The Animal Science – Equine degree at UCD is a full-time four-year programme delivered by the School of Agriculture and Food Science. This science-based level eight degree is an excellent choice for anyone interested in developing an equestrian-based career. The programme focuses on the applied sciences that underpin animal veterinary biosciences, with emphasis on the horse and graduates will gain an excellent combination of both scientific knowledge and an understanding of the professional skills required for working in the industry.

Lectures are delivered by leading global equine science experts including Dr. Barbara Murphy whose specialist knowledge area is reproduction and chronobiology and Prof. Emmeline Hill who is recognised globally for her work on equine genetics research.

Small class sizes, professional work experience and the opportunity to study abroad in one of eighteen partner universities across the world in third year are consistently ranked as highlights by students of the programme.

Opportunities

Career opportunities for graduates of this programme are endless with past graduates now working as stud farm managers, marketing managers, equine geneticists, business managers, equine scientists and many more.

Student testimonial

Megan Sheedy, Recent Graduate

Having grown up surrounded by horses in the heart of Tipperary and being an active member of the Irish Pony Club and Riding Club Association, choosing Animal Science-Equine at UCD was a given for me. During my four years at UCD I learnt about the theoretical and practical aspects of the equine industry through lectures and field trips.

Classes included exercise physiology, nutrition and genetics and were delivered by experts that are passionate about this subject area. This course provided me with the foundation I need to pursue a career in the equine industry. Outside of class I enjoyed engaging in college life and was an active member of Agsoc, RacingSoc and the Equestrian club. I completed my PWE in third year with the horse racing trainer Aidan O’Brien in Ballydoyle, for which I was awarded the Grant Thornton Professional Work Experience excellence award.

During this time, I gained practical experience riding and caring for racehorses during their racing career and got an insight into the tremendous work and passion that goes into creating a successful racehorse. I was given the opportunity to learn about all aspects of this from riding out in the morning to working with water treadmills and pools in the evening. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there.

UCD has been unforgettable and has provided me with lifelong friends and memories. Since graduation I have taken on a role as a lab technician in PlusVital Genetics and in January 2022 I commenced a place on the Irish National Stud breeding programme.