Study Equine
Whether you're starting out in horse care, developing specialist skills or working towards a career in the equine industry, we offer flexible study at a range of levels.
Our Rural Studies Centre on Scotland's north coast provides a specialist setting for practical equine study, alongside a network of equine centres across Scotland supporting flexible study in different locations.
Ready to take the next step?
Scroll down to explore our courses, check entry requirements and find the study option that fits your goals. If you have questions or want advice, our team is here to help.
Find a course
Build your foundations
Start building the knowledge and practical skills needed to care for horses, with flexible study options available across Scotland.
Still at school?
We also offer courses for pupils at schools across the Highlands and the Western Isles, including online degree-level modules and practical horse care and equine study at selected locations.
Develop your expertise
Take your equine knowledge further with qualifications covering broad equine studies, competition horse care and equine breeding.
- HNC Equine Studies SCQF 7 (Online and Rural Studies Centre, Halkirk)
- PDA Equine Breeding SCQF 7 (Online and at various equine centres across Scotland)
- PDA Competition Horse Care SCQF 7 (Online and at various equine centres across Scotland)
Lead and manage
Develop the business, leadership and sustainability skills to shape your career and contribute to the future of the equine industry.
- BA (Hons) Equine Business Management (Online and Rural Studies Centre, Halkirk)
- PgCert Leading a Sustainable Equine Industry (Online)
Why study with us
Specialist equine facilities.
Develop your practical skills at our Rural Studies Centre, with international-sized indoor and outdoor arenas, a full tack room and 20 purpose-built loose boxes.
Flexible study across Scotland.
Choose from online learning, practical study blocks and equine centres across Scotland, with qualifications from further education through to postgraduate level.
More than horse care.
Develop knowledge across equine care, management, business and sport, with courses designed to prepare you for the wider industry.
Industry-recognised opportunities.
As a BHS approved centre, our students can access BHS exams alongside their studies, giving them the opportunity to work towards recognised industry qualifications.
Katie's student journey
Katie shares her experience of studying Equine Business Management and how UHI's flexible approach fitted around her life.
From equine student to business idea
Equine Business Management student Samantha Murray was recognised in the UHI Business Competition for her idea for Highland Equine Transportation & Services.
Equine study and sporting success
Alongside her Equine Business Management degree, Millie Boo has developed her work in disability sport, coaching and volunteering.
Graduate Spotlight
"They don't speak our language, but they become your best friend."
Julian Agnello, BA (Hons) Equine Business Management graduate
Julian came from Portugal to study Equine Business Management with us, having worked with horses since he was eight years old. Alongside his studies, he worked full-time at a competition yard in England, training under an Olympic-level coach, and says the experience sharpened both his riding and his people skills. Now graduated, he's heading freelance, starting his own business, and continuing to compete and teach.
