BA (Hons) Equine Business Management at University of the Highlands and Islands

Programme overview

The BA (Hons) Equine Business Management covers all aspects of the modern equine business, including marketing, research, sports science and equine-specific study. It is endorsed by the British Horse Society, with free training towards BHS exams. Students choose a riding or non-riding route and can study on campus at the Rural Studies Centre in Halkirk or remotely.

Duration: Full time: 4 years; part time: 8 years | Intake: September; January (part-time only) | Study mode: full-time / part-time | Location: Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1 covers introduction to business, the equine industries, equine anatomy, physiology and health and equine fitness, nutrition and welfare. Year 2 covers managing an equine business, equine behaviour and equine movement analysis; year 3 covers current issues and legislation in the equine industry, developing entrepreneurial effectiveness and research skills; year 4 covers equine behaviour and welfare management, major event analysis and a dissertation. Options include equitation, work placement, marketing communications and equine tourism.

Career pathways

Yard manager, coach, schooling and training horses, riding centre manager, equine tourism, equine research, equine assisted learning, equine rehabilitation and self-employment or business start-ups in equine, tourism and business sectors. Progression to postgraduate study.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Entry to year 1 (CertHE): three Scottish Highers at grade C or above or equivalent, or two A levels at grade C or above, or an NC in Equestrian Skills or Business Studies including level 6 study. Other qualifications or experience considered individually; recognition of prior learning may apply for British Horse Society qualifications. Advanced entry to year 2 may be possible with an HNC in an equine-related subject, or a business subject with equine experience; to year 3 with an HND in an equine-related subject, or a business subject with equine experience. International applicants (IELTS Academic): overall 6.0 with no component below 5.5, or an equivalent approved test.

Domestic applicants: GBP 1,820 a year (2026/27). Students normally domiciled in Scotland, full-time. Source

International applicants: GBP 16,820 a year (2026/27). International students, full-time, term-time address in Scotland. Source

Intake: September; January (part-time only)

Duration: Full time: 4 years; part time: 8 years

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