Course overview
Love horses and want to start a career in the equine industry? This Level 2
Diploma is equivalent to four GCSEs and is designed to give you the skills and
knowledge needed to work in the horse industry.
You’ll get a great introduction to the knowledge and skills needed to work
with horses including routine duties on a rota basis. Routine duties on the yard
at the college will give students a taste of what it is like working with horses
on a full-time basis.
These skills will be developed through a mix of guided practicals and
classroom teaching including routine duties on the yard and riding lessons.
Routine duties on a rota basis are an essential part of the programme. This
will involve working on the equine unit carrying out practical duties. Work
experience is carried out throughout the year.
Modules
Knowledge and skills are developed through a mixture of practicals and theory. Practical skills are further developed through routine duties, enabling students to develop key employment behaviours and skills. Riding and Non riding pathways available. Units include:
- Equine tack and Equipment
- Introduction to Equine Biology and Health
- Work placement
- Introduction to Equine Biology and Health
- Practical Equine Behaviour
Students must undertake 75 hours of real life working with and around horses to acheive the qualification.
How will I be assessed?
Students have two online exams for Introduction to Equine Biology and Health and Introduction to Equine Biology and Health. Students will take part in practical assessments demonstrating the technical skills through realistic tasks and activities and assignment work to show their knowledge and academic skills.
What is it like to be a student on this course?
Students gain support to develop their passion for horses further, gaining technical skills and knowledge through practical and theory sessions. Employability skills and behaviours are developed through working with the horse during practical and routine duties. Students benefit from learning in a realistic working environment as we have stabling for 60 horses, 2 indoor schools, 1 outdoor school, horse walker, solarium, hot wash bay and horse simulator.
Industry links
British Horse Society (BHS), British Grooms Association (BGA), British Equestrian Federation (BEF), Racing to school.
Work experience
Industry placements enhance your studies and are an important part of your course. They ensure you develop the key skills, knowledge and behaviours necessary to be successful in your chosen industry, resulting in you leaving college ready for the world of work. It is compulsory to undertake an element of work experience when studying a Level 1, 2, or 3 course. The number of hours you must complete will depend on your level of study.
Course Level:
- Level 1 – Minimum of 30 hours of industry placement
- Level 2 – Minimum of 75 hours of industry placement
- Level 3 – Minimum of 150 hours of industry placement (per year of your course)
- T Level – Minimum of 315 hours of industry placement
Student testimonial
“I chose my course as I felt I would be the best course to suit my needs, both from a learning point of view and practically. The practical skills I’ve gained at Plumpton have really boosted my confidence around horses.”
Lucy Skitt – Level 2 Diploma in Horse Care
Entry requirements
4 GCSEs at grade 3 and above to include English and Maths OR a Level 1 in a related subject plus English and Maths, at least grade 3 or Functional skills level 1
Progression routes
Students can progress onto our Level 3 equine course, or enter employment at a trainee level in equine centres.
Bursaries
Financial support could be available to you depending on your household income, eligibility criteria, and level of study. A bursary, which is money given directly by the Government, could help fund bus travel, accommodation, course equipment, college meals, or educational trips.
Course Fees
Students aged 16-18 on 31st August in the year of starting the course do not pay tuition fees.
Adults aged 19+ may be entitled to a tuition fee waiver on certain courses (where the Government pays the tuition and assessment fee) if any of the following apply:
You are aged between 19 and 23 and:
- This is your first Full Level 2 or Full Level 3 qualification.
- You are undertaking English and Maths up to and including Level 2.
- You are unemployed or economically inactive and your gross annual income is below £26,800.
- Your course is part of the Level 3 Free Courses for Jobs offer (and you meet the earnings threshold)
You are aged 24+ and:
- You are studying a Level 1 or Level 2 course and are unemployed, economically inactive, or earning below £26,800 gross annually.
- You are undertaking English and Maths up to and including Level 2.
- Your course is part of the Level 3 Free Courses for Jobs offer (and you meet the earnings threshold)
All students pay a standard facility fee of £150 to use communal, non-educational facilities.
Material fees apply to Floristry, Blacksmithing and Metalwork, Agricultural Engineering, and Motor Vehicle students.
Equipment & PPE
Students on a 14-16, Level 1, 2, 3, or Foundation Learning course may be required to purchase equipment such as a uniform, PPE, or kit before starting their course. Material fees are applicable depending on the course studied.
Start dates
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