Introduction to business

Semester 2

• Horses for courses: introduction to the equine industries

Semesters 1 and 2

• Introduction to equine fitness, nutrition and welfare

You will also choose three option modules which may include:

Semester 1

• Introduction to Sport and Exercise Science

Semester 2

• Introduction to sports coaching and leadership
• Introduction to the customer centred business

Semesters 1 and 2

• Activity performance and skill acquisition
• Introduction to equine anatomy physiology and health
• Introduction to equitation

Year 2 - DipHE

Core modules are:
Semester 1

• Managing an equine business
• Equine behaviour

Semester 2

• Horses for courses: introduction to the equine industries (core bridging module for those entering year 2 with non-equine level 7 qualifications)

You will also choose four option modules which may include:
Semester 1

• Retailing

Semester 2

• Principles of sport and exercise psychology
• Movement analysis

Semesters 1 and 2

• Equitation: practical application
• Applied coaching and leadership
• Introduction to equitation 7 (for those who have not completed this module and are at, or working towards, stage 1 standard)
• Work placement
• Event planning and organisation

Year 3 - BA

Core modules are:
Semester 1

• Current issues and legislation in the equine industry

Semester 2

• Research skills

You will also choose four option modules which may include:
Semester 1

• Developing entrepreneurial effectiveness
• Sport and exercise science: a critical analysis

Semester 2

• Marketing communications
• Niche tourism (equine)
• Employment law in the human resource context
• Small business planning

Semesters 1 and 2

• Work placement
• Advanced Equitation
• Design, manage and evaluate human fitness and physical performance

Year 4 - BA (Hons)

Core modules are: 
Semester 1

• Equine behaviour and welfare management

Semesters 1 and 2

• Dissertation

You will also choose three option modules which may include:
Semester 1

• Strategic marketing
• Innovation and enterprise

Semester 2

• Major event analysis
• Business strategy
• Legal issues in sport and fitness
• Niche tourism (equine) - if not selected in year three

Semesters 1 and 2

• Work placement
• Advanced methods for coaching and instruction
• Advanced equitation (if not taken in year 3)

Fees

For students normally domiciled in Scotland, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:

This includes

• EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status in the UK,
• EEA/Swiss nationals with settled status in the UK
• EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.

Rest of UK students

For students normally domiciled in the rest of the UK (England, Wales and N. Ireland, including Channel Islands and the Isle of Man) and with a term time address in Scotland studying this course full time, the following fees apply:

4th year free only for students studying full-time, on continuous study, who have paid for the previous three years at the University of the Highlands and Islands.

Part-time (per 20 credit module) - £1,542.

Fees are payable in advance each academic year unless otherwise agreed.

There are a number of funding options available to UK students to help you pay for your studies and your cost of living while studying.

EU/EEA and Swiss nationals without settled or pre-settled status in the UK

Following the UK’s departure from the European Union, the Scottish Government confirmed that EU/EEA and Swiss nationals, who do not have settled or pre-settled status, will be considered as international for fee purposes. Students will get an automatic scholarship of £3,000 per annum and the 4^th year of study will be free for those studying full-time, on continuous study, who have paid for the previous three years at the University of the Highlands and Islands.

This includes EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are not self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.

Students will need Student Route visa sponsorship to study on the UK.

International students

For students who do not normally reside in the UK or European Union and with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:

Part-time study is not open to international students requiring Student Route visa sponsorship to study in the UK.

Further information on international course fees.

A no fee increase guarantee is available for self-funding full-time and structured part-time rest of the UK, EU and international undergraduate students for continuous study for the same award, up to the permitted standard time limit for the relevant award.

Funding

UHI has a number of scholarships, bursaries, awards, and discretionary fund opportunities available to new and current students. Please use the A-Z of funds or use the filter to see which ones may be relevant to you. All students are welcome to apply.

Further information on funding your studies is also available, please see the attached link or contact the relevant UHI partner.

Additional costs

There could be additional student costs for remote study, working with an accredited coach and optional work placements depending on location of placement.