Horseracing Industry Degree

It will enable the British Racing School, in conjunction with Hartpury University, to offer and award an Honours Degree to those currently employed in racing.

This programme is aimed at those already working in the horseracing industry who have previously completed the Level 3 Diploma in Racehorse Care and Management or equivalent. It will cover everything from racehorse health and nutrition, and race planning and performance analysis.

We welcome students with other qualifications, and previous learning towards a university level qualification or relevant work experience may count as a credit towards this course.

Please contact duncan.gregory@brs.org.uk to discuss.

Year 1

The first year consists of two strands, the first explores how the horseracing industry is structured, administered and funded.  The second strand focuses on the main player in the racing field, the racehorse and the factors that underpin racehorse welfare and management.

Modules

Equine Structure, Function, Health and Nutrition will introduce key features of anatomy, physiology and nutrition and understand the balance of health and disease in relation to racehorse management.

Racehorse Behaviour and Welfare will enable students to use knowledge of sensory perception and horse behaviour to underpin and inform evidence-based discussion of racehorse welfare.

Organisation of the Horseracing Industry explores organisations and bodies within the industry and how they interact within both the UK and international horseracing industry. The student will reflect upon communication and relationships of key stakeholders.

Independent Professional Portfolio supports students in creating a portfolio of experiences including at least one of the week-long intensive learning sessions and work placement to equip them with both practical skills and industry insight.

Week-long courses

Trainers’ Course Module 1

The Racing Industry Course (TRIC)

Year two

Your second year will build upon the academic skills and knowledge established during the previous year to enable you to produce a detailed evaluation of evidence-based approaches and practice, by using case studies and examples from across the horseracing industry. Current topics such as welfare and poor performance will be investigated enabling students to combine academic knowledge with their practical experiences.

Modules

The Thoroughbred Year develops the student’s understanding of the life of a thoroughbred from foal to retirement including the sales calendar throughout the year for both the flat and national hunt seasons.

Race Planning and Performance Analysis includes content of the programme book, the racing calendar in the UK and abroad, and students will gain an understanding of the handicap system, how handicap marks are allocated and develop an understanding of how horses are campaigned throughout a Flat and National Hunt season. Alongside gaining an understanding of current performance measures.

Poor Performance in Racehorses presents the student with common case studies of poor performance and supports evaluation of causation, treatment, management and future prevention. It encourages students to evaluate previous experiences to support deeper learning.

Independent Professional Portfolio supports the student in creating a portfolio of experiences across the four week-long intensive learning sessions and work placement to equip them for a future career within the horseracing industry.

Week-long courses

Trainers’ Module 2 – Business Management

Trainers’ Module 3 – Staff Management

Year 3

Modules

Investigative Skills for the Successful Horseracing Undergraduate will prepare final year students for undertaking a research project.

Horseracing Research and Knowledge Exchange Project will give students the opportunity to further develop the networks and knowledge they have assimilated during their attendance at the British Racing School’s The Racing Industry Course and by attending the three racehorse trainers’ modules.

Entrepreneurship in Horseracing is designed to give students the knowledge and skills to critically evaluate an original product or service idea for the horse racing industry.

Environmental Sustainability in the Horseracing Industry will encourage students to evaluate the impact of climate change, and environmental sustainability within horseracing, and discuss the current industry initiatives to improve our environmental footprint.

Global Challenges in the Horseracing Sector will develop students’ knowledge of current challenges affecting horseracing on a domestic and international level and evaluate current topics affecting the global horseracing industry.

Social Media in the Horseracing Industry explores the development of social media, its different forms and genres, enabling students to create a social media campaign strategy.

Short courses

Research Methodology

Sustainability in racing

The three-year programme will include guest speakers from the industry, and students will be exposed to a wide range of opportunities and possibilities across the sector.

You’ll benefit from the world class facilities at both The British Racing School and Hartpury University. The British Racing School is a purpose built training centre on the outskirts of Newmarket, the headquarters of British horseracing. With extensive grounds and state-of-the-art facilities it’s the premier training facility in the country. Hartpury University boasts some of the most advanced facilities in the world with a campus that’s received over £50 million investment in the last 10 years. Alongside this, you’ll benefit from new learning centres, libraries, laboratories and classrooms to absorb yourself in your course.

Self-Directed Learning

Outside of timetabled sessions students are expected to undertake self-directed learning.  Typically, this will involve preparing coursework assignments, preparing presentations, researching and working on individual projects.

Assessments

Students will be assessed throughout the course through a combination of coursework, practical and written exam assessments. A range of types of assessments will be used throughout the duration of the course and are estimated to comprise 15% Practical Examinations; 50% Coursework and 35% Written Examinations.

The tuition fees for students commencing the course in September 2025 are £8,750 per 12 month period. There are student loans available to help with these fees. Details of these can be found here

Accommodation for the week-long courses at the British Racing School are charged at a modest additional rate and include all meals.

Please complete the form below to register your interest for the September 2025 course:

If you can’t find an answer to your particular question, don’t hesitate to give us a call on 01638 675905 or email duncan.gregory@brs.org.uk, we’re here to help!