Bachelor of Science in Equine Science Careers
Key information
Employability skills from this degree
- Working independently and in teams
- Working at all levels of the horse industry
- Knowledge of equitation and business
- Familiarity with the national and international horse industry
- Thinking critically
Career opportunities
Graduates from this programme may choose from a wide variety of career opportunities in areas such as:
- Equine Enterprise Management (Stud Farms, Show Jumping Yards, Racing Yards, Equestrian Centres).
- Leisure, Recreation and Tourism based on Equine activities.
- Equestrian Marketing and Sales Enterprises.
- Equine related service industry (food supply, equipment manufacturing, laboratory servicing, management information (IT)).
- Equine Research and Development.
- Sports Journalism.
- Equine related organisations, including state and semi-state.
- Self-employment in the equine industry.
- Postgraduate studies
Further study options for graduates with this degree
The following provides a sample of further education qualifications that graduates have pursued.
- Master’s Degree Research
- MSc in Animal Behaviour
- MSc in Equine Science
- MSc in Project Management
- MSc in Reproduction Science
- Veterinary Medicine
Job titles for graduates with this degree
The following provides a sample of initial roles listed in the Graduate Outcomes Survey (GOS) by graduates approximately one year after graduation.
- Apprentice Scheme with YITBA
- Equine Nutrition Specialist
- Laboratory Assistant
- Stable Manager
- Stud Employee
- Senior Clinical Pathology Technologist
- Showjumper
- Stable Hand
Student profiles
Aidan Neilan
Having completed the BSc. in Equine Science I gained invaluable experience throughout the course from the core science and business modules to practical hands-on experience with horses. The cooperative work experience was a catalyst in securing my career in science. The transferable skills gained during the 4 year period are still relevant to my job currently working in an equine hospital laboratory.
By completing this degree I made contacts with people who work within the equine industry, most of which I am still in contact with.
The campus has a lot to offer students. Unlike some other degrees with equine science you will get to know your lecturers really well which will benefit you as help is always available to students. The structure of the course allows students to either continue with the equitation route or the business route maintaining a science core. I chose equitation as this was my interest. The facilities for the practical hands on side of equine science are fantastic and I really enjoyed every module that was involving horses.
Graduates from this course have gone on to have a wide variety of careers from stud farm management, racecourse management, veterinary, pharmaceutical and post-graduate study.
Sean Flannery
Having grown up around horses I always knew that I wanted to pursue a career involved in racing. The BSc in Equine Science at the University of Limerick afforded me the opportunity to expand my knowledge of the horse and the many sports they compete in.
The option to take either a Business or Equitation route after the second year offers an excellent choice and was instrumental in my decision to choose Equine Science at UL over similar courses.
There is an ideal balance of group and individual work throughout the course and that will prepare you for working as part of a team as well as using your own initiative in the working world. The range of modules covered on the programme is extensive and I found that the practical elements perfectly complement the theory. This course provides students with both skills and knowledge that can be applied to many different areas within the equine industry and beyond.
UL’s Cooperative Education placement was invaluable to me. I split my placement between Coolmore Australia and Goffs in Kildare. I was lucky enough to secure an intern position at Goffs upon graduating. Completing the Equine Science course provided me with the skill set necessary to gain employment as well as advance my career in Goffs.
Sean is currently employed as a Bloodstock Manager at Goffs in Kildare.
Declan Ryan
I was involved in horse racing before choosing the Equine Science course at UL. The Equine Science Degree provided me with a wealth of learning relevant to the equine industry and with it, the opportunities to gain practical experience and make contacts within the industry.
The course provided me with the science behind the practical aspects of the horse. I chose the business management option and it provided me with the skills needed to start an enterprise as a racehorse trainer. During the programme, I spent a full summer period at Coolmore's Ashford Stud in Kentucky.
During my coop placement, I spent 6 months working with racehorse trainer Jessica Harrington and 2 months working at Del Mar racetrack in California. While on placement at Del Mar, I met Breeders' Cup-winning trainer Bruce Headley, and I am now currently working with Bruce at Santa Anita in California. After this year in California, I plan to return to Ireland to set up a training yard and take out a licence to become a National Hunt trainer.
