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Level 2 BTEC Technical Diploma in Equine Studies

  • BERKSHIRE COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE
  • LEVEL 2
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Course Overview

This course provides students with an excellent opportunity to access the equine industry and/or progress through to further courses in their chosen field. Students are able to develop practical skills in the equine industry and gain underpinning knowledge of equine related topics.

Students will complete a combination of internal and external industry placements which is assessed as part of the course. The course also provides an opportunity for students to develop personal, social and employability skills alongside gaining confidence in becoming independent learners. As part of this study programme students are required to study GCSE maths and English if a grade 4 has not already been achieved. This is an essential part of the programme in order for students to develop the literacy and numeracy skills required for successful entry into employment and/or progression onto future courses.

This course is delivered through theory lessons, practical work, group seminars and internal and external professional development (industry placement). You will also have individual tutorials with your Course Manager on a regular basis in order to monitor and track your progress. A high degree of importance is placed on the development of the practical skills students will be using within the equestrian workplace.

Course Code

FF2CEQN1B0

End Date

Fri, 03 Jul 2026

Entry Requirements

Four GCSEs at grade 3 or above including English, maths and science, plus one other.

Applicants must be able to pass a riding assessment at inte...

Course information

This programme is made up of a mixture of modules including:

Equine tack and equipment.
Introduction to equine biology and health.
Equine work placement.
Principles of working with horses.
Equine preparation and plaiting.
Practical yard duties.
Riding Horses on the Flat.

Level 2 is offered as a riding programme depending on riding ability a riding assessment forms part of the interview process. Practical work and routine stable duties in the BCA Equestrian Centre are integral to this programme of study.

–NB – BCA has a 15st weight limit for all riders (weight is inclusive of all riding equipment and saddle)–

1 Year

The course is four days a week at college with one day being an internal industry placement day at the BCA Equestrian Centre.

Assessment takes place through the completion of examinations, synoptic assessment, riding and written assessment, homework and successful completion of industry placement.

Level 2 National Diploma in Equine Studies. GCSE English and maths (where applicable).

Additional qualifications:
All students are require to be Gold members British Horse Society (BHS) this will enable learners to work towards their Progressive Riding Tests and Riding Safely on the Roads awards as part of their course.

The Progressive Riding Tests are the equivalent to the BHS Stage 1 qualification.A BHS Stage 2 will be held in the spring. There is an additional cost to take this qualification.

You will complete industry placement as part of your professional development every week in the form of weekly routine stable duties and 2 weeks of external work experience within the equine industry.

This course can lead to employment within the equine industry such as groom, veterinary nursing assistant or animal welfare assistant. Students can also progress (subject to meeting specified entry requirements) onto other courses such as a Level 3 Diploma in Equine Management or Animal Management.

Level 2

Please be aware that we have a 15st weight limit for all riders (inclusive of all riding equipment and saddle). Students are weighed each half term and during induction for the above purpose.

Working in the equine industry can be highly rewarding but it requires hard work and dedication. You will need to be comfortable with working outdoors in all weathers, You will undertake a wide range of practical tasks working within teams of students and staff throughout the course.

We have a strict dress code for working on our Equine Centre and, as such, you need to be prepared to follow instructions from all staff in order to maintain your own health, safety and welfare and that of our horses. English and Maths will be built into your college timetable should you have not achieved a Grade 4 in these areas.

Equipment/uniform: A riding hat to the current standards of PAS015, ASTM F1163, SNELL E2001 AND AS/NZS 3838 are required. All hats will be checked and tagged prior to riding and any deemed old, worn or dangerous must be replaced before students will be allowed to ride.

A back protector to the current standard (Level 3 2018) is required for all pole work, jumping and hacking lessons, students are also welcome to use these for flat sessions if they wish. Gloves are compulsory for all practical and riding sessions and for internal work experience when leading horses.

Hairnets are compulsory for all riding and groundwork sessions.Students should have a short jumping whip and a long dressage whip for riding lessons. We advise 2-3 pairs of dark plain colour jodhpurs (no bright or patterned colours) for everyday use.

BCA polo shirts and jumpers/rugby shirts must be worn for practical, riding lessons and internal work experience days. NO hoodies, leggings, vests or jeans are allowed on the yard at any time. In wet weather over trousers and full chaps are of course permitted for yard sessions.

If you have a Learning Difficulty or Disability or Additional Educational Need, please let us know when you apply. You will be offered support in your interview. If you need help completing your application, we can also assist you with this.

You may be required to make set contributions towards educational trips and/or travel expenses to local events. Any BHS exams undertaken are an addtional cost.

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