About You

The Certificate in Science (Equine Science) and Diploma in Science (Equine Science) programmes often suit people who;

• Enjoy learning about, investigating and understanding the science associated with horses.
• Want to start out on a programme of study where the commitment is initially for only two years.
• May not have the entry requirements necessary for the Bachelor of Science in Equine Science programme.

Why Study Certificate or Diploma in Equine Science at UL?

The Certificate and Diploma courses are suitable if you want to achieve academic qualifications before starting work in an area of horse-based or related industries. The courses are designed in response to the economic and cultural importance of the horse based industries in Ireland and abroad and their need for high quality staff. You can graduate after two years with a Certificate level qualification or, you can progress to a Diploma or Degree level qualification. Progression to the Diploma in Science (Equine Science) programme is subject to achieving at least Second Class Honours Grade 2 in the Certificate programme.

The programmes offer a broad base of learning in equine science, equitation and equine related business topics. This three stranded approach provides a strong platform for building a flexible career. In most semesters you will have a choice of module that allows you to align your studies with your personal interests and ambitions. Students who progress to the Diploma in Science (Equine Science) can choose to follow either a business or equitation specialist route

You will take 5 modules per year. Strong emphasis is placed on relevance to industry. During your time at the University of Limerick, you will be shown a wide range of industry practices and attend lectures by expert industry representatives. Many modules include field-based activity or visits to centres of excellence. In each semester you will take a balance of modules planned to develop both understanding of scientific principles and “hands-on” applied work with horses.

In addition, you will complete an extended period of cooperative education. Many students rate this part of their studies very highly as an opportunity to take their college learning to an industry context. Cooperative education is considered to be a very beneficial life-learning experience and an opportunity to network and make contacts in the industry either in Ireland or abroad.

Applicants are required to hold at the time of enrolment the established Leaving Certificate (or an approved equivalent) with a minimum of five subjects which must include: Five O6 (Ordinary Level) grades or five H7 (Higher Level) grades. Subjects must include Mathematics, Irish or another language, and English.

Note: Grade F6 in Foundation Mathematics also satisfies the minimum entry requirements. Foundation Maths is not reckonable for scoring purposes.

It is desirable that candidates should have a reasonable level of competency in horse riding and/or have experience of working with horses.

A Special Mathematics Examination will be offered at UL following the Leaving Certificate results for those students who did not achieve the Mathematics requirement.

We welcome applications from mature students. Mature applicants must apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) by 1 February.

Careers open to you with a Cert/Diploma in Equine Science include;

• Breeding and producing horses.
• Work within the racing industry.
• Equestrian leisure, recreation and tourism-related activity.
• Equestrian related service industries such as insurance, transport, equipment manufacture and supply.
• Sales, marketing and public relations.
• Administrative roles within industry organisations.
• Self-employment or work in non-equestrian areas.