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The Course
Access to Higher Education courses are designed to prepare students aged 19+ for a Foundation Degree programme. This course is for students with a passion for working with horses and develops the practical skills and knowledge needed to progress into Higher Education.
It allows students to carefully select specialist modules based on individual passion, to fully tailor their study programmes to suit their future progression or career aims.
The course makes full use of the College’s facilities, including the Equestrian Centre.
What You Study
- Introduction to business
- Higher Education study skills
- Organisations, people and products
- Land-based skills
- Introduction to science
- Science of life
- Bioscience
- Chemistry
- Research project
- Specialist Equine modules covering equine science and welfare, management and behaviour.
How To Apply
Application is via our online application form.
Duration
One year, usually three days per week in college.
Progression
On completion of this course students can progress to one of the Equine Foundation Degrees run at the College.
How You're Assessed
Students are assessed through coursework, written assignments and practical assessments.
What could it lead to?
Work in a wide range of exciting and diverse careers working with horses, including in stables and yards, at racetracks, shows, riding schools, in breeding and horse therapy and many more.
Equipment Required
Lectures:
Lever arch file, dividers and hole punched lined paper, pencil case, pens and pencils. A laptop is desirable but not essential. USBs are not permitted. All work is stored using Microsoft OneDrive, free for Bishop Burton students.
Practical sessions:
- Dark coloured clothing, jodhpurs, waterproof coat (polo shirts, sweatshirts and hoodies can be purchased via our online shop)
- Yard boots or wellies.
- Grooming kit in a drawstring bag, hoof pick, dandy brush, rubber curry comb, body brush, mane and tail spray and shampoo
- Hat to current BETA standards
- Hairnet, dark coloured gloves and dark hat silk
- Laboratory coat.
Financial Support
Advanced Learner Loans are available to help students cover the Tuition Fees for this course. Visit our Further Education Financial Support page for more information.
Please note, if you are applying for your first level 3 course (including Access to Higher Education) and you are aged between 19 and 23, then your course is free, so you don’t need a loan!
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Entry Requirements
You will need GCSEs in Maths, English and Science at grade 4 or above or equivalent qualifications, as well as relevant industry experience.
Alice Hill
BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Horse Care
Alice works in a yard at weekends to gain more experience in the industry. She is also a member of a local pony club and competes in cross country, show jumping and dressage competitions.
Q: What do you like about Bishop Burton College?
A: All the staff and pupils are really helpful and friendly. I also like it that there is a variety of horses available to ride and handle at the College.
Q: What is the best thing about your course?
A: The best thing about the course is that we get lots of hands-on working with all the horses and get to learn all about them.
Q: What are your hopes for the future?
A: I am going to progress onto the Level 3 course at the College and then hope to have a career as an instructor.