UNIVERSITY College Dublin offers students interested in an equestrian-based career an opportunity to experience college in Dublin and gain a degree in Agricultural Science with a grounding in equine science. In comparison to other equine Level 8 courses on offer in Ireland, the Animal Science – Equine degree at UCD is a more science-based degree.

It is run in the UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science which means there are a number of additional features students can avail of during their time at UCD.

In recent years, approximately 20 students have chosen to specialise on the Equine Science programme and application is via CAO code DN250 Agricultural Science for entry in 2021. One of the course highlights is professtional work experience in year three with many students opting to travel to Kentucky, Japan and other locations around the world. Last year, 453 CAO points were required to get into the course.

Course structure

This full-time undergraduate degree and is run over four years. It focuses on the applied sciences that underpin animal veterinary biosciences, with emphasis on the horse. The degree combines scientific knowledge and understanding with professional skills required in the industry.

During the four year course, students will learn about the growth and development of farm animals, how they function and their behaviour and welfare, the equine industry in Ireland, its global context and entrepreneurial opportunities, equine health, reproduction, genetics, breeding, nutrition and exercise physiology, advances and future directions in research with emphasis on equine genetics and reproduction<./bu>.

The career options are endless with past graduates now working as stud farm managers, marketing managers, equine geneticists, business managers, equine scientists and much more. Further higher level education is also an option with different masters and PhD options available.

For more information on Equine Science at UCD, visit https://www.myucd.ie/courses/agriculture-food-nutrition/animal-science-equine/.

Testimonial

Leo Dooley, assistant farm manager at Indian Creek Farm, Kentucky

Having grown up around horses choosing the Animal Science – Equine course at UCD was a natural progression. Moving to UCD for four years was most enjoyable and the friends I made still remain close to me today. I particularly enjoyed the equine modules and being able to apply what I had learned in the field at home. The opportunity to travel abroad to Dromoland Farm in Lexington Kentucky for professional work experience in third year at UCD has set me up in the job I am in today. Following graduation I worked for four years at Hunter Valley Farm. I am now the assistant farm manager at Indian Creek Farm in Paris Kentucky.