equine degree's are they worth doing in this economic climate?

[hollyandivy123]

Hi just as the title says, can i ask people who have done this degree whether they are working in the work area they wanted to, or haven't managed to find a job that they want to do? if you had a chance to redo, would you still have done the degree, chosen a different degree or done something completely different? My brothers kid is at that decision cross roads and can't decide.

so i guess its yay or neigh!

also with the cost going up would that have made a difference in your choice

low fat but very choc tasty cookies for everyone

 

[lizzie_liz]

Throughout my time at school I wanted to work with animals, originally I was going to do vet but GCSE's were not good enough. After that I did think about doing an equine degree and go down the route of becoming equine nutritionist or do physio and then become an equine physio. However after looking into it further I decided against doing anything involving horses as there are so few jobs, not well paid and I wanted to keep them as a hobby. My cousin did equine science at Bristol and after going travelling she is now doing occupational therapy.

In todays climate you have to really think about what you are going to get out of university and how will a university degree help in developing a career. IMO too many people going to university go just they are expected to or because everyone else is. There are now so many people with various degrees the market is flooded with graduates who on paper all appear the same so how do you choose (employers will look even harder at what degree they did, many don't view equine degrees that highly)? There are many professions you can get into without a degree if you go about it the right way either through long term volunteering or gaining an apprentice (hard to come by) or starting at the bottom and working your way up.

What does the child want to do with their life as this will ultimately determine what path they choice.

As for fees to me it made no difference. The new student tuition fees will ONLY be £6000 and NOT £9000 (universities have to apply to charge 9k and only certain courses will be able to, namely top universities or courses expensive to run). To be honest the tuition fee loan did not dictate whether I want to university or not. It is a soft loan in that it does not impact upon your credit rating, you will only pay it back when you start earning x amount and the amount is minimal. The repayment comes directly out of pay in the same way tax does.

Hope that gives you something to think about

 

[Biscuit]

Haven't done an equine degree but agree with lizzie liz...

It may be a good option for some to have a higher paid career and have horses as a hobby, but it also depends on what the alternatives are; what sort of jobs the person could realistically do.

If they are really undecided, my suggestion would be to perhaps try working for a year prior to the degree, to save some money, think a bit, and see what work is really like (will make them appreciate student life more ;-) . Better to get the work experience than potentially waste a year of tuition fees on a degree they aren't sure about.

Also, regarding the economic climate, you need to consider how you think the prospects will be in 3-4 years rather than right now.

 

[rachel_s]

To be honest the tuition fee loan did not dictate whether I want to university or not. It is a soft loan in that it does not impact upon your credit rating, you will only pay it back when you start earning x amount and the amount is minimal. The repayment comes directly out of pay in the same way tax does."

Actually it does affect your credit rating when applying for a mortgage - mine was and the managers (Halifax and Woolwich) told me it was a fallacy they don't take it into account that you will have X amount taken off your gross salary. This was after the credit crisis where banks suddenly started taking people's ability to pay back more seriously.

It is taken out through tax, but that means you have little say in the amount nor any ability to decide that you would prefer to take longer/ shorter to pay the amount off in the way in which a loan would be arranged.

 

[lubuzz]

I have a BSc in Equine Sport Performance. Best three years of my life, but do i work with horses now? No... there arent enough jobs in the industry and they have rubbish pay.

Saying that, i wouldnt have got the job i have now without a degree- some employers like you to have one to show you have furthered your education to degree level etc. I certainly entered at a higher level because of a degree.

There are pros and cons, but on the whole Equine degrees aren't specialised enough- its too broad a subject i think.

 

[hollyandivy123]

so do you think there are transferable skills in the equine course Lubuzz? that is my biggest fear that they will enjoy the degree etc, but at the end of it there is no options open to them if they decide that they don't wish to work in horses etc

 

[Orangehorse]

The current student loans can be paid back any time, so is that going to be altered? My daughter saved hard and paid hers back in a lump sum after working for a year.

I think it is always a very good idea to have a gap between school and university, so long as you don't start taking out loans to buy cars or anything else so you can't afford to give up work.

Both mine had a year off. My daughter worked in a job she hated, but it was very close (I mean tears every lunchtime as she had to go back to work) but she found out that she REALLY wanted to go to university and did a NHS course. She did some other not very well paid jobs and could see that if she didn't get some good qualifications she would be stuck in these sorts for years. She also had some time off to go travelling.

On the other hand my son found a scheme called Year In Industry where he had 9 months work experience, paid, in an area he was interested in, found he liked it and took up his uni course. He also had time to do some travelling in his gap year and has since been able to work in the summer holidays at that same year.

As for equine degrees - not sure. I keep coming across people who have done a 3 year degree and then are really doing quite a menial job, or have to go on and do further training as an add on. There are so many people who would like to be nutritionists but there aren't many job openings. Working with horses can mean you go places and do things you would never have the chance to otherwise.

 

[kyanya]

I too originally wanted to be a vet, but after realising you had to do at least one of Maths or Physics at A-level to even apply to vet school (neither of which I was going to do!), I started looking at other options. Equine Science seemed an obvious choice - scientific but horsey, almost ideal.

But after looking around Writtle and Oxford Brookes Equine departments, I got the feeling that I'd be learning a whole lot of interesting stuff that I'd never have any chance of applying in a working environment, unless I wanted to work on a yard. IMO, to work at a stables you don't need a degree - if that was the route I wanted to take, I wouldn't have even done my A-levels. I'd of loved to have gone into equine nutrition or equine physiotheraphy after an equine degree, but so does everyone who gets an Equine Science degree. After all, they're all bright people who have A levels and degrees, I don't think many aspire to work at a stables with those qualifications.

So I decided that although I'm sure I'd of loved an Equine degree, there weren't enough job prospects for equine grads to make me do the degree. Instead I went for a Geography degree, as I enjoyed this subject most at school, and I now have a decent grad job which means I earn enough to support myself, and hopefully in a few years I'll be earning enough to have my own horse, which has always been my ultimate aim of going to uni! I know I have been fortunate since I've graduated to have had a number of relevant jobs to my degree, but it's not complete luck, as I listened to advice from universities when I was going to open days on where the job market needed people, and I tailored myself to be one of those needed people. And that wasn't in equine science at that time, doubt it has changed much since then (I started uni in 2006).

 

[lubuzz]

so do you think there are transferable skills in the equine course Lubuzz? that is my biggest fear that they will enjoy the degree etc, but at the end of it there is no options open to them if they decide that they don't wish to work in horses etc

I think you are taught a high level of skills that are adataptable to most professions within the equine industry.
A few people on my course went off to be top grooms, etc which is brilliant but did they need a degree for that? Possibly not... but it could be argued that they got better groom jobs working for more well known people becuase of it. But at the end of the day, in my opinion, grooms are never going to be rich so does that justify doing a degree?? I dont know!
Also the majority of the people on my course went on to do their masters and more specialised courses in a certain field, so just used the BSc course as a stepping stone for higher education and better courses, considering it was a three year course thats quite alot of money and time spent and still no well paid jobs at the end of it!!

I think any degree will provide you with skills to do whatever you want. You may need further specialised education in an area, but having a degree opens doors, as i said, i wouldnt have been considered for my job now if i hadnt had a degree. They werent interested in what it was... they wanted to know i had the commitment and ability to educated myself further....

 

[native eventer]

I am currently at Hartpury in my second year of an equine business degree. There are as everyone has metioned pros and cons to an equine course I got into science and business equine degrees and purposely chose the business as we do core business modules which are nothing to do with horses, and are just about business!! I do enjoy it and find it interesting and I do tailor my degree to what I want to do in future! However I am v lucky and have a yard at home I can take on when I finish, I would not have done this degree if there was not this at home as I would have just ended up as a groom anyway or in a non horsey business.

With degree prices rising I would not consider university if I had to go when the prices went up, I do not belive this degree is worth it. (Well I don't think the job oppurtunities are afterwards to justify it!) After this degree I still plan on getting my BHS stages amongst other qualifications, SO yes I do love Hartpury and the course, but you really need to consider what you want to do afterwards as to whether its worth it!!

 

[Bertthefrog]

I have a BSc in Equine Sport Performance. Best three years of my life, but do i work with horses now? No... there arent enough jobs in the industry and they have rubbish pay.

Saying that, i wouldnt have got the job i have now without a degree- some employers like you to have one to show you have furthered your education to degree level etc. I certainly entered at a higher level because of a degree.

Spot on - Because there are so many people with degrees - you need a degree to even get an interview! No - of course you don't need an equine degree to work in the equine industry - unless you are aiming for nutrition or the like - but if you are going to do a degree and slog your guts and brain out for three years - then it has to be something you are genuinely interested in - that way you are much more likely to stick at it and do well.

Equine studies - combined with business studies, marketing or sports science will give you skills that will be of use in most industries.

I did a degree in my thirties - having worked with horses all my life I decided against an equine specific degree and did biomedical science because I am fascinated by health and disease. It was perfect for me - I went into lecturing and can now teach on human biology/ animal care and equine degrees.

That said - after two years of lecturing - circumstances required a move and I am now a part time freelance instructor and groom and loving very minute.

Have yet to pay off a penny of my student loan too!

 

[jendie]

Many jobs require degree level education but no specific degree. If you are interested in horses and would enjoy an equine degree then you are much more likely to do well in it. And an equine student with a first class or 2:1 degree is going to look a better candidate than one with a third in History,English or Politics.

And you only get one life, so go for what will make you happy.

 

[SophieLouBee]

I was all set on doing an equine degree, I applied to a few unis and colleges, got my place.

Then I thought seriously about what I wanted to do with my life, and I really don't need a degree for it.

I am self employed and have my own breaking and schooling business that has just got going I'm pleased I made the decision not to go.

Realistically, most people who do an equine degree won't be able to pay back the debts that you will rack up. I know you only have to pay after you earn over 15K a year, but I don't think many people will earn that, and the people that do, will be paying it back for a loooooooong time. Along with the limited job opportunities, money you need to get going if you want to start up your own yard etc etc.

Also, I admire one lecturer who said to me 'As we all know, in the horse world, its who you know, not what you know' and that is so true.

 

[dafthoss]

The fees are a bit off putting for me but I think getting educated to degree level is needed for most jobs. Also you pay in relation to what you earn and what isn't payed off after 15 years is written off. As for an equine degree I think you really need to enjoy what you are doing to study it for 3 years. Just looking at the amount of people with history, psychology or polotics degrees it doesn't mean they will work in that area it is just used to show they can work at degree level. I would encourage your relative to do something they will enjoy as 3 years is a long time to spend studying something you only sort of enjoy.

 

[Rowreach]

I teach p/t in FE and HE in the equine sector. My degree is non-equine, but I have BHS qualifications and 25 years of industry experience. I am paid a lower rate than staff with equine degrees and only a couple of years' experience

However, there are not many jobs out there for people with equine degrees, and as an employer in the industry, I want someone with practical experience, a "feel" for horses, and a sound work ethic, so I avoid employing graduates at all costs, particularly as many of them think they are entitled to more money simply because they are graduates, and regardless of their actual ability.

I would encourage anyone interested in an equine career to go the BHS route for the horsey stuff, and do a degree in another subject, which would allow a bit of flexibility in future career choice whilst still proving you are able for degree level education

 

[wispagold]

When I was at school I wanted to be an equine nutritionist. I was looking at equine science degrees. I spoke to a few different feed companies who all told me not to do an equine degree and to do an animal science degree instead. They said the equine job market is very small and an equine degree will limit my options. I did animal science at nottingham university and now I am a ruminant nutritionist...which I love.

 

[Ginge Crosby]

I did an equine studies degree with equine business management, and i tended to specialise in the breeding/stud management topics where possible. My career aim was to become an equine lecturer, but since graduating with a good degree last year i've found the competition for jobs to be very tough. I started down the NVQ route through college, but severely wished i could afford to do BHS stages now. I've looked into getting the further ed teaching qualification (for teaching 16-19yr olds) but having settled in Aberystwyth it would involve relocating (as aber is so blummin far from any where else in the uk!!)

I really, really wish i had listened to my mother, and just kept horses as my hobby. I've only had one job in the horse industry that i actually enjoyed, where i would have literally done anything for my employers who were fantastic. But even so, the pay couldnt reflect the demands of the job, and if i wasnt going back to uni to 'top up' my foundation degree i probably wouldnt have been able to stay there much longer than i did. If i could go back in time and change my degree, I would love to have done training to become a paramedic. but hey, hindsight is a wonderful thing!

We're hopefully relocating back to herefordshire (the home land!) before my baby is due, and so in 12 months time or so I can focus on getting my career back on track.

TBH once i understood the fees and loans side of things, it was never much of a worry. my substantial overdraft, however, IS! and learning how to live off my student loan, eating, running a car and keeping a horse was a bit of a steep learning curve. needless to say, if someone was going without it certainly wasnt the horse. As for paying back loans, my sister left uni 11 years ago and has yet to pay hers back, despite having a good job working for her local council, she is not earning over £15 grand.

I would say think long and hard about your choice - give yourself plenty of options, like doing business alongside as that does give you good transferable skills, before comitting to anything.

 

[hollyandivy123]

"I would encourage anyone interested in an equine career to go the BHS route for the horsey stuff, and do a degree in another subject, which would allow a bit of flexibility in future career choice whilst still proving you are able for degree level education "
i have to admit this is my point of view, get a good degree in a good transferable skill disipline, unfortunately we/you cant all work for a feed company.

there is so much competition for jobs out there that the better your degree classification the better for finding work.

 

[poacher82]

I did Equine Business Management, graduating in 2003 so before the tuition fees went too crazy.

I wanted to go to uni and get a degree, and TBH was caught up in what was then a relatively new option and exciting! I got a degree, and was interested in the subject so not bored for 3 years. Alternative choice would have been English Lit, which I would have enjoyed too but I probably would have graduated without a clue what job or even what industry I fancied working in.

Honestly wasn't sure what I wanted to do career-wise. Degree was v much billed as letting you take the equine side of it and get an equine job, or the business side and work in big business in London. I have never applied for the latter, but am fairly sure my CV would be laughed to the bottom of the pile when up against economics degrees etc!

+'s
Enjoyed it
Have a degree under my belt
Got me a foot in the door to my current job - had to do a 6wk summer placement on which to base dissertation, came here, and a job opened up down the line!
Went to uni in a rural location (couldn't have hacked 3 years in a city like my 'normal' friends did!)

-'s
Highly doubt it's seen as equal to a straight business degree by non-equine industry
Not at all hands-on, so no use for a practical equine job (but then, that's not what I wanted to do and I doubt many degree-hunters do)

 

[Elbie]

I did a degree in Equine Science at Hartpury and graduated 2005. I was one of those people that just wanted to go to university. Initially, I wanted to become an equine nutritionist but I knew that well paid horsey jobs don't come up that much and really wanted to go because I love science and horses and felt clever enough to do a degree!

I loved every minute of my degree. The only trouble I had afterwards was trying to get a job. Because there weren't any horse jobs around, I had to apply for other jobs that weren't horse related and this held me back because prospective employers assumed I wouldn't stay. I had to spend a lot of time in interviews convincing them I did the degree because I wanted to learn more about equine science, not because I wanted a horse job at the end of it.

I finally got a job in a pharmacy (science and medicine knowledge learnt in degree was actually quite useful!) and left after about 2 years as there was not much job progression. I then went on to work for a well known equine insurer as a claims assessor. At this point my degree was definitely not wasted as I used what I had learnt every day. I worked there for 2 and a half years and left (long story). I am now a claims adminstrator for a Lloyd's syndicate, part of which involves doing work for the Bloodstock claims department, so again, I am using my degree (just not as much!)

The advice that I would give is...make sure you get work experience. Other than working at a riding school before my A Levels, I didn't work until after I graduated. Therefore, if you apply for horse related jobs (that will use your degree) fresh out of uni, without any work experience you will find it tough even getting interviews as there will be lots of people more experienced in work. I learnt that the hard way!

 

[kiritiger]

I am doing an Equine Science degree. I chose to do this degree because I am interested in the subject but am fully aware (and was when I applied) that this could limit my options. I wouldn't have done this degree (or any degree probably) had the new fees been in place because I don't think it would have been worth my money.
I don't know what I want a career in really but I think trying to set myself apart from the crowd (taking part in exchange programme and work experience year between 2nd and 3rd years) will help me. When I leave uni, the plan is at the moment to get a full time job (not sure whether getting a grad job at this stage is necessarily a good idea) and doing a part time distance learning masters degree. My plans will almost certainly change over time but hey ho, we'll see!

 

[Sportyspots]

I did an equine business management degree as a mature student and enjoyed it and learnt a lot but did get the feeling most of the younger students were there because they didn't have a clue what to do with their lives. I thought that having years of practical experience working with horses all over the world would give me the edge over my younger graduates but didn't even get a single interview in equine related jobs and no one else I've kept in touch with works in the equine industry. The job I did get involved 6 tests/exams before the interview stage including sitting GCSE maths and English, they don't care about a degree.
Don't get me on about student loans, what a nightmare! I know I paid it off when I got divorced and we sold the house but as I used a joint Ac which I had my name removed from without my ex husbands help I can't prove it! Have changed my name and address since so have to send them my divorce papers etc everytime I want a statement or talk to anyone but via my NI no they have no probs taking between £25 and £120 PER WEEK out my wages. I work down the docks, I'm not some high flying banker or buisness person!
If I was younger and just leaving school I think I'd have to decide between a non equine career that paid for your own horse and house or put everything into an equine career but don't expect to be a horse or house owner as well.

 

[EventingMum]

I agree with much of what others have said. I think they have to decide what specific field they want to work in and then look at the best degrees to get them there. However they may well change their mind before graduating so also need to take into consideration how flexible their chosen course would be in terms of applying it to alternative careers.

My son did the B.Sc(Hons) Equine Dental Science degree at Hartpury which proved a good choice for him as he is now working as an EDT however I’m honestly not sure how it would have appealed to potential employers as an applied science degree – that said he rejected his offer to do a non equine science degree saying he would not have had the motivation to studying for it so it would be a waste of time even though I thought it was a safer option at the time.

Some of his student friends who did Equine Business Management have gained non equine trainee management jobs which required applied business degrees. Others have gone into practical equine jobs but these definitely did not require a degree and it was their practical equine experience out with uni that gained them these jobs. Also some of his school friends who have completed degrees such as law ended up hating doing them so won’t follow that career path but have no idea what to do career wise. At least a degree in a subject that the student finds interesting will motivate them to study rather than hating their time as a student and possibly dropping out of uni.

It's a very stressful time for all young people and fees and the economic climate are only making it harder.

 

[hannah87]

I graduated this summer with a BSc (hons) Equine Science 2.1 . I have A-levels in Biology, Psychology and Sociology.

I also have heaps of work experience, from being a yard manager of student liveries, to office and admin work, to working in a equine therapy centre, stud work, completed a sales training week, assisted running a trekking centre plus a gap year spent travelling and working round Aus/NZ in a wide variety of places.

I am yet to get a job. The highly sort after jobs at graduate level are few and far between and the competition is fierce. I usually get Thanks, but we have had applications from people with years of experience in the field. I have applied to hundreds of jobs I could have got pre-degree. I am met with Thanks, but you are over qualified.

I am stuck between a rock and a hard place - not enough experience for a good job but unable to get it either !

 

[hollyandivy123]

thankyou everyone for replying to the post i have sent the link to them so they can see both sides of the argument

i just didn't want her to pigeon whole herself down a route that limits her options later on, life is going to be quite a challenge esp for the people just starting out

if anyone has more ideas just keep posting

cheers