Equine Studies HNC
Course code 624D
What is special about this course?
If you love horses and would like to make a career out of working with them, the HNC Equine Studies at our Rural Studies Centre in Halkirk is the course for you.
You will learn the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to be able to work with horses to a high standard. You will also be prepared for your BHS exams.
Special features
- You will receive intensive training as part of your course, including preparing for BHS exams
- You may have the opportunity to take part in local competitions
- You will develop key business and management skills
Entry requirements
- NC Equestrian Skills or Business Studies
- Business qualifications with equine experience may also be considered
- Applicants with other qualifications or experience will be considered on an individual basis
Access routes
- It may be possible, with some additional bridging, to access with HNC Business.
Year 1 - HNC
Mandatory units are:
- Care of the competition horse
- Preparation of horses for competitions
- Graded unit 1
- Equine anatomy and physiology
- Equine facility management
- Equine fitness
- Equine health
- Equine nutrition
- Equine selection
Option units may include:
- The brood mare
- The stallion
- Creating a culture of customer care
- Driving the single turnout
- Equine youngstock
- Equitation
- Equitation for the leisure industry
How will I study my course?
- Full-time
- Part-time (structured)
- You will learn through a combination of scheduled video conference lectures and tutorials, and online study via our virtual learning environment (VLE), with support from your tutors
- You will also be expected to attend a minimum of two intensive four-week blocks of riding and practical activity at the Rural Studies Centre, in Halkirk, Caithness. These dates will be confirmed to you before the start of the course and will take place in semester one and semester two. All other study can be completed from your own location online
How long will my course last?
- Full-time: 1 year
- Part-time (structured): 2 years
Where can I study my course?
- North, West and Hebrides - Online
- This fully online course can be studied from anywhere in the UK. You should apply to, and will be enrolled and supported by, UHI North, West and Hebrides
Start date
- September
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.
| Higher National Awards (HNC, HND) | 2024-25 | 2025-26 |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time per year | £1,285 | £1,285 |
| Part-time (per HN credit) | £86 | £86 |
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, the following fees apply:
| Higher National Awards (HNC, HND) | 2024-25 | 2025-26 |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time per year | £7,110 | £7,440 |
| Part-time (per HN credit) | £474 | £496 |
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.
International students
For students who do not normally reside in the UK, including EU/EEA and Swiss nationals without settled or pre-settled status in the UK, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
This includes EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are not self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
| Higher National Awards (HNC, HND) | 2024-25 | 2025-26 |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time per year | £8,775 | £8,925 |
| Part-time (per HN credit) | £585 | £595 |
Part-time study is not open to international student requiring Student Route visa sponsorship to study in the UK.
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.
What can I do on completion of my course?
On completion of your course you might like to consider roles in equine retail, equine facilities, studwork or as a competition groom in equine and leisure, either at home or abroad.
Can I progress into further study?
You can progress to the BA (Hons) Equine Business Management at UHI North, West and Hebrides.
Is there more information available online?
You can use the above QR code to connect directly to the course details.
Apply for Equine Studies HNC
For more information, or to begin the application process for this course, please email info.nwh@uhi.ac.uk
We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at the University of the Highlands and Islands. We operate a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of gender, age, disability, ethnicity and socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.