Higher Certificate in Business Studies in Equine Studies
| Duration: | Two Years |
|---|---|
| Awarding Body: | HETAC: NFQ Level 6 |
| Course Code: | AL 025 |
| Progression: | Bachelor Degree in Business Studies Level 7 and Level 8 Bachelor Degree in Equine Studies Level 7 and Level 8 |
| Location: | Gurteen College and Athlone IT |
| Method of application: | CAO |
| Maintenance Grant: | VEC (means tested) |
Course Aim
The aim of the course is to provide the student with business studies and equine related knowledge and skills required for a range of job opportunities within the horse industry both in Ireland and abroad. Career opportunities exist in equine and related businesses. Examples of areas of employment include yard and stud farm management, sales and marketing of equine related products, bloodstock transportation, riding centres, competition yards and jobs in the recreation, leisure and tourism sectors. Some graduates find employment in the USA, New Zealand, Australia, Holland and Germany.
Location
This 2 year course in the skills of Horse and Business Management is designed for students who wish to make their living working with horses. It is delivered mainly in Gurteen College in year 1 and mainly in Athlone in Year 2.
First-year students can be accommodated in Gurteen College or arrange lodgings locally.
Students may keep their own horses at the College (some conditions and charges apply). Students are not required to bring horses, as the College can supply all horses needed.
Entry Requirements and Application Procedures
Applicants must have grade D3 at ordinary level in five subjects in the Leaving Certificate. Two of these subjects must be Maths and either English or Irish. The standard points system will be used to rank applicants. Holders of relevant FETAC awards Level 5 and Level 6 and mature students may also apply.
NOTE: Foundation level or Applied Leaving Certificate is not acceptable: it must be Ordinary or Honours level.
Course Structure and Content
In year one the course is delivered mainly in Gurteen College while year two is delivered in Athlone Institute of Technology. Students usually board on the campus at Gurteen in year one. Students are welcome to bring their own horse on the course.
Year 1:
(Based in Gurteen; 1 day per week in Athlone)
- Equitation 1
- Equine Studies & Economics
- Horse Health & Husbandry
- Horse Management
- Equine Business Administration
- Communications & Computing
- Work Experience (12 weeks)
Year 2:
(Based in Athlone; 1 day per week in Gurteen)
- Equitation 2
- Equine Veterinary Skills
- Applied Science
- Financial & Cost Accounting
- Marketing
- Human Resources Management
On successful completion of the programme students are awarded the Higher Certificate in Business Studies in Equine Studies. This award meets the training requirements for Stamp Duty exemption and Installation Aid.
Progression opportunities exist on completion of this course to Level 7 and Level 8 degree courses in Athlone Institute of Technology, Limerick University, Enniskillen College and British Universities.
Career Opportunities:
- Bachelor of Business in Equine Studies degree
- Other Pass and Honours degrees (enquiries: Athlone I.T. Admissions Office)
- Yard and Stud Farm Management
- Riding Centres
- Equine-related Tourism & Leisure
- Equine Administration
- Marketing of Horses and Equine-related Products
- Bloodstock Transportation
- Equine Insurance
Contact
Gurteen College
Phone: 067 21282, Email:
info@gurteencollege.ie
Athlone Institute of Technology
Phone: 0906 424521, Email:
asheridan@ait.ie or www.ait.ie
