Bachelor of Equine Science

What is this course about?

CSU's Bachelor of Equine Science course aims to support graduates to develop substantial skills and knowledge in relation to the modern management of horses, underpinned by a strong education in science and scientific method.

CSU's Bachelor of Equine Science can be studied as a three-year full-time program on the Wagga Wagga Campus, or by distance education as a part-time, six-year program.

Students who complete the course will develop substantial skills and knowledge in relation to the modern management of horses, underpinned by a strong education in science and scientific method.

Commencing with a foundation of anatomy, physiology, chemistry and biology, the curriculum has particular strengths in the study of equine nutrition, reproduction and performance with the flexibility of electives to accommodate specific interests.

The course also has a strong emphasis on practical and life skills and is designed to prepare students for a successful career working with horses and the horse industry in business, teaching and research.

Session 2 admission to the on campus offering is only available to applicants receiving appropriate credit, on approval of the Course Coordinator and subject to places being available.

Your course is recognised by industry

Graduates are granted credit by the Equestrian Federation of Australia NCAS scheme and may obtain the NCAS Level 1 coaching award by demonstrating satisfactory riding skills and sitting the EFA practical exam.

Professionals teaching you

The same staff who teach and conduct research in the Veterinary Science degree will also be delivering the key subjects in the Equine Science degree.

Credit

Students who have studied and successfully completed subjects at other universities which are likely to be equivalent to subjects in the CSU Equine Science degree may apply for credit for those subjects when enrolling.

Credit will be granted for subjects which are equivalent in content and standard, at the discretion of the relevant Course Coordinator.

The latest facilities

Students enjoy learning in some of the best facilities of their kind in the world, with laboratories, museums, practical classrooms, animal handling facilities and digital learning resources that have been recently completed for the Veterinary Science degree offered at CSU. Wagga Wagga Campus has advanced and extensive equestrian facilities and stabling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be able to ride a horse?

No. But there is opportunity for you to develop riding skills through industry practicum and project assessments particularly in first year.

Can I bring my horse with me?

Yes, you can keep your horse at the CSU Equine Centre in a stable with access to communal paddocks. Bedding is supplied and you supply your own feed. Local feed suppliers will deliver to CSU.

Are there any prerequisite subjects?

Preference is given to applicants who have studied mathematics and chemistry at Year 12 level but it is CSU policy not to exclude any student on the basis of prerequisite subjects if the student was unable to study any subject because of educational disadvantage.

How many contact hours are involved during session?

During full-time on campus studies, you will be expected to attend lectures, tutorials and practical classes for approximately 24 hours per week.

For students completing their degree by distance education, residential schools may be conducted in February, April, July and September. They vary from one to five days in duration and attendance is usually compulsory. They are generally scheduled between 9am and 5pm and commonly include a series of lectures, small group tutorials and practical sessions.

Can the course be studied part-time?

Yes.

Can I apply to study on a full-fee paying basis?

Yes.

Can I transfer from Equine Science into Veterinary Science?

For non-CSU students, applications for Veterinary Science at CSU involve the submission of a completed questionnaire (available on the Veterinary Science website after 1 August each year) and an interview for selected applicants as well as applying through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).

Students of Equine Science at CSU can apply for admission to Veterinary Science by completion of the questionnaire and by a request to change courses.  Entry into Veterinary Science will be on the basis of your grade point average (GPA) in your completed years of study at CSU (or other Universities) and other criteria assessed through the questionnaire and interview.

More about applying to study Veterinary Science at CSU

What job might I get after I have finished the course?

A recent survey of graduates from the equine program at CSU found that the largest proportion were working in education and research, closely followed by roles in equine training, stud management and their own equine services businesses. Smaller numbers were working in the horse nutrition field, the racing industry and in government. Not all graduates from the course work with horses, as the broad scientific education and life skills you will develop at CSU will prepare you for successful careers in a wide variety of fields.

Students will be expected to gain experience with performance horse and stud enterprises during their vacations.

Practical training is also available at the Equine Centre. Student employment is available at the Centre through the Equine Trainee Scheme.

Admission requirements

To be admitted into the course, prospective students need to indicate their likelihood of success through:

1. previous studies, and
2. other attainments and experience.

Previous studies

Previous studies include:

• the NSW Higher School Certificate or interstate /overseas equivalent;
• the International Baccalaureate Diploma;
• a completed or part completed course of a university, college of advanced education or other accredited tertiary institution;
• a completed or part completed course of a TAFE college or other accredited post-secondary institution (including TAFE Tertiary Preparation Certificate);
• an approved Foundation Studies program certificate;
• completion of undergraduate subjects as an Associate Student with the University or through another University, or Open Universities Australia.

NSW and interstate school leavers are normally selected on the basis of their Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) or interstate equivalent. You may also be admitted on the basis of a strong performance in subjects relevant to your course preferences.

Currently no secondary school subjects are prerequisites for admission to particular CSU courses however some courses assume a certain level of knowledge. This will be specified in the course information if applicable.

English language proficiency

Applicants will be deemed to have sufficient English proficiency if they:

• have completed all their formal studies in one or more of the following countries; or
• were born in one of the following countries and have completed at least one qualification in one of those countries; or
• have completed senior secondary study or at least one year of full-time University study in one of the following countries: American Samoa, Australia, Canada, Fiji, Ireland, Kenya, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, United Kingdom, USA, Zambia
  or
• have successfully completed one year of full-time (or part-time equivalent) post-secondary study at an affiliate institution of the University, with English as the medium of instruction and assessment.

All other applicants must explicitly demonstrate proficiency.

Acceptable tests for English proficiency

Any of the following results, attained within the last two years, can be used to demonstrate English proficiency:

• an Academic IELTS (International English Language Testing System) overall score of at least 6.0, and with no score below 5.5;
• a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) paper-based score of 550 and TWE of 5.0;
• a TOEFL computer-based score of 213 and Essay Rating of 5;
• a TOEFL internet-based score of 80 for undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs, and 90 for postgraduate research candidates with a minimum score of 25 in the writing section.
• a Combined Universities Admission Test (CULT) overall score of at least 65;
• a C pass in English at the GCE 'A' level examinations in either Singapore or the United Kingdom;
• completion of the International Baccalaureate diploma with English A2 at higher or sub. Level;
• a C pass in 'Use of English' in the Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE);
• completion of the UNSW Foundation Studies Certificate with a C pass in 'Use of English';
• completion of an AQF Certificate IV (including English for Academic Purposes);
• successful completion of at least one year of study in a course at Associate Diploma or Diploma level on the Register of Australian Tertiary Education;
• a score of 155 in the verbal component of the STAT test;
• a Pass grade in the Uniworld English College English for Tertiary Entrance course; or
• IRI Diploma of English.

An applicant who does not otherwise meet the University's requirements may be admitted on the recommendation of the Dean of the appropriate faculty.

Attainment and experience

You may also be admitted to a course based on other attainments and experience. These may include:

• voluntary or paid work experience;
• performance in tests and examinations conducted by professional recognised bodies;
• participation in continuing education programs and/or staff development programs conducted by adult education agencies, consultancies, professional bodies or employers;
• completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT).

Internet access

CSU places great emphasis on services to its students. It is a leader in the provision of online services and, in particular, the use of the internet in the support of teaching, administration and communications with students.

The online environment is so integrated into all aspects of student life and the learning experience at CSU that the University now assumes that all on campus and distance education students at CSU will have ongoing access to an internet connected computer capable of communicating with CSU online systems.

Students enrolled in Information Technology subjects (i.e. with an ITC subject code) may be required to have additional hardware and/or software that is deemed essential for the completion of the learning activities in that subject.

Apply now

This course is available to commence study in

Session 1; Session 2