Course Aim
The distance learning programmes provide an opportunity for people interested in the equine industry to gain a University of Limerick accredited qualification in Equine Science. Course delivery is sufficiently flexible to accommodate work commitments, personal circumstances and geographical location and allows those who are presently in employment to further their studies.
Course Content
The distance learning programmes are modular based. The Honours Certificate consists of 15 modules plus a Co- operative Education Stage (30 weeks). The follow on Diploma consists of 10 modules. Each module has a European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credit weighting of six (6). A student may register for one or more modules to a maximum of five modules per stage/ per semester (15 weeks).
Certificate in Science
Level 1 stage 1
- Introduction to Horsemanship
- Introduction to Information technology or
- Business Information Systems
- Biology 1
- Equine Anatomy and Physiology
- Microeconomics
Level 1 stage2
- Equine Reproduction
- The Horse Industry
- Equestrian Skills Analysis
- Biology 2
- Accounting for Financial Decision Making or
- Macroeconomics
Level 2 stage 3
- Enterprise formation
- Equine health and disease
- Equine Feeding and Behavior
- Marketing in the Equine Industry
- Fundamentals of Equine locomotion
- Co-operative Education Stage
Honours Diploma in Science
Level 3 stage 4
- Foundations of Equine Performance
- Equine Nutrition
- Equine Health and Disease
- Equine Physiology
- Accounting for Financial Decision Making or
- Macroeconomics
Diploma in Science (Equine Science)
Level 3 stage 5
- Equine breeding and genetics
- Grassland and Grazing Management or General Chemistry 1
- Cell Biology & Biochemistry
- General Microbiology
- Enterprise Development or
- Principles of Risk Management or
- The Young Horse
Business option
Equitation option
- Advanced riding techniques and problem analysis
Level 3 stage 6
- Equine nutrition
- Language 2 or Marketing in the equineindustry or project
- Risk management
Business option
Equitation Option
- Problem identification and practical solutions
Course Structure
A learning support system, including self-study packages, is available to provide additional material during the programme. The use of study packs is supported by regular tutorial sessions and workshops.
Entry Requirements
Honours Certificate
There are no specific requirements for applicants over 23 years of age. For those under 23 years, five GCSE passes including mathematics, English plus a language.
Honours Diploma
Applicants must hold Certificate in Science (Equine Science) at a minimum Quality Credit Average (QCA) of 2.6 or equivalent.
Prior Experiential Learning
Industrial experience and prior qualifications are taken into account and for some modules it may be possible to apply for Accreditation for Prior and Experiential Learning (APEL).
Distance learning student support
All students are invited to an induction evening when they register for modules on the programme. This induction course informs students about the programme and prepares them for study. Greenmount Campus has a study centre where distance learning students can meet and share experiences with their tutors and each other at regular tutorials and workshops.
Careers
Graduates of the programme will have acquired key competencies and skills, technical knowledge, an appreciation of scientific principles and management expertise, which they can apply within their daily work in the equine industry. This will enhance their employment and career prospects.
Student View: Bree Rutledge
“ I have always been fascinated by horses, but didn't have the advantage of coming from a horsey background. I bought my first horse after leaving university with a degree in Food Science. I quickly realised there was so much I had to learn! When I heard about the Certificate in Science (Equine Science) by Distance Learning, I was intrigued. I thought it was the perfect way to educate myself about horses, whilst looking after my own horse and working full-time. It was hard work, but very interesting and most enjoyable. In fact, having finished the Certificate course, I immediately signed up for the Diploma! While studying for the Certificate, I changed jobs and ever since I have compiled the Horse Week section of Farm Week newspaper. Along with my other qualifications and experience, the fact that I was undertaking the Distance Learning course was a definite advantage on my CV."
What next?
Want to talk to someone about this course?
- Contact the Course Manager listed in the fact file located in the individual course information page.
Want to apply to CAFRE for a place on this course?
- Print out this application form (PDF 79 KB) and send it to us.
- We'll be in touch with you within a week.
