Equine Performance, Health and Welfare MRes; MSc
About this course
Take the reins of your future and transform your passion for horses and science with our dynamic suite of postgraduate courses, designed to deepen your understanding of equine health, performance and welfare in the context of human-horse interactions. As the equestrian industry evolves, there’s a growing demand for professionals with advanced theoretical knowledge and strong research skills – this programme provides exactly that.
Whether you’re looking to specialise in equine nutrition, behaviour, welfare, exercise physiology, health or, or reproduction, you’ll have the flexibility to tailor your studies to your specific interests. With a curriculum designed to bridge science and practical application, you’ll graduate equipped with the expertise to drive innovation and make a real impact in the equestrian world.
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Our equine facilities include a research arena, floodlit outdoor riding arena, indoor school, a horse walker, round pen, a dedicated performance analysis room with mechanical horse and a variety of equine housing systems including, traditional style stabling, American-barn housing and crew yards. -
Specialist research equipment includes heart rate monitors, GPS equipment, Qualisys motion capture system, Dartfish Pro Suite, Tekscan pressure mapping, Flir thermal camera, infrared camera system, Observer behavioural analysis software and mobile eye tracking systems. -
Our international research links provide opportunities and scope for a wide range of research projects both in the UK and abroad. -
97% of postgraduate taught students in the School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences would recommend studying at NTU (PTES 2024).
What you’ll study
Embark on an educational journey with our suite of courses – unrivalled across the UK. Dive deep into the latest advancements in equine health and disease, sports horse nutrition, behaviour, ethics, exercise physiology, equitation science, and reproduction. Each facet is meticulously curated to elevate equine performance, health, and welfare to new heights.
You’ll explore the most pressing issues shaping the equine world today, critically analysing the latest scientific insights and applying them to real-world contexts. Dive deep into the philosophical, ethical and legal challenges surrounding equine welfare, adeptly scrutinise them within a practical framework, all whilst gaining hands-on experience with research that makes a lasting impact. With expert supervision, your research project serves as a platform to cultivate and pursue your own research passions and find your niche in equine science, investigating the topics that matter most to you.
For those looking to take their expertise even further, our MRes courses offer the opportunity to specialise in equine performance or health and welfare. You will refine your analytical skills, enhance your ability to conduct high-level scientific research and present your findings at the pinnacle of scientific rigor, effectively communicating them to diverse audiences.
Equine Health
(20 credit points)
This module integrates recent advances in equine genetics, immunology, epidemiology and nutrition with current knowledge on the prevention of disease and sickness, in order to safeguard equine welfare. The topics covered include:
- clinical and applied nutrition
- immunology
- parasitology and microbiology
- equine genetic disease, and immunogenetics
- global disease factors
- aetiology and epidemiology of equine diseases
Equestrian Performance
(40 credit points)
Critically evaluate recent developments in the area of exercise physiology, injury and rehabilitation, in relation to performance horse management and welfare. A strong component of this module is the practical application of research tools to the measurement of performance. The topics covered include:
- equitation science
- biomechanics
- exercise physiology
- evaluation of the nutritional management of the performance horse
- assessment of fitness and performance for both horse and rider
- rehabilitation of the equine athlete
Ethics and Consultation
(20 credit points)
Explore ethical aspects of the modern horse-human relationship within the context of recent advances in animal welfare philosophy. Review the ethical and legal implications of advising and consulting within the horse industry in a professional capacity. The topics covered include:
- moral philosophy
- animal welfare and ethics
- cultural and social influences of attitudes to animals
- regulation of animal welfare (in statutory and regulatory organisations)
- the use of the horse in sport, production, research, and as a companion
- consultation, human behaviour change, knowledge dissemination, and legal implications
Ethology and Welfare
(20 credit points)
Evaluate the behaviour and management of the domestic horse (Equus Caballus) from a comparative ethological perspective. Compare the members of the Equidae and related species, taking account of habitat, ecological niche and patterns of behaviour. Evaluate methods of recording behaviour, and apply findings to the management and behaviour of the domestic horse. Review theoretical and practical methods of evaluating welfare, and apply them to a variety of situations, including stabled horses and those used in conversation projects. The topics covered include:
- diversity of Equidae and related species
- behavioural ecology
- methods of recording behaviour
- behaviour patterns in free-ranging and domestic species
- equine perception and cognition
- practical and theoretical aspects of welfare assessment
Research Methods and Data Analysis
(20 credit points)
Learn advanced skills in the interpretation of quantitative and qualitative research data relevant to whole-organism biology, and develop a critical understanding of the ethical considerations involved in the collection of data. You'll present your findings and research in a variety of ways, as well as critically evaluating, interpreting and relaying knowledge gained from secondary sources, to peers.
Research Project
(MRes 120 credit points, MSc 60 credit points)
Research in depth a chosen topic area related to equine performance, health, or welfare. Design and implement a relevant research project or equivalent technical or professional enquiry, with a strong aspect of originality. Communicate the findings to an informed audience in a comprehensive scientific report.
Our Equine Performance, Health and Welfare courses are offered as two Masters degrees (MSc and MRes)
MSc
The MSc comprises a taught programme of five modules and a research project.
MRes
The MRes offers two or three taught modules (depending on your specialism), and the opportunity to undertake an extended research project. You can choose to specialise in either equine performance, or equine health and welfare.
| Modules | MSc Equine Performance, Health and Welfare | MRes Equine Health and Welfare | MRes Equine Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research Methods and Data Analysis | Included | Included | Included |
| Ethics and Consultation | Included | Optional* | Not included |
| Ethology and Welfare | Included | Optional* | Not included |
| Equine Health | Included | Included | Not included |
| Equestrian Performance | Included | Not included | Included |
| Research Project | Included | Included | Included |
*Choose one of the optional modules
We regularly review and update our course content based on student and employer feedback, ensuring that all of our courses remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or module availability in future years.
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves
Hear from our current students and recent graduates as they tell you all about their time at NTU and what they've gone on to do next.
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How you're taught
Experience a dynamic and immersive learning journey with our expert-led teaching approach combining of lectures, seminars, hands-on practical sessions, and project-based work. You’ll not only build your theoretical knowledge but also gain valuable real-world experience by presenting your research to peers and esteemed academic staff – preparing you for success in the equine industry.
Independent learning is at the heart of our courses. You’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself into a subject you’re passionate about, conducting high-quality research for your Masters awards. From conceptualisation to execution, you'll craft and execute a pertinent research project, culminating in the meticulous communication of findings through a comprehensive scientific report.
What truly sets this course apart is the unrivalled access to our British Horse Society-approved Equestrian Centre - a premier facility with an international-size indoor and floodlit outdoor riding arena, a dedicated research arena, a performance analysis room featuring a mechanical horse, a horse walker, round pen, group housing pens, and a range of equine housing systems, from traditional stabling to American-barn style and crew yards. Plus, you'll have access to state-of-the-art laboratory and teaching facilities, ensuring you graduate with cutting-edge expertise.
With world-class facilities and an industry-driven curriculum, this course equips you with the knowledge, skills, and experience to excel in the equine sector.
Please note that field trip locations may vary and are subject to availability and change.
Careers and employability
The course will provide you with the professional skills, experience and knowledge necessary to pursue a wide range of careers within the area of equine science and health and welfare. Potential positions and fields include:
- research assistant in animal or biological sciences
- nutritionist
- medical marketing and sales
- scientific journalist
- lecturer
- equine consultancy
- rehabilitation
- equine behaviourist.
92% of our postgraduates from the School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences are in work or further study within 15 months of finishing their degrees (of those available for work or study, latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021/22).
In particular students wishing to pursue the MRes course may continue their career in research.
Research project: UK or abroad
Postgraduate students can undertake a research project in a chosen area of interest. This can be undertaken at Brackenhurst campus or elsewhere in the UK or abroad.
The School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences has many excellent links to partner organisations, conservation and welfare projects and academic institutions across the world. Because of our reputation, we’ve got some incredible global connections. Some of our industry and academic partners include:
- World Horse Welfare
- Fitzpatrick Referrals
- University of Guelph
- Swiss National Stud
- Newmarket Equine Hospital
Current research activity includes:
- performance analysis of horse and rider
- assessing ridden behaviour
- monitoring activity patterns
- assessing feeding behaviour
- welfare.
Re:search Re:imagined
To us, research is about more than writing papers and proposing new ideas. By daring to think differently, we’re disrupting the research landscape and finding the answers to the questions that really matter. From conservation management to sustainable farming, we’re inspiring the brightest minds to rise up and find solutions to some of the most significant global challenges facing society.
NTU Enterprise
You'll also have the opportunity to turn your ideas into a viable business with help from NTU Enterprise, NTU's purpose-built Centre for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, a support centre to help students create, develop and grow their own businesses.
Campus and facilities
As a dedicated home for our animal, rural and environmental science courses, the Brackenhurst Campus has a character all of its own. From the population of almost 2,000 students and staff to the animals themselves — cats and cattle, sheep and horses — it’s all about community. Relax with a coffee in the Orangery; kick back with your coursemates in the Brack Bar; enjoy the peace and quiet of our Victorian walled garden or Eco-Library; grab a pal and wander through 500 hectares of stunning countryside.
The Equestrian Centre and its many facilities at Brackenhurst campus are essential resources for the students studying on equine courses here at Nottingham Trent University.
Mary King Arena
The Equestrian Centre's indoor riding arena was re-launched by six-time Olympian Mary King. This is a 60 x 40 metre with a Prowax sand riding surface which includes a seating gallery area capable of seating 279 people for events or observing training and research. Indoor Cross Country jumps are available as well as a full range of show jumps. The Mary King Arena is effectively used for research, allowing horses to be loose schooled and our camera system records both training and research that can then be analysed using various software for both staff and student use.
Outdoor Riding School
60 x 40 metre with waxed sand and fibre surface, enclosed by fencing and fully floodlit with a full range of show jumps. We also have three permanent cross country fences that interlink onto a grass area to allow for cross country training.
Research Arena
This is a 40 x 20 metres waxed sand surface which is fully enclosed by seven-foot fencing to allow loose schooling. Observation holes in the fence allow staff and students to observe the horse(s) from outside the arena to reduce any influence on natural behaviour.
Stabling
The Equestrian Centre boosts a variety of housing for stabling the horses ranging from individual stabling in American barns to crew yards and pens. The varied housing allows for research and ensures the students experience a range of stabling options.
Park Hill
Park Hill is located a short drive away from our main Equestrian Centre and is home to five semi-feral ponies that are re-homed from Bransby Horses Rescue and Welfare Centre. The facility has grazing paddocks with field shelters, a round pen and an all-weather surface area for working with the horses. The horses housed at Park Hill are used extensively for research and also teaching within horse human relationships and working horses from the ground modules.
Equine Centre Classroom
Seats 24 and has fully installed audio visual equipment.
Livery
Stabling for over 30 DIY student liveries that includes use of the Equestrian Centre facilities.
Performance Analysis Room
Houses mechanical horse, iJoy Ride, Balimo Chair, Tekscan Pressure testing equipment and mirrors, all of which are utilised for clinics and workshops.
Technical Room
Computer equipment for student use during project work including use of research software such as Observer, OnTrack and Dartfish. This room can also be used for downloading data from cameras, heart rate monitors, mobile eye and other data collecting equipment.
And much more...
- Cross Country schooling paddock
- Horse walker
- Round pens for lunging/research
- Stocks and solarium
- Washbox
- Project rooms for staff and student research
- Large lecture rooms complete with A/V equipment located in the Bramley building
- Laboratory facilities located in the Bramley building and Veterinary Nursing Unit.
Our Brackenhurst Campus sits on the doorstep of Southwell: a picture-perfect market town filled with rustic pubs, cosy cafés, and boutique shops. A little further afield, and served by reliable buses that run late into the night, you’ve got Nottingham — one of Britain’s top 10 student cities, and one of Europe’s top 25. It’s stuffed with history, culture, and well-kept secrets to discover at your leisure: enjoy lush green spaces, galleries, hidden cinemas and vintage shopping by day, and an acclaimed food, drink and social scene by night.
Entry requirements
What are we looking for?
MRes
- A minimum of a 2:1 or equivalent honours biological sciences degree.
MSc
- A minimum of a 2:2 or equivalent honours biological sciences degree.
We specify these minimum entry requirements, but we will assess you individually on your ability to benefit from the course. We sometimes offer places on the basis of non-standard entry qualifications, and industrial or professional experience.
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please contact us at Ask NTU or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200.
NTU may admit a student with advanced standing beyond the beginning of a course, through an assessment of that student's prior learning, whether it is certificated or uncertificated. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available to these prospective students, such as recognising experiential learning or transferring to a similar course at another institution, otherwise known as credit transfer.
All prospective students who wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning should initially contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form
What are we looking for?
MRes
- A minimum of a 2:1 or equivalent honours biological sciences degree.
MSc
- A minimum of a 2:2 or equivalent honours biological sciences degree.
We specify these minimum entry requirements, but we will assess you individually on your ability to benefit from the course. We sometimes offer places on the basis of non-standard entry qualifications, and industrial or professional experience.
Student visas
Following an update to the immigration rules in January 2024, if you intend to study in the UK on a Student visa, you can only bring your partner / children (‘dependants’) if you are studying one of the following:
- a PhD or other doctorate (RQF8)
- a research-based higher degree.
Please note that all of our MRes courses are classed as ‘postgraduate taught’ and therefore do not meet the requirement for you to be accompanied to the UK by your dependants.
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:
Postgraduate preparation courses (Pre-Masters)
If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Pre-Masters courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:
English language entry requirements
You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees for September 2025
Mode of study | Home (UK) tuition fee |
Full-time | £9,900 |
Part-time* | £4,950 |
*please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.
Funding your studies
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there's no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and funding page will answer all your questions.
Scholarships
You might be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies. We award scholarships to those students who can demonstrate excellent achievement, passion and dedication to their studies.
Alumni Discount
We're happy to be able to offer a 20% alumni discount to most current NTU students and NTU alumni for September 2024 and January 2025 entry. This discount is currently available for those starting an eligible postgraduate taught, postgraduate research or professional course.
Field trips
Non-residential UK day excursions are included in the tuition fee. You will be charged a maximum of 20% of the price per student cost for any compulsory residential trips or courses in the UK, as a contribution towards travel, accommodation and entrance fees where applicable. For example, a typical 5-day UK residential field trip cost would be approx. £500 per student, and we would ask for a £100 contribution from students. You will be charged a maximum of 30% of the price per student cost for any compulsory overseas residential courses, as a contribution towards travel, accommodation and associated trip fees where applicable. For example, a typical 6-day residential overseas field trip cost would be approx. £600 per student, and we would ask for a £180 contribution from students. Other non-compulsory field trip opportunities, in the UK and abroad, may also be offered, and these will be charged at 80% cost to students. A valid passport and any associated visas will also be required for field trips outside of the UK.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service on +44 (0)115 848 2494 or for Scholarship help please contact us on +44 (0)115 848 4460.
Tuition fees for September 2025
Mode of study | International tuition fee |
Full-time | £17,850 |
Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.
Scholarships
We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.
Living costs
Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:
Paying fees
Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:
Field trips
Non-residential UK day excursions are included in the tuition fee. You will be charged a maximum of 20% of the price per student cost for any compulsory residential trips or courses in the UK, as a contribution towards travel, accommodation and entrance fees where applicable. For example, a typical 5-day UK residential field trip cost would be approx. £500 per student, and we would ask for a £100 contribution from students. You will be charged a maximum of 30% of the price per student cost for any compulsory overseas residential courses, as a contribution towards travel, accommodation and associated trip fees where applicable. For example, a typical 6-day residential overseas field trip cost would be approx. £600 per student, and we would ask for a £180 contribution from students. Other non-compulsory field trip opportunities, in the UK and abroad, may also be offered, and these will be charged at 80% cost to students. A valid passport and any associated visas will also be required for field trips outside of the UK.
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
How to apply
Ready to join us? Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow our step-by-step guide. You can apply for this course throughout the year. Most of our postgraduate and professional courses are popular and fill up quickly though, so apply as soon as you can.
Writing your application
Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. Make sure you include as much information as possible, including uploading evidence of results already achieved, as well as a personal statement.
Keeping up to date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please contact us at Ask NTU or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200.
Apply online through our NTU applicant portal.
Application advice
Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example. After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Writing your personal statement
Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
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