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BTEC Technical Diploma in Equine Studies

Plumpton College

Ditchling Road, Plumpton, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 3AE

BTEC Technical Award L1/2
Level 2
Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Care

Available start dates

Available start dates

Monday, 06 September 2027
Plumpton College
1 Year(s)
Full time
Daytime/working hours

Course Summary

Love horses and want to start a career in the equine industry? This Level 2 Diploma is equivalent to four GCSEs and is designed to give you the skills and knowledge needed to work in the horse industry.

You’ll get a great introduction to the knowledge and skills needed to work with horses, including routine duties on a rota basis. These duties on the college yard will give you a taste of what it is like to work with horses on a full-time basis.

You will develop these skills through a mix of guided practical sessions and classroom teaching, including routine yard duties and riding lessons.

Routine duties on a rota basis are an essential part of the programme. This will involve working on the equine unit and carrying out practical tasks. Work experience takes place throughout the year.

Course Details

Knowledge and skills are developed through a mixture of practical sessions and theory. Practical skills are further developed through routine duties, enabling students to develop key employment behaviours and skills. Riding and non-riding pathways are available.


Units include:

  • Equine tack and equipment
  • Introduction to Equine Biology and Health
  • Work placement
  • Practical Equine Behaviour


Students must complete 75 hours of real-life work with and around horses to achieve the qualification.

How will it be delivered and assessed?

Students have two online exams for Introduction to Equine Biology and Health and Introduction to Equine Biology and Health.

Students will take part in practical assessments demonstrating the technical skills through realistic tasks and activities and assignment work to show their

knowledge and academic skills.


Entry requirements

4 GCSEs at grade 3 and above to include English and Maths OR a Level 1 in a related subject plus English and Maths, at least grade 3 or Functional skills level 1


Equipment required

Students on a 14-16, Level 1, 2, 3, or Foundation Learning course may be required to purchase equipment such as a uniform, PPE, or kit before starting their course. Material fees are applicable depending depending on the course studied. Equipment & PPE

Your next steps...

Students can progress onto our Level 3 Equine course or enter employment at trainee level in equine centres.

Additional information


For more courses like this, check our courses page.