MSc Equine Performance, Health and Welfare

This suite of postgraduate courses provides a thorough understanding of equine health, performance and welfare within the context of the human use of horses. The courses have been designed to meet the growing number of equestrian professions that require a high level of theoretical knowledge, and strong research skills.

If you have any questions about our Equine course, you can now chat to our experienced lecturers and course leaders through Unibuddy.

Why study Equine Performance, Health and Welfare at Nottingham Trent University?

• These are unique courses in the UK focusing on Equine Performance, Health and Welfare at postgraduate level.
• NTU boasts major investment in biological sciences teaching and laboratory facilities. The specialist facilities for equine courses include several research arenas, floodlit outdoor riding arena, indoor school, a horse walker, round pen, a dedicated performance analysis room with mechanical horse and a variety of equine housing systems including, traditional style stabling, American-barn housing and crew yards.
• Specialist research equipment is available for use during student projects and teaching led activities including, heart rate monitors, GPS equipment, Qualisys motion capture system, DartfishProSuite(R), Tekscanpressure mapping, Flir thermal camera, infrared camera system to monitor 24 hour time budgets, Observer behavioural analysis software and mobile eye tracking systems.
• Modules are delivered by academics qualified to PhD level, who are research active in their area of expertise. Their international research links provide opportunities and scope for a wide range of research projects in the field of Equine Performance, Health and Welfare.
• Students can specialise in key areas of interest, for example nutrition, behaviour, exercise physiology, genetics and reproduction.
• Recent Masters graduates are now employed as lecturers, nutritionists, research assistants, equine journalists and independent consultants.
• Research in the School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences has been recognised as being of international importance (RAE 2013).
• Study routes available include taught MRes and MSc options.
• Undertake a major research project supported by research active academics. Research projects can be undertaken in the UK or abroad.

Careers and employability

The course will provide you with the professional skills, experience and knowledge necessary to pursue a wide range of careers within the area of equine science and health and welfare. Potential positions and fields include:

• research assistant in animal or biological sciences
• nutritionist
• medical marketing and sales
• scientific journalist
• lecturer
• equine consultancy
• rehabilitation
• sports psychology and coaching
• equine behaviourist.