Equestrian Psychology and Sports Science, BSc (Hons)

Level

Equestrian Psychology and Sports Science, BSc (Hons)

Nottingham Trent University
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Description

This unique equestrian degree reflects the industry's growing need for a better understanding of equine behaviour and is designed to equip students to succeed in the field. Choose to specialise in areas including equine behaviour and learning, equine assisted therapies or sports psychology.

This is the ideal course, if you would like to become a specialist in equestrian psychology and sports science. We have developed modules to reflect the growing need to develop a greater understanding of equine behaviour and the horse-human relationship. You will be able to select from a range of specialist modules in your second and final year, including:

  • equitation sci…

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Didn't find what you were looking for? See also: Sports Science, Psychology, BSc, Science, and Emotional Intelligence.

This unique equestrian degree reflects the industry's growing need for a better understanding of equine behaviour and is designed to equip students to succeed in the field. Choose to specialise in areas including equine behaviour and learning, equine assisted therapies or sports psychology.

This is the ideal course, if you would like to become a specialist in equestrian psychology and sports science. We have developed modules to reflect the growing need to develop a greater understanding of equine behaviour and the horse-human relationship. You will be able to select from a range of specialist modules in your second and final year, including:

  • equitation science
  • rider performance
  • equine assisted therapies.
Why choose this course?
  • Brackenhurst Equestrian Centre has international sized indoor and outdoor arenas, a horse walker and a round pen for you to use.
  • You will receive regular lectures and demonstrations from equine industry guest speakers and professionals.
  • The Mary King arena was opened in May 2012 by the Olympian herself.
  • We are opening a brand new 1,000 square metre and £2.5 million pound campus library in Autumn 2013.
Want to know more?
  • Book your place on an open day.
  • Check out our Flickr photostream
  • Find out more about Brackenhurst Equestrian Centre.
How many places are available?

There are approximately 20 places available on this course.

When does the course start?

Please see the academic calendar for course dates.

Where will I study?

Over £20 million has been invested in facilities at Brackenhurst campus in the last eight years. Our beautiful 200 hectare estate acts as an outdoor classroom for fieldwork and research. Set in rural Nottinghamshire, but only a 40 minute bus journey from the city, it is the perfect site to study this course.

What will I study?

Modules

The following are a mixture of elective and compulsory modules.

Year One

Introduction to Sports Psychology and Coaching
This module will introduce you to the field of sport and exercise psychology. You will:

  • Study the psychological factors that are associated with elite performance in sport.
  • Investigate how these can be applied to equestrian sports through coaching to maximise performance.

Equine Anatomy and Physiology
You will look at the equine body systems and the significance of their inter-relationships. This module covers the following topics:

  • skeletal and muscular anatomy
  • cell biology
  • tissue structure and function
  • endocrinology
  • haematology
  • reproductive physiology
  • investigations of equine physiological systems.

Horse Behaviour and Welfare
This module explores the role that evolution and domestication has played in the development of innate equine behaviour patterns. You will also:

  • Examine the consequences of current approaches to horse management on the behaviour and welfare of the horse.
  • Assess the effect of the relevant factors on the behaviour of the horse.
  • Draw conclusions about how to adapt management techniques to improve equine welfare.

Horse-human Relationship
You will take part in practical sessions that will help you to develop your methods of:

  • handling
  • training
  • riding.

You will also:

  • Investigate the history of the horse-human relationship and the implications for the current uses of the horse.
  • Learn the theory that supports the current training methods used with horses.
  • Develop a sensitivity to the impact of your investigations and interventions on the horses involved.

Research Skills for Scientists
This module will help you to:

  • Develop the key communication skills you need in the field of science.
  • Learn research principles and scientific method.

You will also have the chance to develop the concepts and skills delivered in this module further developed through one of the following:

  • experimental design and analysis
  • research methods for equestrian psychologists.

Equine Health and Husbandry
This module provides a scientific introduction to horse health. You will:

  • Review theoretical principles of nutrition and veterinary science.
  • Apply this knowledge in practical horse husbandry.

Year Two

Applied and Social Psychology of Sport and Exercise
This module is delivered at Clifton campus by Sport and Exercise Science and Psychology experts. You will:

  • Investigate a variety of topical, group-related subject areas in sport and exercise psychology.
  • Examine a range of mental preparation techniques and consultative approaches.

Analysis of Equestrian Performance
This module explores the developing technologies available to riders, coaches and trainers for the analysis of performance and provides students with advanced practical equitation skills.

Equine Learning and Cognition
This module reviews the study of animal cognition and relates the findings to equine cognitive ability. You will:

  • Discuss the various approaches to the study of learning and related theories in reference to their application in horse management and training.
  • Discuss the biological basis of learning.
  • Review the neural adaptations that occur in relation to different types of learning and memory.

Veterinary Science and Nutrition
You will explore the effect of disorders and disease on the welfare of the horse. This will enable you to determine relevant treatment regimes. You will also study nutritional science and the relationship between nutrition and disease.

Research Methods for Behavioural Sciences
This module will provide you with an appreciation of research principles, experimental design and statistical analysis. You will carry out small scale research projects to encourage learning through practical application of theoretical principles. This module will serve as a sound basis for your dissertation in your third year of the course.

Sports Injury
You will examine the common injuries affecting sports horses and examines the implications for health and welfare. The scientific background provided in this module complements the Equine and Human Sport Science module and allows you to develop a detailed knowledge of the athlete.

Therapeutic Use of the Horse
You will explore the different ways in which animals are utilised in human therapy. The module investigates the way horses are used therapeutically both nationally and internationally.

Equine and Human Sports Science
This module will provide you with knowledge of the structure and function of the equine and human athlete. You will come to appreciate the inter-relationship between the different systems and appreciate the demands of equestrian sports on horse and rider.

Year Three

Advanced Topics in Sport and Exercise Psychology
This module will enable you to critically evaluate selected research published in high impact factor journals in the area of sport and exercise psychology. You will find this module particularly relevant if you wish to pursue postgraduate studies in a related field.

Advice and Guidance Intervention
You will study at the City site as part of the School of Social Sciences. This module enables students wishing to specialise in one of the guidance professions to gain an understanding of the skills, qualities and attitudes needed to be an effective guidance practitioner.

Emerging Issues, Ethics and Welfare
This module will enable you to investigate and examine emerging ethical and welfare issues related to the horse. You will critically evaluate these issues and learn about the challenges you will face when entering employment within the equine industry.

Assessment of Equine Behaviour
This module reviews the different methods of assessing equine behaviour and critically evaluates their application. You will learn how to assess the behaviour of horses effectively. You will also gain the skills needed to appraise a variety of scenarios using a professional approach which is based on sound theoretical background knowledge.

Optimising Performance
This module will enable you to apply a multidisciplinary approach to evaluating the factors which contribute to optimal performance in the sports horse. You will focus on recent advances in scientific research and technology and explore the impact of these on equestrian sports.

Rehabilitation Strategies for Horse and Rider
You will gain an awareness and appreciation for the range of rehabilitation programmes, strategies and models available to both horse and rider. The module will evaluate the use of rehabilitation techniques and examine the adaptation of human rehabilitation techniques for application to equestrian related activities.

Animal Assisted Interventions (equine)
This module will enable you to focus on their selected areas of interest relating to animal assisted intervention. It will provide you with a framework from which to develop global knowledge and an understanding of this sector. You will be able to evaluate issues associated with intervention strategies, from both human and non-human perspectives.

Research Dissertation
This module will enable you to carry out an original investigation into a chosen area of study. You will focus on your own areas of interest within equine sports science or equestrian psychology.

Contact hours

You will have 13 hours of scheduled contact time per week, of which approximately three hours will be practical work.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed by a variety of methods including the following.

Coursework 67%

  • Assignments – 17%
  • Coursework exercise – 16%
  • Reports – 17%
  • Portfolio – 17%

Practical skills - 17%

Exams 16%

What do the course fees cover?

The annual fee for your undergraduate degree course includes a number of items in addition to your tuition.

  • You will be given a pre-paid printing allowance of £20 (which currently equates to up to 400 sides of A4 black and white printing) for use in NTU Print Shops.
  • We will supply you with laboratory equipment, coats and safety equipment, where required.
  • You will not have to pay a tuition fee for you Year Abroad / Sandwich year when it is part of your course.
  • Your tuition fees cover any additional administration fees for International Exchange.
  • You will be given two tickets to the Graduation Ceremony (any additional tickets will incur a fee).
What is not included in the fee?

You will need to budget for the following:

  • general printing of coursework in addition to the printing allowance
  • books and texts
  • accommodation and travel costs
  • travel and accommodation costs involved in year abroad, sandwich year or any placements you take
  • graduation social events
  • additional field trip or field work costs where not borne by the School.

Language classes are available via the University Language Programme at a very reasonable additional fee, alongside your chosen course. These do not bear credit towards your course.

Are you an international student?

Find out more about entry requirements, fees and accommodation.

View the full course specification
Please note that course specifications may be subject to change

Brackenhurst Equestrian Centre

The equine unit staff can help you develop specialist skills and expertise in many aspects of Equestrianism. The unit:

  • is home to top-flight instructors (dressage and eventing)
  • offers a range of coaching and learning technologies including performance analysis software
  • houses a wide range of horses suitable for all disciplines.

You will find some of the best training available in the UK at Brackenhurst Equestrian Unit.

The centre offers a full range of facilities including:

  • 60 x 40 metre indoor school - Mary King arena
  • 60 x 40 metre floodlit outdoor arena
  • modern bio-science laboratories and Veterinary Nursing Centre
  • stabling for up to 60 horses
  • camera technology for behavioural monitoring
  • horse walker
  • solarium
  • weighbridge
  • treatment stocks
  • round pen
  • research arena
  • crew yards.
Livery

We provide a variety of livery facilities for students who own horses. For more information about Student DIY livery email Zoe Cobb.

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