Leading a Sustainable Equine Industry PgCert

Course code D422

What is special about this course?

Are you ready to lead the way in creating a more sustainable equine industry? Do you have the vision to drive positive change, whether you're in a formal leadership role or not?

Our PgCert Leading a Sustainable Equine Industry is designed for current and aspiring leaders who are ready to make a real difference in the future of the equine world. Whether you're already managing a team or simply passionate about driving positive change, this programme empowers you to step into leadership, formally or informally, with confidence and purpose.

You’ll explore how to navigate the growing pressures of the equine industry, from evolving regulations and heightened societal expectations, to the critical importance of welfare and sustainability. With a strong focus on innovation and adaptability, the programme equips you with the tools to develop creative, forward-thinking solutions for yourself and your organisation.

Importantly, you'll have space to reflect on the specific sustainability needs of your own business or practice, and learn how to lead meaningful change that benefits both your organisation and the wider industry. You won’t just learn about leadership, you’ll live it, shaping a more resilient and responsible future for the equine sector.

Special features

  • Online delivery allows you the flexibility to fit your studies around your personal and professional commitments, from any location
  • Focus on the equine industry with a particular opportunity to research sustainability
  • Gain an understanding of effective leadership and management
  • Develop the skills to become an effective leader/manager
  • Learn how to manage change within the industry
  • Grow professionally and personally
  • Improve your confidence, communication, and decision-making

Entry requirements

  • 2:2 honours degree or above in Equine Business Management or Business
  • Other degrees at 2:2 and above may be considered where you are working in the equine industry
  • Applicants with other qualifications or experience are encouraged to apply and will be considered on an individual basis

Access routes

PgCert

For the PgCert (60 credits) you will study two core modules plus one option (each 20 credit modules) from the following:

Modules available in the semester starting September:

  • Communities, nature and sustainability (core)
  • Managing strategic and operational change in the equine industry (core)

Modules available in the semester starting January:

  • Managing strategic and operational change in the equine industry (core)
  • Information decision making (option)

How will I study my course?

  • Part-time (structured)
  • Part-time (unstructured)
  • You will study through supported online learning using the university's virtual learning environment (VLE)

How long will my course last?

  • Part-time (structured): 1 year
  • Part-time (unstructured): 2 years

Where can I study my course?

  • North, West and Hebrides - Online
  • This fully online course can be studied from anywhere in the world. You should apply to, and will be enrolled and supported by, UHI North, West and Hebrides

Start date

  • September
  • January

Fees

For students normally domiciled in Scotland, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:

This includes

  • EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status in the UK,
  • EEA/Swiss nationals with settled status in the UK
  • EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
  2024-25 2025-26
Per module (20 credits) £584 £610
Postgraduate certificate (3 modules, 60 credits) £1,752 £1,830

Rest of UK students

For students normally domiciled in the rest of the UK (England, Wales and N. Ireland) studying online from home, or assessed as rest of the UK for fee status, the following fees apply:

  2024-25 2025-26
Per module (20 credits) £780 £840
Postgraduate certificate (3 modules, 60 credits) £2,340 £2,520

EU/EEA and Swiss nationals without settled or pre-settled status in the UK

Following the UK’s departure from the European Union, the Scottish Government confirmed that EU/EEA and Swiss nationals, who do not have settled or pre-settled status, will be considered as international for fee purposes. These students will get an automatic fee scholarship.

This includes EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are not self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.

  2024-25 With scholarship 2025-26 With scholarship
Per module (20 credits) £1,110 £833 £1,200 £900
Postgraduate certificate (3 modules, 60 credits) £3,330 £2,499 £3,600 £2,700

International students

For students who do not normally reside in the UK or European Union, studying online from their home country, or assessed as international for fee status, the following fees apply:

  2024-25 2025-26
Per module (20 credits) £1,110 £1,200
Postgraduate certificate (3 modules, 60 credits) £3,330 £3,600

Fees are payable in advance each academic year unless otherwise agreed.

This course is not available for international students requiring Student Route visa sponsorship to study in the UK.

A no fee increase guarantee is available for self-funding full-time and structured part-time rest of the UK, EU and international postgraduate students for continuous study for the same award, up to the permitted standard time limit for the relevant award.

Funding

UHI has a number of scholarships, bursaries, awards, and discretionary fund opportunities available to new and current students. Please use the A-Z of funds or use the filter to see which ones may be relevant to you. All students are welcome to apply.

Further information on funding your studies is also available, please see the attached link or contact the relevant UHI partner.

What can I do on completion of my course?

Once you have successfully completed this course you might like to consider careers in more senior leadership and management positions within the public, private or voluntary sectors of the equine industry.

Can I progress into further study?

The course is designed for professionals wishing to develop their career opportunities but would also provide a strong base for progression to a PgDip or Masters programme.

Is there more information available online?

QR Code - scan to visit course page

You can use the above QR code to connect directly to the course details.

Apply for Leading a Sustainable Equine Industry PgCert

I want to start in Aug/Sep 2025 or Jan/Feb 2026

We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at the University of the Highlands and Islands. We operate a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of gender, age, disability, ethnicity and socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.