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MSc - Master of Science
Hartpury University
Full Time
SEP-25
1 year
Select a course option
MSc - Master of Science
Hartpury University
Full Time
SEP-25
1 year
MSc - Master of Science
Hartpury University
Part Time
SEP-25
2 years
Select a an exam type
Course overview
Improve the welfare of horse and rider through ethical decision-making underpinned by the latest scientific research. This course can be studied in CPD module blocks, making it ideal for professionals, or via more traditional academic pathways.
World-leading experts
You’ll learn from leading lecturers and industry experts who are changing the world of equitation science, influencing the development of new ethical policies and practices that challenge the status quo. They will support you to make evidence-based assessments of horse and rider welfare in a range of contexts including during training and competition.
World-leading facilities
Combining learning, research and commercial activities, our facilities will enable you to apply theory to practice as part of real-world projects, using the latest technologies. These include 230 horses on campus, an Equine Therapy Centre, Equestrian Centre hosting over 200 events each year, and an Equine Assisted Activities Arena.
Ideal for professional CPD
The course is ideal for graduates and professionals, offering more traditional academic or shorter CPD qualifications. Block module delivery makes it ideal for professionals looking to upskill to help fulfil organisational objectives and missions.
A mix of online and campus delivery, full and part-time options, makes it easy for you to fit your studies around other commitments.
What you'll study
MSc
Focus on the application of equitation science principles in real-world practice. You’ll develop knowledge and understanding of the latest scientific advances surrounding the popular area of horse-human interactions. You’ll investigate the benefits of connection for both parties, developing your ability to promote positive affective states.
Practical sessions and demonstrations will facilitate first-hand experience of the application of equitation scientific theory. Our campus provides the base for a range of learning contexts including humans and horses in therapy, competition and leisure. Through our industry networks, you could also study equestrian services (policing or military uses) and the working equid within developing countries.
Projects recently undertaken have uncovered new welfare understanding of nocturnal behaviour, workload modelling, dietary supplement efficacy, performance parameter assessments and the therapeutic benefits of equine therapy.
Whilst learning how to design and deliver evidence-based welfare assessments for the horse, you’ll appreciate the wellbeing of the human partner. You’ll develop your skills using a multidisciplinary approach to explaining horse training, for example, from a learning theory perspective that removes anthropomorphism and emotion.
Enabling you to engage with and influence the wider equestrian industry, you’ll also be supported to understand proven human behaviour change theories, utilising key psychological principles to change minds and improve national and global practice.
Your dissertation will enable you to research an area of your own interest. In addition to compulsory modules, you’ll select from specialist modules in equine biomechanics and further investigate equestrian research. These modules have been designed to widen your appreciation for the role of the horse in society.
Postgraduate Certificate and Postgraduate Diploma
Studying a postgraduate certificate or diploma is ideal for those who want to complete a specific part of this master’s degree, without the academic research (see module section for details of topics included). You’ll have the option to top-up your qualification to a full master’s degree on completion.
Students need a 2:1 honours degree in a relevant subject. Students with 2:2 and relevant experience will be considered on a case by case basis. Students with non-relevant qualifications but with sufficient work experience or professional experience will be considered on an individual basis.
Students living in
Domestic
£11,000 per year
Students from Domestic
This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)
£18,750 per year
Students from EU
The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.
£18,750 per year
Students from International
The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.
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