BSc (Hons) Equine Science and Management Top-Up Course

BSc (Hons) Equine Science with Management (Top-Up)

A ‘top up route’ to a BSc honours degree for those who already hold a Foundation Degree, HND or equivalent qualification.

Course Details

  • Department

    Equine
  • Qualification

    Level 6
  • Course Type

    Full Time
  • Length

    1 Year
  • Location(s)

    York

Course at a glance

The BSc (Hons) Equine Science with Management (top-up) degree programme has been tailored for aspiring professionals who want to unlock the opportunities within the equine industry.

UCAS Code

D4D6

Awarding Body: Harper Adams University

Centre Code

A70

What you will learn

As the equine industry evolves, the demand for skilled individuals with understanding of both scientific principles and business acumen remains key to the industry. Our programme is designed to equip you with the knowledge and practical skills needed to thrive in this ever-changing field.

Dive into the latest advancements in equine science, business, and marketing, ensuring you’re at the forefront of industry innovation. From scientific principles to business management strategies, you’ll have the opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding that could set you apart in the competitive equine market. You will also have access to our commercial, BHS approved Equestrian Centre facilities to support your studies.

This intensive one-year course can empower you to apply your newfound knowledge and skills to real-world situations. Whether you’re preparing for the workforce or planning to pursue further studies, this programme can prepare you for success every step of the way.

As part of the honours pathway, you’ll undertake a research project, allowing you to delve into a subject of particular interest. Your research could even lead to publication, setting you on a path of academic excellence and professional recognition.

This programme is a ‘top-up’ route to a BSc Honours Degree for those who already hold a level 5 qualification e.g. Foundation Degree, HND or equivalent qualification.

This course is 1-year full time (part-time study may also be available – contact he@askham-bryan.ac.uk for more information about part-time study).

Electives

*We cannot guarantee placement on your preferred elective if the module does not meet the minimum enrolment requirements or is oversubscribed due to resource limitations*.

Key Information

Applicants should have achieved:

An overall pass or above in Foundation Degree (FdSc) or a HND (or equivalent level 5 qualification) in an appropriate subject.

 

 

 

Applicants who believe they may be eligible for Accreditation of Prior Certificated and/or Experiential Learning (APCL/APEL) will be considered on an individual basis.

If you have any queries in relation to entry qualifications, then please contact the University Centre directly.

Students studying the course may enter a wide variety of roles in the industry as a scientific researchers, nutrition, medical technology and diagnostics, behavioural and welfare and ethical spheres amongst others

Many students may progress further onto a Masters, PhD or other professional body courses.

UK, Isle of Man and Channel Isles Students on BSc Honours Degree/ BSc (Hons) Top up/ Foundation Degree/ Extended Foundation Degree/ Higher National Diploma Fees:

2025/26 = £9,000 per academic year

2026/27 = £9,275 per academic year

Please note that the fee status of each applicant will be assessed prior to any offer being made (Home Fee or Overseas/International Fee). Where required further information may be requested ensure the correct fee status is allocated. For further information about on studying in the UK and fee status, please visit UKCISA

Non-Home (Overseas Students) on Honours Degree/ Foundation Degree/ Extended Foundation Degree Fees:

2025/26 = £14,000 per academic year

2026/27 = £14,450 per academic year

Fees are charged per academic year of the course. Please note that if any restudy or reassessments are required there will be additional fee costs associated to this. Please see refer to information on tuition fees and additional costs via Student Finance 

Please note: fee information is correct as at the time of issue; tuition fees may also be subject to an inflationary increase which will be reviewed annually, inline with UK Government and Office for Students guidelines on permitted tuition fee levels.

There is no requirement for students to undertake work experience as part of the Top Up degree.

However, we would always encourage students to continue their professional development with undertaking experience in their own time.

University Centre Askham Bryan fosters diverse skills through a range of engaging assessment methods tailored to hone industry standard subject skills, as well as transferable skills and graduate attributes. From traditional coursework to time-constrained assessments that sharpen quick thinking, with each assessment opportunity you can showcase your abilities.

You will engage in online assessments blending technology with information for adaptable problem-solving. Whilst presentations amplify your voice, and scholarly viva-voce discussions deepen understanding. Practical assessments bridge theory with real-world application, helping to shape your subject expertise.

With our varied approach, learning isn’t just about meeting standards—it’s about discovering your potential within an educational landscape.

In addition to tuition fees and accommodation if applicable. Students will need to budget for some extra costs as part of this course, which you will need to pay for yourself.

Below is a link to a list with approximate additional course costs to help with your budgeting. However, it is important to speak with the course manager as you may not be required to ride during this top up degree. Lab PPE will be required by all students.

Additional Course Costs (UCAB)

 

Livery Options and Equine Welfare

We offer tailored student DIY livery packages for those who wish to bring their horses with them during their study period. We provide a separate, quiet yard for livery horses which are set away from the main college yard. All livery packages include:

12×12 stable in an American barn set up with automatic water drinker and rubber mats
Ad-lib hay/haylage
Access to turnout paddocks
Use of all facilities, including arenas; wash bays, solarium, horse walker, weigh bridge and much more – subject to availability
Miles of hacking, on and off road
On-site professionals including vets/farriers
Private lockable tack room
All yards are operated by CCTV
Training opportunities, including clinics/competitions on site

Price as of January 2026 is £60 per week with a £100 stable deposit, refundable at the end of the academic year provided no money is owed or damages are to be covered. All horses should be vaccinated accordingly and no horses under 5 years old can be on site due to our licensing.

All livery enquiries: Shaun.malpass@askham-bryan.ac.uk

At Askham Bryan College, horse welfare is at the heart of everything we do. Our equine facilities operate in line with the British Horse Society (BHS) welfare standards, ensuring that every horse receives the highest level of care. Student participation in daily yard duties is essential to maintaining these standards, as it provides hands-on experience in feeding, grooming, health checks, and stable management. By engaging in the day to day running of the yard, learners develop practical skills and a deep understanding of welfare principles, preparing them for careers where responsible horse care is paramount.

To meet these needs of the horse, we facilitate a regular turnout plan in our equine paddocks, which all have equine safe fencing, perimeters and access to fresh water and constant forage. We ensure horses are grouped accordingly to meet the guidelines of the five domains in equine welfare.

We are firm believers that horses should be horses and in line with this, we ensure our horses are taken off college grounds during holiday periods to have some down time, with the opportunity of living as naturally as possible.

We offer a structured work plan for our horses, matching their ability, age, and fitness level. This will range from rehab work through to flat work, jumping, and hacking.

Classroom skeleton of a horse

Askham Bryan College Video