The Open College of Equine Studies

Frequently asked questions

If the question you want answered isn’t listed below please feel free to contact the office on 01787 282123 where someone will be pleased to assist.

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  1. Do I have to attend a Study Week?
  2. What happens at a Study Week?
  3. What is it like at a Study Week?
  4. Why are the Study Weeks important?

1. Do I have to attend a Study Week?

Study Weeks are an essential component of the BTEC National Certificate, Higher National Certificate and Higher National Diploma curses, and for the Foundation Degree, BSc and BA programmes.

Students may opt to enrol onto the BHS Horse Knowledge and Care preparatory courses with or without the Study Week element.

Subject to availability of places, anyone may attend a TOCES Study Week.

2. What happens at a Study Week?

Study Weeks are intensive but relatively informal and include lectures and practical sessions covering the relevant modules of the course and include visits to and lectures by professional staff of the Animal Health Trust, The Royal Veterinary College, the Beaufort Cottage Equine Hospital, Cambridge University Veterinary School, The British Racing School and The National Stud.  Depending on the type and date of the Study Week, we also visit the gallops at Newmarket to watch the race horses work, the equine swimming pool and the world-famous sales at Tattersalls.

We limit student numbers to approximately 12 on each Study Week so everyone gets to know each other well - Study Weeks have a friendly atmosphere.

Some lectures are class-room based, whereas others are of a very practical nature.  Veterinary surgeons give practical lectures which include a demonstration of anatomical dissection.

All of the lecturers are experts in their fields and will welcome your participation in the sessions through asking questions - don't miss this opportunity to broaden your knowledge.

When not in lectures or taking part in assessments you will be able to practice relevant skills on the yard or use the library to study.  A computer with CD-Roms is available for your use, as is a TV and video.   Alternatively you may want to just sit and give your brain a rest!

Study Weeks include assessment of practical skills, written assessments and assessment of common skills through teamwork exercises.  The grades awarded count towards the final grade awarded for the course.  Study Weeks are held throughout the year – the number of courses run at each level depends upon student numbers.

During the week, please feel free to discuss any aspects of the course with a member of the TOCES staff.

As well as learning a lot, you will make many new friends!

3. What is it like at a Study Week?

The Study Weeks are held at The Open College of Equine Studies on the Boxted Estate near Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk.   We enjoy meeting our students and students usually say they enjoy meeting us!   Most importantly, students enjoy meeting each other – it is helpful to realise you are not the only person worrying about how much or how little work you have done!

We do know however that some students find the Study Week element daunting – the ‘college’ environment sounds stuffy and many worry that everyone else will be far more knowledgeable.  Please do not worry - the atmosphere is always friendly and not at all regimented -  Study Weeks are hard work but great fun!

During Study Weeks students are accommodated in the 'flat' - the recently converted south wing of Boxted Hall.  The flat overlooks the moat and lawns of Boxted Hall.  It comprises a large sitting room (equipped with an 'honesty bar' for those after dinner drinks), fully equipped kitchen, two bathrooms, several single bedrooms and tastefully converted attic rooms.  It provides the ideal setting for relaxation at the end of a long day.

Breakfast is self-service in the flat, lunch and dinner are provided in the farm house.

You will meet a mixed and interesting group of people, mostly with the same apprehensions as yourself.  Our students are from different types of equine background – not everyone works with horses.  Everyone is however friendly and keen to learn; we always find that our students soon get to know each other.  ‘Horsey’ people always seem to have lots to talk about!  So please bear in mind - although you will work hard, the atmosphere is friendly and informal.

4. Why are the Study Weeks important?

For students working towards the BHS stages the practical skills are essential as they form part of the BHS examination syllabus.  Whilst the BTEC courses and the degree programmes are of a high academic content, we feel very strongly that anyone holding a TOCES qualification must be able to handle and work with horses in a proficient and safe way.

We have experience of graduates from other equine courses who are unable to work efficiently and cannot perform simple yet important routine tasks such as putting on a foot poultice or clipping a horse.  Whist academic qualifications are essential to prove a level of knowledge, in the horse industry we believe they must be backed up by sound practical ability (and common sense!).  On the Study Weeks practical skills are taught and assessed.  For those with a good level of practical experience it provides an opportunity to brush up and update.  For those who have little experience TOCES staff are happy to provide instruction and the chance to practice.

In addition to practical skills, the many lectures are given by very well qualified and, in some instances, world-renowned, lecturers.  The lectures invariably help your understanding of the subject and back up the distance learning material studied.