THE B.Sc degree in Equine Science at the University Limerick is perfect for students looking to pursue a career in the equine industry. The course is run over four years and gives students a wide range of choice to specialise.

During first year students take general modules including biology, chemistry, microeconomics and equine reproduction and equine anatomy and physiology. There is an increased focus on equine learning in second year. Students study feeding and behaviour, nutrition, health and disease and much more. Non-equine subjects in second year include marketing and financial decision making.

Students begin to specialise in the third year. They choose between equine business management or equitation. Third year also include a cooperative education placement. This is an eight-month work placement students complete in an equine or equine-related enterprise.

Students doing the equine business management option develop their business knowledge, enterprise formation and development, strategic management, risk management, and business consulting. They also have the option to studying another language – Spanish, French, German or Japanese.

Students completing the equitation option are offered modules in young horse, equestrian facilities, performance rider development and training and managing the performance horse.

Both equine business management and equitation students are required to complete a research project on an aspect of the industry as part of their fourth and final year.

The careers prospects from the course are endless and the choice offered within the course means students can tailor their learning to their own interests. There are also postgraduate options available for students who wish to continue to their education.

Past students have gone on to work in a variety of roles including equine enterprise management, sports journalism, state and semi-state equine-related organisations and equine-related service industry.

Last year’s CAO points requirement was 308.