EDUCATION MATTERS
NEW EQUINE DIPLOMA LAUNCHED AT HARTPURY
Hartpury College has launched a new qualification providing students with the specialised knowledge to pursue a number of rewarding careers within the equine industry .
The two-year Extended Diploma in Equine Management ( Science ) at Hartpury – an Ofsted Outstanding institution – will enable students to gain detailed academic knowledge and an in-depth understanding of equine science .
The qualification , which complements existing provision in equine management and business at Hartpury College , will help to open up a route into a wide range of exciting career options within the equine industry , including equine behaviour and nutrition , scientific research , and veterinary physiotherapy .
Students will learn through a mixture of theory-based lessons in classrooms , laboratory work , and practical sessions at the Hartpury Equine Centre ( subject to Covid-19 restrictions ), where world-class facilities include the Equine Therapy Centre and the Margaret Giffen Centre for Rider Performance .
The qualification , which is now open for 2021 enrolment , also includes a supported work placement within the equine industry to provide students with real-world experience , to further enhance their career prospects .
The new diploma underlines Hartpury ’ s long-standing commitment to ensuring its graduates gain the essential skills and experience that are sought after by UK and international employers .
After successful completion of the diploma , students could progress directly onto an equine-related degree course at Hartpury University , including BSc and MSc Equine Science , followed by PhD study .
Recent equine graduates from Hartpury , which offers an extensive range of diplomas , degrees and PhDs , have embarked on careers with a number of major employers , including international stud farms , racecourses and the Hong Kong Jockey Club .
Tom Hallam , Director of Animal , Equine and Land at Hartpury College , said : “ We ’ re extremely excited to have added the new Extended Diploma in Equine Management ( Science ) to our large portfolio of specialist courses .
“ We ’ re proud to work closely with several organisations within the equine industry , meaning we ’ re able to develop qualifications that are industry-relevant and will enhance the career prospects of our students .
“ The new course will equip our students with the skills , knowledge , and expertise to move into a successful career within the equine or animal industries , or provide them with the level of qualification they need to move on to Higher Education .”
The new diploma doesn ' t involve riding as part of the qualification , but if students do wish to ride , there are plenty of opportunities to do so outside of their studies through Hartpury ’ s Equine Academy and equine clubs .
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Scotland ’ s Rural College Invests in New Aberdeen Equine Centre
Scotland ’ s Rural College ( SRUC ) is investing £ 310,000 to create new stables for up to six horses , a ménage , equipment storage , and supporting facilities for students , at its Craibstone campus in Aberdeen .
The SRUC Aberdeen Equine Centre will create new opportunities for students to learn practical skills .
SRUC will be seeking planning permission for the project in the next couple of months . It is expected that most of the centre will be completed by the end of this summer , in time for the arrival of the first cohort of students on the HNC / HND Equine Studies courses at Craibstone . The ménage will be completed later in the autumn .
The new HNC course gives students practical experience and knowledge of horse care and riding , while the new HND course provides additional experience and knowledge in management within the equine industry . Both courses are open to students with no prior riding experience and can be studied on a full or part-time basis . Equine studies students will have the opportunity to progress on to degree courses such as Veterinary Nursing or Rural Business Management .
Teaching at the new equine facilities will supplement practical teaching delivered by Aberdeen Riding Club through its partnership with SRUC . SRUC also offers Equine Studies courses at its campus in Oatridge , in West Lothian , which is the home of the Scottish National Equestrian Centre .
Caroline Argo , Dean of SRUC ’ s North Faculty , said :
“ Horse husbandry , training , and business management skills are in high demand . We ’ re delighted to be able to offer more opportunities for students to help them enter and flourish within the equine industry . We ’ re looking forward to our role as an integral part of the equine community across the North of Scotland .”
In December 2020 , SRUC announced a £ 50,000 upgrade to a cottage on its Tulloch Farm to support agriculture students . SRUC has also recently engaged in a community consultation on future concepts for its campus in Aberdeen .
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