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Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Equine Management

  • BERKSHIRE COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE
  • LEVEL 3
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Equine student with horse

Course Overview

Our Level 3 courses provide a range of different sized options in terms of modules covered, level of study and providing opportunities for progression either into employment or higher education. The majority of our students choose to take a two-year programme completing a National Extended Diploma in Equine Management which is equivalent to three A-levels. This course is actively involved in the daily care and routine of the college’s horses through yard duties which includes weekends. This allows learners to develop their practical skill set in a range of settings which is essential when gaining employment within the industry.

The courses allow students to develop employability skills alongside gaining confidence in becoming independent learners. There are also opportunities to be involved in the running of college events such as dressage, showjumping and British Eventing through our annual event. The course is delivered through a series of modules composed of both practical and theoretical components.

Delivery will be through student-centred theory lessons, complemented by practical riding and stable management sessions. The students are assessed through coursework, presentations, external exams and practical assessments.There is an emphasis on both internal and external industry placement which is assessed throughout the course. A high degree of importance is placed on the development of the practical skills students will be using within the equestrian workplace. Guest speakers, trips and visits are used to enhance the learning environment where possible.

Course Code

FF3PEQN2B0

End Date

Fri, 03 Jul 2026

Entry Requirements

Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above including English, maths and science.

Applicants must be able to pass a riding assessment at interview. The minim...

Course Code

FF3PEQN2B0

End Date

Fri, 03 Jul 2026

Entry Requirements

Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above including English, maths and science.

Applicants must be able to pass a riding assessment at interview. The minim...

Course information

This programme is made up of a mixture of units including but not limited to:
Equine Structure, Form and Function,
Equine Diet and Nutrition,
Managing Equine Disease,
Work Experience in the Equine Sector,
Equine Health and Husbandry,
Managing an Equine Yard,
Managing an Equine Event,
Introduction to Equine Coaching,
Managing Equine Injuries and Rehabilitation.

Students will also have the option to train towards British Horse Society examinations. Level 3 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 (including weekends) 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)–

2 Years

Over four days a week at college one of those days being an internal placement day on the BCA Equestrian Centre.

Three weekend dates are compulsory throughout the academic year.

Assessment takes place through the completion of examinations, synoptic assessment, riding assessments, homework and successful completion of a two weekblock external industry placement.

There are four qualifications available:
Level 3 Extended Certificate in Equine Management (1 Year) which can lead onto Level 3 Diploma in Equine Management
Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Equine Management (1 Year) which can lead onto National Extended Diploma in Equine Management. Each qualification can be studied as a standalone qualification (however, note that completion of a 1-year programme will have limitations in relation to progression particularly onto University).

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.
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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.

Please note this includes weekends.

Progression can be on to further study, an Apprenticeship programme or a career within the equine industry. Careers after Level 3 can include: Instructor, Specialist Groom, Events Organisation, Nutritionist, Yard Supervisor.

Level 3

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.