BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Equine Management

Course overview

The course is a two year qualification and is designed for students who wish
to focus their studies on the equine management sector, wishing to progress to
employment or higher education. Each course offers opportunities to develop
practical and supervisory skills in addition to the scientific theory of equine
management. The course has a mix of practical and science based modules, with
riding and non riding units available.

Level 3 courses offered:

• Level 3 Extended Certificate in Equine Management (1 year)


• Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Equine Management (1 year)


• Then have the opportunity to progress to Level 3 Extended Diploma in
  Equine Management Year 2

Routine duties on a rota basis, including weekends, are an essential part of
the programme. This will involve working on the equine unit doing early morning
practical duties before the normal timetabled day begins. It is a requirement to
spend time working in the industry.

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. 

The first year provides a foundation in topics such as Equine Structure Form and Function, Equine Diet and Nutrition, Equine Health and Husbandry and Equine Behaviour. The second year completes units in Managing Equine Disease, Managing an Equine Yard, Equine Business Management and pathways for equitation & coaching and rehabilitation & research.

Students must complete 150 hours of work experience each academic year (300 hours over two year course) with an employer related to the equine industry, to put new skills into practice and develop vital networks for next steps in employment. Students must also undertake 75 hours of real life working with and around horses to achieve the qualification.

How will I be assessed?

In the first year students have two written exams in Equine Structure Form and Function and Equine Diet and Nutrition. The second year students sit the written exam in Managing Equine Disease. Students take part in practical assessments demonstrating the technical skills through realistic tasks and activities and assignment work to show their knowledge and academic skill.

What is it like to be a student on this course?

Students are able to take their passion further by covering a range of equine units which have a strong basis for developing the technical skills recognised by the equine sector. In the second year students are able to pick a pathway to aid their progression. Over both years students gain hands on technical skills by completing routine duties on our College yard.

Facilities are designed to mimic real world yard set ups including facilities such as stabling for 60 horses, 2 indoor schools, 1 outdoor school, horsewalker, solarium, hot wash bay and horse simulator. Second year students start to develop their leadership and supervisory skills which are meaningful to future employers. 

Routine duties are completed on a rota basis, including weekends; these are an essential part of the programme. This will involve working on the College’s yard completing early morning practical routine before the normal timetabled day begins. Second year students are also engaged in weekend show duties on a rota basis.

Industry links

British Horse Society (BHS), British Grooms Association (BGA), British Equestrian Federation (BEF), Racing to school, UCAS (Higher Education).  The course content theory and practical contribute to the skills required to complete optional additional qualifications such as British Horse Society qualifications which are meaningful to employers.

Please note: these are not part of the funded programme and will be an extra cost.

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 4 and above to include English and Maths OR a Level 2 in a related subject plus English and Maths, at least grade 4

Progression routes