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Animal Science - Equine

BAgrSc (NFQ Level 8)
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Sustainable Development Goals

This course is available through the following application route(s)

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Animal Science – Equine allows those with a passion for horses, the equine industry or equine science to pursue these interests at third level and still maintain a broad range of future career options within agriculture. A highlight of the degree is the opportunity to participate in a 5-month international work placement within a leading Thoroughbred or Sport Horse organisation. The degree provides the scientific knowledge and transferable skills necessary for professional leadership roles within many aspects of the Agriculture and Equine industries.

About This Course

Animal Science – Equine allows those with a passion for horses, the equine industry or equine science to pursue these interests at third level and still maintain a broad range of future career options within agriculture. A highlight of the degree is the opportunity to participate in a 5-month international work placement within a leading Thoroughbred or Sport Horse organisation.

The degree provides the scientific knowledge and transferable skills necessary for professional leadership roles within many aspects of the Agriculture and Equine industries.

Your programme will cover:

  • The growth and development of farm animals, how they function, their behaviour, welfare and nutrition
  • Current and future technologies to make agriculture more sustainable but still meet the needs of a growing global population
  • The equine industry in Ireland, its global context and entrepreneurial opportunities
  • Focussed modules on equine health, reproduction, genetics, breeding, nutrition and exercise physiology delivered by academics who are leading world experts in their fields
  • Exciting technological advances and future research directions within equine science

Practical learning sessions using live animals are delivered at UCD Lyons Farm, where excellent teaching and research facilities exist. Anatomy classes will take place both at Lyons Farm and at UCD’s Veterinary Hospital.

Your lecturers will share the outcomes of their research programmes as they happen, so that your education is informed by the cutting edge of animal and equine science research.

As every student has a different learning style, you will be assessed by a combination of continuous assessment types. These might include class quizzes, MCQ tests, presentations, essays, group research projects and end-of-trimester examinations.

First & Second Year

You will study the basic sciences in first year, in addition to topics such as cell and plant biology and animal evolution. In the second year you will learn more about animal nutrition, microbiology, agricultural economics and business management, in addition to studying equine industries in Ireland and globally.

Third & Fourth Year

In addition to advanced modules in animal nutrition, physiology and genomics, you will take modules on scientific writing, farm business management, professional communications and experimental design. You will participate in focussed modules related to equine health and husbandry, equine genetics, equine reproduction and breeding management, equine nutrition and equine exercise physiology.

Professional Work Experience (PWE)

PWE placement is integral to your degree and is an invaluable learning and networking opportunity. Options include placements on stud farms in the Kentucky Bluegrass region, Japan, Australia, top show-jumping yards in Ireland and the US, and with Horse Sport Ireland, the RDS, and equine feed and biotech companies.

There is an option to Study Abroad in third year where you could live abroad in Illinois, Texas, Connecticut, Kansas, Michigan and more.

In addition to the career opportunities available to Animal Science graduates, Animal Science – Equine graduates are equipped to pursue careers in:

  • Equine enterprise management
  • Equine leisure, recreation and tourism activities
  • Equestrian marketing and sales enterprises
  • Sports journalism
  • Academic teaching

You  can pursue equine science research and development careers, and Master’s and PhD opportunities in Europe and the US.

Dr. Barbara Murphy
e. barbara.murphy@ucd.ie

UCD Agriculture & Food Science School Office
Agriculture & Food Science Centre
Belfield, Dublin 4

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Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 1 Core Modules
 AESC10010 Land Use and the Environment Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 CHEM00020 Introductory Chemistry Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 MATH10230 Mathematics for Agriculture I Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 PHYC10180 Physics for Ag. Science Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 RDEV10020 Information Skills Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 RDEV10030 Introduction to Agricultural Economics and Business Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 ANSC10010 Introduction to Animal Science Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 BIOL10010 Animal Biology and Evolution Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 BIOL10030 Cell and Plant Biology Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 CHEM10010 Introduction to the Chemistry of Biomolecules Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 CPSC10010 Introduction to Crop Science Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
The modules might expand your knowledge of the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives.
 FDSC10030 Our Food, Our Planet: Introduction to Sustainable Food Systems Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
The modules might expand your knowledge of the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives.
 PHYC10190 Aspects of Physics for Ag. Sci Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
The modules might expand your knowledge of the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives.
 RDEV10040 Introduction to Food and Agribusiness Management Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 AERD20030 Business Management Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 AESC20060 Soil Science Basics Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 ANSC30210 Equine Industries Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 FDSC20010 Food Macronutrients Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 FOR20100 Applied Biostatistics Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 MICR20010 Agricultural Microbiology Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 ANSC20010 Genetics and Biotechnology Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 ANSC20020 Animal Nutrition I Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 FDSC20100 Agricultural Biochemistry Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 RDEV20140 Health, Welfare & Safety in Agriculture Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of:
These modules may expand your knowledge of the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives.
 BIOL20050 Climate Change and Agriculture Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of:
These modules may expand your knowledge of the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives.
 FDSC20240 Professional Skills Developmen Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of:
These modules may expand your knowledge of the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives.
 AESC20050 Applied Zoology Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of:
These modules may expand your knowledge of the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives.
 BSEN30020 Buildings and Environment Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of:
These modules may expand your knowledge of the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives.
 CPSC20020 Fundamentals of Arable Crop Production Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of:
These modules may expand your knowledge of the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives.
 CPSC20030 Principles of Crop Science Spring  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 AESC30080 Agri-Environmental Issues and Policy Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 ANSC30010 Animal Reproduction Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 ANSC30020 Animal Breeding I Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 ANSC30030 Animal Genomics Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 ANSC30170 Animal Physiology I Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 ANSC30190 Equine Anatomy and Physiology of Exercise Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 AESC30010 Scientific Writing and Review Spring  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 ANSC30150 Animal Physiology II Spring  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 ANSC30230 Professional Work Experience Spring  10
Stage 3 Core Modules
 ANSC30340 Equine Reproduction and Breeding Management Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 0 of:
These modules may expand your knowledge in the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives.
 BSEN40410 Food Chain Integrity Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 0 of:
These modules may expand your knowledge in the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives.
 RDEV30380 Knowledge Tfr for Farm Innovat Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 0 of:
These modules may expand your knowledge in the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives.
 LANG10170 French General Purposes 1 (CEFR A1.1) Autumn and Spring (separate)  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 0 of:
These modules may expand your knowledge in the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives.
 LANG10230 Spanish General Purposes 1 (CEFR A1.1) Autumn and Spring (separate)  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 0 of:
These modules may expand your knowledge in the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives.
 AESC30230 Climate, Carbon and Soil Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 0 of:
These modules may expand your knowledge in the Agri-Food sector and may be taken in place of electives.
 ANSC30100 Applied Biotechnology Spring  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
 AERD30190 Farm Business Management Autumn  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
 ANSC30190 Equine Anatomy and Physiology of Exercise Autumn  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
 ANSC30250 Equine Genetics Autumn  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
 CPSC30040 Grass and Forage Production Autumn  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
 AERD30210 Food and Agricultural Policy Spring  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
 ANSC30050 Experimental Design and Data Analysis Spring  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
 ANSC30130 Principles of Animal Health, Behaviour and Welfare Spring  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
 ANSC30350 Equine Nutrition Spring  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
 RDEV30060 Professional Communications Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of:
It is highly recommended that students choose the Equine Science Project as their elective choice in the Spring trimester. These modules may be taken in place of electives.
 AESC40150 Wildlife Conservation Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of:
It is highly recommended that students choose the Equine Science Project as their elective choice in the Spring trimester. These modules may be taken in place of electives.
 RDEV30380 Knowledge Tfr for Farm Innovat Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of:
It is highly recommended that students choose the Equine Science Project as their elective choice in the Spring trimester. These modules may be taken in place of electives.
 AESC30230 Climate, Carbon and Soil Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of:
It is highly recommended that students choose the Equine Science Project as their elective choice in the Spring trimester. These modules may be taken in place of electives.
 ANSC30100 Applied Biotechnology Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of:
It is highly recommended that students choose the Equine Science Project as their elective choice in the Spring trimester. These modules may be taken in place of electives.
 ANSC30380 Animal Science Industries Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of:
It is highly recommended that students choose the Equine Science Project as their elective choice in the Spring trimester. These modules may be taken in place of electives.
 ANSC40090 Equine Science Project Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of:
It is highly recommended that students choose the Equine Science Project as their elective choice in the Spring trimester. These modules may be taken in place of electives.
 CPSC40040 Developments in Grassland Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of:
It is highly recommended that students choose the Equine Science Project as their elective choice in the Spring trimester. These modules may be taken in place of electives.
 FDSC10030 Our Food, Our Planet: Introduction to Sustainable Food Systems Spring  5

SDG1 SDG2 SDG 13 SDG 15

The BAgrSc degree in Animal Science-Equine encompasses important content relevant to the three pillars of sustainability (environmental, economic and social) as they relate to equine production and management practices for the Irish and wider global equine industry. Environmental sustainability in equine feeding practices, grassland maintenance and waste management is emphasized. Students learn how changes in daily horse feeding management practices can have positive effects on the environment, circular agriculture and the horses themselves. Increasing focus is placed on improving equine welfare as it underpins the Social License to Operate for many equestrian disciplines, upon which thousands of livelihoods depend in Ireland and internationally. The economic sustainability of horse breeding is a key component of the programme and is underpinned by the cutting edge research programmes that inform module content by the programme’s lead academics. These have delivered innovative new equine breeding technologies and advanced genetic selection for training and performance by Programme Director Assoc Professor Barbara Murphy and Professor Emmeline Hill, respectively, and are at the forefront of delivering increasing sustainability for the equine industry.

In addition, the broader animal science content of the programme addresses the relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s): 

  • No Poverty (SDG 1)
  • No Hunger (SDG 2)
  • Climate Action (SDG 13)
  • Life on Land (SDG 15)

I always had a passion for horses. At the time of my CAO application, I was unsure what I wanted to do. Therefore a course that I knew I would enjoy, such as Animal Science – Equine in UCD was an easy decision. I have learnt about many aspects of the equine industry from nutrition to genetics and physiology through lectures and practicals. I enjoyed learning about the scientific side of the industry and particularly enjoyed my PWE where I worked at Hartwell Stud in Kildare for 18 weeks learning about the Sport Horse breeding industry. I also enjoyed participating in the equine science research project where I analyzed differences in gestation lengths of Thoroughbreds and Sport Horses.

Aoibhe Dennehy, Student

Non-EU Undergraduate Fee information can be found here.

UCD offers a number of competitive undergraduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD undergraduate degree programme. For information on Undergraduate Scholarships, please see the UCD International Scholarships webpage.

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General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Animal Science - Equine:

ROWCLASS Apply to   Application Type  
showAudience-audienceInt UAS1
Agricultural Science
Bachelor of Agricultural Science
Full-Time
Commencing September 2024
 Undergraduate Degree (Non EU)
Non EU Undergraduates		 Closed
showAudience-audienceInt UAS1
Agricultural Science
Bachelor of Agricultural Science
Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
 Undergraduate Degree (Non EU)
Non EU Undergraduates		 Apply
showAudience-audienceEU DN250
Agricultural Science
Bachelor of Agricultural Science
Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
 Application through CAO Apply via CAO
* you can change options at the top of the page

Additional special entry route(s) to Animal Science - Equine:

These options have additional eligibility requirements to cater for specific applicant cohorts. You should not apply via these routes before consulting the requirements or contacting the responsible UCD office.

ROWCLASS Apply to   Application Type  
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt UAS1
Agricultural Science
Bachelor of Agricultural Science		 Full-Time

Commencing September 2025		 Access Progression Pathway
Access Progression Pathway
Application to this Non-EU Access Progression Pathway is by invitation only. If you are not currently enrolled on an Access programme at UCD, your application will be marked as invalid.
If you are not a current Access student, but you are a non-EU applicant seeking admission to an undergraduate degree, please submit an application via the "Undergraduate Degree (Non-EU)" course type.		 Apply
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