Equine Science MSc, PgDip, PgCert, PgProfDev (Online Learning)

This programme involves an in-depth scientific approach to managing health and welfare, reproduction, behaviour, nutrition and exercise for horses.

You will also learn how to practically apply a scientific approach to benefit:

• horse health
• welfare
• performance

Our online programme is the first and only Equine Science programme to be hosted within an international centre of veterinary excellence. It provides students with detailed knowledge and understanding of equine science and its applications and is excellent preparation for enhancing your equine career or future independent research such as a PhD.

Online learning

Our online learning technology is fully interactive, and award-winning and enables you to communicate with our highly qualified teaching staff from the comfort of your own home or workplace.

Our online students not only have access to Edinburgh’s excellent resources but also become part of a supportive online community, bringing together students and tutors from around the world.

The University of Edinburgh is currently ranked 15th in the World in the QS World University Rankings 2023.

Graduates from this research-rich taught MSc will be prepared for employment in research establishments, such as:

• universities and research institutions
• industry, such as feed companies, stud farms, pharmaceuticals and consultancy firms
• government organisations, such as ADAS and DEFRA
• welfare organisations such as the RSPCA, WSPA and WHW
• Watch short film interviews with recent graduates from the programme

Programme structure

The taught part of the programme consists of a series of courses, while the final year is devoted to a dissertation.

Certificate and Diploma courses:

• Research Methods Data Analysis (Equine Science)
• Equine Digestion and Nutrition
• Equine Behaviour and Welfare
• Equine Orthopaedics
• Equine Reproduction
• Equitation Science
• Equine Exercise Physiology

Dissertation

Your final year dissertation of a maximum of 9,000 words will allow you to analyse and present relevant research data that you have collected yourself. Alternatively, you can undertake a desk study to explore and develop your own area of interest.

Programme duration

Students can take between 3 and 6 years to complete the full MSc programme and there is also the option to graduate with either an Equine Science postgraduate certificate or diploma.

Postgraduate Professional Development

Postgraduate Professional Development (PPD) is aimed at working professionals who want to advance their knowledge through a postgraduate-level course(s), without the time or financial commitment of a full Master, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate.

You may take a maximum of 50 credits worth of courses over two years through our PPD scheme. These lead to a University of Edinburgh postgraduate award of academic credit. Alternatively, after one year of taking courses, you can choose to transfer your credits and continue on to studying towards a higher award on a Master, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate programme. Although PPD courses have various start dates throughout the year you may only start a Master, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate programme in the month of September. Any time spent studying PPD will be deducted from the amount of time you will have left to complete a Master, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate programme.