Course overview

The Horseracing Industry is a complex and multi-million-pound international sport, which generates a multitude of jobs and careers, from those working directly with the racehorse to those working behind the scenes in administrative and managerial roles.

Every person within the industry shares a passion for horses and a desire to build their career around the sport they love. The Horseracing Industry FdSc has been designed to help those within the industry broaden their horizons and open up opportunities to sustain a lifelong career in horseracing. It has been designed to allow you to complete it alongside your current work commitments.

Overview

Course Overview

This new and exciting Foundation Degree, with the option to progress to an Honours Degree, delivers a broad programme of learning and offers a fascinating insight into the horseracing industry.

You will cover everything from racehorse health and nutrition to race planning and performance analysis.

The 24 month programme, run primarily by The British Racing School but in partnership with Hartpury University, will involve home study as well as guided learning at The British Racing School and Hartpury campus.  At the end of a successful programme of study you can achieve a FdSc Horseracing Industry award from Hartpury University.

Employment opportunities for students upon completion are wide and varied. The knowledge and experience gained will bring a broader understanding of the horseracing industry and the options available to you on completion. It will also give you the skills to progress in your roles throughout your careers.

 

Entry Requirements

This is a new academic offer for the horseracing industry.

It will enable the British Racing School, in conjunction with Hartpury University, to offer and deliver a Level 5 qualification to those currently employed in racing.

This programme is aimed at those already working in the horseracing industry who have previously completed the Level 3 Diploma in Racehorse Care and Management or equivalent.

 

We welcome students with other qualifications, and previous learning towards a university level qualification or relevant work experience may count as a credit towards this course.

Please contact cath.goff@brs.org.uk to discuss.

Modules

The FdSc Horseracing industry consists of modules totalling 240 credits*

The first year consists of two strands, the first explores how the horseracing industry is structured, administered and funded.  The second strand focuses on the main player in the racing field, the racehorse and the factors that underpin racehorse welfare and management.

 

Year one (level 4) 

Compulsory modules

Equine Structure, Function, Health and Nutrition will introduce key features of anatomy, physiology and nutrition and understand the balance of health and disease in relation to racehorse management.

Racehorse Behaviour and Welfare will enable students to use knowledge of sensory perception and horse behaviour to underpin and inform evidence-based discussion of racehorse welfare.

Organisation of the Horseracing Industry explores organisations and bodies within the industry and how they interact within both the UK and international horseracing industry. The student will reflect upon communication and relationships of key stakeholders.

Independent Professional Portfolio I supports the student in creating a portfolio of experiences including at least one of the week-long intensive learning sessions and work placement to equip them with both practical skills and industry insight.

Your second year will build upon the academic skills and knowledge established during the previous year to enable you to produce a detailed evaluation of evidence-based approaches and practice, by using case studies and examples from across the horseracing industry. Current topics such as welfare and poor performance will be investigated enabling students to combine academic knowledge with their practical experiences.

 

Year two (level 5) 

Compulsory modules

The Thoroughbred Year develops the student’s understanding of the life of a thoroughbred from foal to retirement including the sales calendar throughout the year for both the flat and national hunt seasons.

 

Race Planning and Performance Analysis includes content of the programme book, the racing calendar in the UK and abroad, and students will gain an understanding of the handicap system, how handicap marks are allocated and develop an understanding of how horses are campaigned throughout a Flat and National Hunt season. Alongside gaining an understanding of current performance measures.

Poor Performance in Racehorses presents the student with common case studies of poor performance and supports evaluation of causation, treatment, management and future prevention. It encourages students to evaluate previous experiences to support deeper learning.

Independent Professional Portfolio II supports the student in creating a portfolio of experiences across the four week-long intensive learning sessions and work placement to equip them for a future career within the horseracing industry.

*Subject to validation.

Teaching and Learning

Students learn knowledge and understanding through attendance at monthly weekend teaching sessions and four one-week seminars at The British Racing School over the two-year period.

The 24 month programme will include guest speakers from the industry, and students will be exposed to a wide range of opportunities and possibilities across the sector.

You’ll benefit from the world class facilities at both The British Racing School and Hartpury University.  The British Racing School is a purpose built training centre on the outskirts of Newmarket, the headquarters of British horseracing. With extensive grounds and state of the art equipment it’s the premier training facility in the country. Whilst Hartpury University boasts some of the most advanced facilities in the world at an educational institution, on a campus that’s received over £50 million investment in the last 10 years. Alongside this, you’ll benefit from new learning centres, libraries, laboratories and classrooms to absorb yourself in your course.

Self-Directed Learning

Outside of timetabled sessions students are expected to undertake self-directed learning.   Typically, this will involve preparing coursework assignments, preparing presentations, researching and working on individual projects.

Estimated teaching hours

Year 1: 24% scheduled teaching 76% independent learning    0% placement learning

Year 2: 24% scheduled teaching 76% independent learning    0% placement learning

Students will be assessed throughout the course through a combination of coursework, practical and written exam assessments.

 

A range of types of assessments will be used to support you gaining different skills, and are estimated to look like:

Year 1                   Practical Examinations     25%
Coursework                          50%
Written Examinations       25%

Year 2                   Practical Examinations     25%
Coursework                          50%
Written Examinations       25%

 

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees and Financial Support

The tuition fees for students commencing the course in September 2023 are £8000 per 12 month period.

 

There are student loans available to help with these fees. Details of these can be found here

 

Below, you’ll find extra costs associated with studying this course.

 

Travel & Accommodation – you will need to consider travel and accommodation costs for the monthly weekend sessions at either The British Racing School or Hartpury University.

 

Printing – if you do not have access to your own printer, you may need to consider printing costs for course materials, although this will be kept to a minimum for environmental reasons.

 

 

 

Register your Interest

Interested in applying?

The register of interest for September 2023 intake will close on 19th May 2023, and the application window will run from 22nd May – 9th June 2023. 

 

Please complete the form below to register your interest:

FAQs

See below for the answers to some of our most frequent queries.

And if you can’t find an answer to your particular question, don’t hesitate to give us a call on 01638 675905 or email cath.goff@brs.org.uk, we’re here to help!

Please email cath.goff@:brs.org.uk to request an application form.

The register of interest for September 2023 intake will close on 19th May 2023, and the application window will run from 22nd May – 9th June 2023.  If you would like to register your interest outside of these dates please email cath.goff@brs.org.uk

You are asked to initially register your interest in the programme.  When the application window opens you will be emailed an application form to complete and return.  All applications will then be assessed and applicants invited for interview.  On successful interview you will then be allocated a place on the next available intake.

The 24 month programme has been designed to allow students to complete it alongside their current work commitments.

Yes. You will need to include details of qualifications held (ie A-Levels) in your application and will still be considered for the course.

Should this happen, tutors will offer support to help you catch up in missed learning

It is expected that students will apply for a maintenance grant to cover the costs of any overnight accommodation needed at The British Racing School & Hartpury University. Accommodation costs are likely to be £1,100 per year.  

The course will start in September 2023, exact dates will be confirmed nearer to the time.

 

The £8000 per 12month period covers all your tuition, including the weekend sessions and the week long modules at The British Racing School.

Meals are included in the accommodation costs at The British Racing School.

For the weekends at Hartpury, students will need to cover the costs of meals themselves.

The Degree programme will run with a maximum of 16 students in September 2023.

Yes. If you have any concerns about eligibility please email cath.goff@brs.org.uk

You can continue in your employment or you may want to explore the opportunities the Foundation Degree has opened up within the industry.

Students who have successfully completed a Foundation Degree can ‘top up’ their Foundation Degree to a full Honours Degree by completing further study at Hartpury University.

Students can apply for a student loan to help with/cover the costs.  Details of how to do this can be found here.

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