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Increase your career prospects with an equine degree

BSc (Hons) Equine Science Hannah Dickson - Outstanding Achievement in undergraduate research in Equine Science Award winner

BSc (Hons) Equine Science Hannah Dickson – Outstanding Achievement in undergraduate research in Equine Science Award winner

The debate goes on but the message is clear: studying for an equine science degree hugely improves your career prospects.

This was the main topic of conversation when Reaseheath College in Cheshire partnered Horse & Hound, Britain’s most respected information source, in a recent on-line careers webchat.

Equine lecturers Kate Douglas-Dala and Jess Denham, both Advanced Practitioners at the college, were inundated with questions from young people planning their future careers and from others who are already employed but looking to progress or change careers.

Here are some examples of their advice:

Lots of employers say equine colleges are not preparing graduates adequately for work in the industry. Why should I bother to get an academic qualification?

  • All Reaseheath’s equine degrees are focussed on employability. All courses include the opportunity to work practically with horses, from stable management through to gait analysis using the latest mechanical software.
  • Reaseheath places high importance on employability skills. Graduates leave with a skills portfolio which demonstrates they have both practical competencies and the paper based qualifications to succeed in the industry.
  • Undergraduates complete a work placement as part of their course, Many employers are so impressed with our students’ skills that they offer them paid employment once they have gained their qualification.
  • We work with a wide range of partners, allowing our students to gain experiences and contacts within the industry. For instance we provide the arena party at prestigious international events such as the Horse of the Year Show and Bolesworth International.
  • What really sets us apart are our links to industry including The International Committee on Equine Exercise Physiology, the Advancing Equine Scientific Excellence Group and key industry stakeholders such as the Cheshire Racing Hub. These links have opened the door to collaborative research projects, conference attendance bursaries and a range of research opportunities.
FdSc Equine Science and Management graduates Rebecca Webb, Rebecca Wilkinson, Amy Cunningham, Dame Sarah Storey DBE and Kate Douglas-Dala (lecturer)

FdSc Equine Science and Management graduates Rebecca Webb, Rebecca Wilkinson, Amy Cunningham, Dame Sarah Storey DBE and Kate Douglas-Dala (lecturer)

I’m a mature student thinking of changing career? Will I be able to cope with returning to learning?

  • We’re noticing an increase in the number of mature students who have chosen to ‘pursue their dream’ and retrain for a career in the equine industry. We offer a range of support to this student group to facilitate a stress free return to studying.
  • Our course team is always ready to help with any specific challenges. We have a fantastic learning centre which supports undergraduates individually or by using a combined peer approach. Students can also have one-to-one sessions with a specialist tutor.
FdSc Equine Science Complementary Therapy and Natural Horsemanship

Successful Foundation Degree in Equine Science, Complementary Therapy and Natural Horsemanship graduates celebrate with Course Manager Dawn Gale and Dame Sarah Storey

Do you favour candidates with a science background?

  • We prefer you to have some science based qualifications for our Level 3 Diplomas and particularly for our BSc routes. However, this may include ‘A’ levels such as psychology or physical education or other science related studies.

We’ve got a range of new degree programmes on offer, to find out more visit our Higher Education equine course pages.

 

Careers webchat, live with Horse and Hound

If you’re waiting for your results and wondering whether a college course will get you that dream job with horses, check out our live careers webchat in association with the UK’s leading equestrian magazine, Horse and Hound, on Wednesday 12 August, 12 noon – 2pm. Catch up and take part here:

www.horseandhound.co.uk/live-careers-chat

While you are waiting for the webchat why not check out our students as they provide the arena party at Bolesworth International:

 

Reaseheath’s senior equine science lecturer Kate Douglas-Dala, who has been involved in the development of Reaseheath’s degree programmes, and Jess Denham, who manages the college’s popular Level 2 Diploma in Horse Care, will be online to answer your questions on university, on-job training and life in the equestrian industry.

Both have extensive experience of working in the industry previous to joining Reaseheath. Kate, who lectures on horse nutrition, welfare and behaviour, was a veterinary nurse specialising in grass sickness cases at the Royal Dick Veterinary Hospital in Edinburgh. Jess was an equine yard supervisor at another college, responsible for the welfare and care of 40 horses as well as supporting students.

Kate has an MSc degree in Equine Science while Jess has a BSc (hons) degree in Equine Studies. Both hold a PGCE teaching qualification and are horse owners themselves.

For more details on our equine degrees and diplomas visit https://www.reaseheath.ac.uk/horseandhound or phone 01270 613242

About Reaseheath College

Recognised as one of the UK’s leading specialist colleges, Reaseheath College in Nantwich, Cheshire, works closely with industry bodies to ensure that the skills of its students match the demands of the world of work. This ensures a high rate of employment for equine graduates and opens up opportunities for young people, whose practical skills and knowledge are appreciated by employers.

Reaseheath has invested £50 million into cutting edge technology and world class facilities on campus, with a further £30 million planned over the next four years.

Our equine students tell us they most enjoy:

  • Riding in our fabulous indoor arena or two outdoor arenas, all with synthetic surfaces
  • Working horses from the ground in our round pen, purpose built for natural horsemanship
  • Our range of 60 horses, in small yards and for all standards of riders
  • Flicka, our mechanical horse!
  • Their supportive and experienced tutors and lecturers
  • Preparing for extra qualifications such as BHS exams and college certificates
  • Joining our Riding Club with its competitions and clinics
  • Helping to organise masterclasses and national shows or joining our arena team at the Horse of the Year Show and Bolesworth International Show Jumping