s
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Final
Final award
Intermediate award
Course status
Awarding body
Faculty
School
Location of study/ campus
Name of institution
1.
2.
3.
Admissions agency
Entry requirements
Include any progression opportunities into the course.
FdSc Equine Studies
FCert Equine Studies
Validated
University of Brighton
Science & Engineering
Plumpton
Plumpton College
Host department Course status
SELECT
UCAS
Students will normally be at least 18 years old on entry and have a minimum of 120 UCAS tariff points (including Key Skills). This will usually be in the form of at least one of the following qualifications:
* A pass at GCE ‘A’ level in a relevant subject area- with a minimum of a ‘C’ grade achieved for English Language and Maths at GCSE level.
* An appropriate Advanced GNVQ.
* An appropriate BTEC National Diploma as awarded by Edexcel
However, students aged 21 or over capable of completing the minimum academic qualifications, will be eligible for entry. This will be assessed at interview using portfolio evidence and employer references.
Sep 14 Start date (mmm-yy)
Normally September
Mode of study
Full-time
Part-time
Sandwich
Distance
Duration of study (standard) Maximum registration period
2 years
3 years
5 years
6 years
Select
Select
Select
Select
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UCAS code
D422
Course Leader (or Course
Development Leader)
Admissions Tutor
Kay Adams
01273 890454 ext 2228 kay.adams@plumpton.ac.uk
The Admissions Team, Plumpton College
01273 892082 admissions@plumpton.ac.uk
Validation
Programme Specification
Approval date
Sep 2005 1
July 2013 3
Review date
Feb 2010 2
July 2015 4
5 Professional, Statutory and
Regulatory Body 1 (if applicable):
Professional, Statutory and
Regulatory Body 2 (if applicable):
Professional, Statutory and
Regulatory Body 3 (if applicable):
1 Date of original validation.
2 Date of most recent periodic review (normally academic year of validation + 5 years).
3 Month and year this version of the programme specification was approved (normally September).
4
Date programme specification will be reviewed (normally approval date + 1 year). If programme specification is applicable to a particular cohort, please state here.
5 Date of most recent review by accrediting/ approving external body.
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Aims
The aims of the course are:
The aims of the programme are for the student to demonstrate:

A thorough knowledge and understanding of the established principles of Equine Studies, and of the ways in which these have been developed.

An ability to apply underlying concepts and principles outside the context in which they were first studied, and employ those principles in Equine-related industries or other relevant work-related context.

A familiarity with the main methods of enquiry in Equine Studies and the ability to evaluate critically the appropriateness of different approaches to solving problems in Equine Studies and apply these in a relevant work-related context.

An understanding of the limits of their knowledge and how this influences analyses and interpretations based on that knowledge in Equine Studies and in a relevant work-related context.
Holders of the foundation degree will be able to:

Use a range of established techniques to initiate and undertake critical analysis of information, and to propose solutions to problems arising from that analysis in an equine studies or relevant work-related context.

Effectively communicate information, arguments and analysis in a variety of forms, to specialist and non-specialist audiences, and deploy key techniques of Equine Studies effectively in a relevant work-related context.

Undertake further training, develop existing skills and acquire new competencies that will enable them to assume responsibility within relevant equine organisations.

Demonstrate the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment and progression to other qualifications requiring the exercise of personal responsibility and decision making.
Students withdrawing from the course with at least 120 credits at Level 4 will be awarded a Foundation
Certificate (named Foundation Certificate in Equine Studies subject to achievement of certain coursespecific modules).
This will not be a nationally-recognised award, but typically, holders of a Foundation Certificate will be able to demonstrate:

Knowledge of the underlying concepts and principles associated with Equine Studies, and an ability to evaluate and interpret these within a work-related context.

An ability to present, evaluate, and interpret qualitative and quantitative data, to develop lines of argument and make sound judgments in accordance with basic theories and concepts in Equine
Studies.
Typically, holders of the Foundation Certificate will be able to:

Evaluate the appropriateness of different approaches to solving problems related to Equine Studies work-related context.

Communicate the results of their work/study accurately and reliably, and with structured and coherent arguments.

Undertake further training and develop new skills within a structured and managed environment.
And will have:
Qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the exercise of some personal responsibility.
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Learning outcomes
The outcomes of the main award provide information about how the primary aims are demonstrated by students following the course. These are mapped to external reference points where appropriate 6 .
Knowledge and theory
Skills
Includes intellectual skills (i.e. generic skills relating to academic study, problem solving, evaluation, research etc.) and professional/ practical skills.
Knowledge and theory:
By the end of the course the student should have gained knowledge and understanding of principles of equine studies, including –

The main sectors of the equine industry, the economic significance of the industry and the relevant legislation surrounding the equine in the UK.

The structure and function of equine anatomy and physiology.

The physiology of digestion and the nature and role of feedstuffs used in equine nutrition.

The anatomy and physiology of the reproductive system of both the male and female, and the relation of this to the management of mares, stallions and neonates.

The internal and external parasites, common diseases and ailments and their aetiology.

The role of immunity and the process of healing and the ability to determine appropriate preventative medicine routines.

The factors influencing commercial stud practice and the practical management of breeding stock.

The principles of training and fittening the horse for different disciplines including the methods of monitoring fitness.

The science of biomechanics, gait and conformation.

The principles of horse behaviour, particularly in relation to its perception of its environment and training.
Some students will have gained knowledge and understanding of other aspects of equine studies depending on their choice of option modules, for example:

The factors contributing to effective learning and the planning, preparation and implementation of learning activities.

The progressive training of inexperienced / difficult horses.

The range of systems used in business planning and development

Basic concepts in chemistry as a basis for further laboratory-based biology studies
Skills
Skills development is seen as fundamental to this programme.
All students will have developed academic skills (i.e. those generic skills relating to academic study, problem-solving, analysis, evaluation, research and so forth); practical work-related skills and in addition, personal study skills. Skills will include the following:

Practical skills required for the care of the competition horse

The ability to demonstrate the correct riding position and appropriate use of the aids.

The ability to lunge horses for the purpose of exercise.

Estate skills including those required in grassland management and the maintenance of stable yards. .

Machinery operation skills, particularly those required for tractor driving.

Practical skills required for the successful management of an equine yard.

Research skills required to undertake scientific investigations using recognized conventions

Development of team-working skills by requiring students to work with others in practical classes and in seminar/workshops

Skills required in the development of career action plans and more generally in the management of the individual’s own responsibilities

A range of communication skills, both verbal and oral, as required in
6 Please refer to Course Development and Review Handbook or QAA website for details.
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QAA subject benchmark statement (where applicable) 7 interaction with both individuals and groups, specialist and non-specialist

Skills of critical appraisal used in the synthesis of information from different sources

Information technology skills required to use Microsoft Office or other similar software in word-processing reports, preparing presentations and manipulating data

Problem-solving skills used in identifying and solving routine and nonroutine problems presented to students through the range of assessment methods proposed

Creative skills required for the development of academic posters and presentations as well as industrially-focused assignments such as the design of an interpretive activity
Work-related learning
This foundation degree’s vocational focus and relevance to the needs of employers is one of its most distinctive features. Work-related learning underpins the course as follows:

Compulsory work placement (Work Placement 2 module)

Careers education, guidance and personal development planning through the Career Planning Agreement and the Career Development module.

Simulation of work-related situations is carried out wherever possible and includes the following activities:
 Practical assessment of skills on the equine yard (Equine
Practical Management Skills module)
 Preparation of appropriate feeding rations for equines (Nutrition module)
 Assessment and evaluation of common equine injuries and illnesses (Equine injury module)
Ridden Assessment of a variety of equines (Equitation modules)
Agriculture, Forestry, Agricultural sciences, Food Sciences and Consumer
Sciences
Where a course is accredited by a PSRB, full details of how the course meets external requirements, and what students are required to undertake, are included.
Learning and teaching methods
This section sets out the primary learning and teaching methods, including total learning hours and any specific requirements in terms of practical/ clinical-based learning. The indicative list of learning and teaching methods includes information on the proportion of the course delivered by each method and details where a particular method relates to a particular element of the course.
Learning support is given through a series of group tutorials focusing on academic skills, for example,
Writing Assignments; Using the Harvard Referencing System, Avoiding Plagiarism.
Primary learning methods include lectures, practical sessions on the college yard, equitation sessions and field trips. The proportions delivered by each method vary in different modules so that the proportions in the course as a whole depend on the programme of option modules selected by the individual student.
7 Please refer to the QAA website for details.
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In addition to the above, students have the opportunity to go on a college run field trip.
Generally, the modules are organised as follows:
Learning and Teaching Method
Lectures, practicals
Independent study
% of Student Effort
Normally 30%
Normally 70%
Assessment methods
This section sets out the summative assessment methods on the course and includes details on where to find further information on the criteria used in assessing coursework. It also provides an assessment matrix which reflects the variety of modes of assessment, and the volume of assessment in the course.
The assessment proced ures will comply with the University’s General Examination and Assessment
Regulations (GEAR).
The assessment scheme is seen as an integral part of the teaching and learning strategy for the course.
Assessment strategies vary between modules and are mapped against module outcomes. The primary assessment methods include written and scientific reports, written examinations, oral examinations, presentations, practical skills assessment, laboratory and work placement portfolios; interpretive activities.
These link broadly to types of learning outcomes as follows:
1. Knowledge and understanding of the principles of equine studies – written reports; case study reports; written examinations; oral examinations, laboratory portfolios
2. Work-related skills - practical skills assessment; work placement/laboratory portfolios; reports on fieldwork
3. Academic skills of research and critical analysis – written reports; scientific investigation
4. Skills of problem-solving and decision-making in a work-related context – work placement portfolio, case study reports, interpretive activity; practical skills assessment
5. Communication skills – presentations; oral examinations; interpretive activities
Learning Outcome Assessment method Module Number of credits
The main sectors of the equine industry, the economic significance of the industry and the relevant legislation surrounding the equine in the UK.
The structure and function of equine anatomy and physiology.
The physiology of digestion and the nature and role of feedstuffs used in equine nutrition.
The anatomy and physiology of the reproductive system of both the male and female, and the relation of this to the management of mares, stallions and neonates.
The internal and external parasites, common diseases and ailments and
Portfolio
Exam
Essay
Case Study
Exam
Essay
Essay
Exam
Essay
PL206
PJ100
PJ101
PJ113
PJ205
PJ106
10
20
10
10
10
10
Page 6 of 11

their aetiology.
.
The role of immunity and the process of healing and the ability to determine appropriate preventative medicine routines.
The factors influencing commercial stud practice and the practical management of breeding stock.
The principles of training and fittening the horse for different disciplines including the methods of monitoring fitness.
The science of biomechanics, gait and conformation.
The principles of horse behaviour, particularly in relation to its perception of its environment and training
Essay
Poster
Essay
Essay
Exam
Essay
Essay
Exam
Essay
PJ106
PJ203
PJ113
PJ205
PJ201
PJ200
PJ305
PJ103
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
Institutional/ University
Course-specific
Additional support, specifically where courses have nontraditional patterns of delivery
(e.g. distance learning and work-based learning) include:
All students benefit from:
Extensive library facilities
Personal tutor for advice and guidance
Plumpton College induction week including induction to VLE
Plumpton College Student Handbook
Course Handbook
Extensive library facilities at Plumpton College
Computer pool rooms at Plumpton College (111 workstations/18 in HE dedicated areas)
Plumpton Online
E-mail address
Welfare service
Careers guidance
In addition, students on this course benefit from:

Plumpton College Equine Yards, stabling over 40 horses in two separate locations on the college campus. Providing the opportunity to work in both a traditional and modern environment.

Use of further equine facilities including two indoor arenas, a jumpcross course and a horse walker

Strong network of contacts in the Sussex Equine Industry many of whom provide work placement opportunities and offer site visits.
Representatives of a number of organizations sit on the Curriculum and
Advisory Panel for the Equine Department, for example, the British Horse
Society and the Riding for the Disabled Association.

Opportunity to contribute to the running of the Equine Yard at Plumpton.

Opportunities to take secondary qualifications such as British Horse
Society Exams (additional qualifications will come at an extra cost as they are not included in the course fees).
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This section includes an outline of the structure of the programme, including stages of study and progression points.
Course Leaders may choose to include a structure diagram here.
Y e a r
Students normally take 12 standard 10-credit modules per year, six in each semester. A standard module is designed to comprise 100 hours total learning time and is typically studied over a 15-week semester. A typical 10-credit module comprises a combination of tutor-led contact sessions (normally 1.5 - 3 hours per week) and independent study time, which includes the time spent on completing assessment tasks.
Modules in categories 1, 4 and 5 below will normally have at least 22.5 contact hours (for each 10 credits), modules in category 2 will normally have at least 45 hours of contact time, modules in category 3 will have up to 100 hours of self-study time for each 10 credits.
The first year will provide a basic knowledge of the fundaments of equine science. At stage 5 learners can begin to specialise in the subject area that meets their career progression plans.
There is a compulsory work placement 2 in which the students must complete 120 hours placement. This should be agreed with the course leader. The students can work during term time or complete the placement during the summer prior to attending induction for the final year.
Industrial work week is also provided where the students work under the guidance of the college, using college facilities.
Skillsets are assessed by practical and written means. This ensures that they are at the standards required but also have the correct knowledge of legislation before entering the workplace. t s
S e m e e r
Compulsory Modules Optional Modules
1 1
2
PJ100
Equine
Anatomy
& Physiology
2 1 PJ200
Biomechanical
Analysis
2 PJ202
Sport
Psychology
PJ103
Equine
Behaviour
PJ101
Equine
Nutrition
PJ201
Exercise
Physiolo gy
PJ113
Equine
Reproduction
PJ106
Equine
Health and
Disease
PJ203
Injury and
Recovery
PJ102
Practical
Manage ment
Skills
PJ208
Industrial
Experien ce
(10 credits)
PL100
Research
Methods
PL204
Project 2
PL126
Entrepreneurship 1
PL205
Career
Development
(10 credits)
PJ112
Training the
Young
Horse
(10 credits)
PL206
Work
Place- ment 2
(10 credits)
Any other level 4 module
PJ104 Equitation 1
PL224 Health, Wellbeing and the Outdoors
PL203 Statistics
PL222 Nature Photography (yr long)
PJ204 Teaching the Rider
PJ205 Breeding & Stud Management
PJ206 Equitation 2
PJ207 Skills Acquisition & Sports
Performance
PJ213 Introduction to Harness Horse
Skills
Modules
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5
5
5
5
5
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
Status:
M = Mandatory (modules which must be taken and passed to be eligible for the award)
C = Compulsory (modules which must be taken to be eligible for the award)
O = Optional (optional modules)
Level 8 Module code
Status Module title
4
4
4
4
4
4
PL203
PL224
PL222
PJ204
PJ205
PJ104
PJ206
PJ207
PJ213
O
Equitation 1
O Statistics
O Health, Wellbeing and the Outdoors
O
O
O
O
O
Nature Photography
Teaching the Rider
Breeding and Stud Practice
Equitation 2
Skill Acquisition and Sports Performance
O Introduction to Harness Horse Skills
All optional modules are subject to student numbers
Credit
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
20
10
10
10
10
10
10
Sem
2
2
2
1
1
Year
2
2
2
8 All modules have learning outcomes commensurate with the FHEQ levels 0, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8. List the level which corresponds with the learning outcomes of each module.
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Award type Award* Title
Intermediate FCert Equine Studies
Final FdSc Equine Studies
Select
Select
Select
*Foundation degrees only
Progression routes from award:
Award classifications Mark/ band %
70% - 100%
60% - 69.99%
50% - 59.99%
40% - 49.99%
Level
Total credits 9
Eligibility for award
Minimum credits 10
4
5
Total credit 120
Total credit 240
Minimum credit at level of award 90
Minimum credit at level of award 90
Select Total credit Select Minimum credit at level of award Select
Select Total credit Select Minimum credit at level of award Select
Select Total credit Select Minimum credit at level of award Select
Ratio of marks
Level 4 marks
Level 5 marks
Select
Select
Select
Classification of award
11 :
Select
Select
Select
Class of award
Not applicable
Foundation degree
Foundation degree
Distinction
Merit
Pass
Honours degree
First (1)
Upper second (2:1)
Lower second (2:2)
Third (3)
Postgraduate 12 degree (excludes
PGCE and BM BS)
Distinction
Merit
Pass
9 Total number of credits required to be eligible for the award.
10 Minimum number of credits required, at level of award, to be eligible for the award.
11 Algorithm used to determine the classification of the final award (all marks are credit-weighted). For a Masters degree, the mark for the final element (e.g, dissertation) must be in the corresponding class of award.
12
Refers to taught provision: PG Cert, PG Dip, Masters.
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Please refer to the Course Approval and Review Handbook when completing this section.
The examination and assessment regulations for the course should be in accordance with the
University’s General Examination and Assessment Regulations for Taught Courses (available from Plumpton Online
Specific regulations which materially affect assessment, progression and award on the course e.g. Where referrals or repeat of modules are not permitted in line with the University’s
General Examination and
Assessment Regulations for
Taught Courses.
Exceptions required by
PSRB
These require the approval of the Chair of the Academic
Board
Document template revised: 2010 Page 11 of 11