Animal Science - Equine (EQS1)

Students will study the basic sciences in first year, which are complemented by specialist modules in years two - four of the undergraduate degree.

Animal practicals are delivered at UCD’s Lyons Research Farm where excellent new equine teaching and research facilities exist. Anatomy classes are conducted at UCD’s Veterinary Hospital, while exciting research programmes in equine and animal science support the taught elements.

Students' time is spent primarily attending lectures and undertaking independent study. In most modules this also involves attending practical sessions, laboratory workshops and/or tutorials.

A combination of continuous assessment (class quizzes, MCQ tests), research projects and end-of-trimester examinations are used.

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.

A five-month PWE placement is integral to your degree and is an invaluable learning and networking opportunity. Exciting options include placements on stud farms in the Kentucky Bluegrass region, Japan, racing yards in Sydney, Australia, top show-jumping and eventing yards in Ireland, and with Tattersalls Ireland and Horse Sport Ireland.

There are also opportunities to participate in the Study Abroad Programme in third year.

• University of Illinois, USA
• Texas  A&M University, USA
• Iowa State University, USA
• Purdue University, USA

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.

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.

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)