The Open College of Equine Studies

Study Weeks

Study Weeks form part of the BTEC Professional Diplomas, National Certificate, Higher National Certificate, Higher National Diploma and Degree Programmes. Study Weeks are optional for those students studying the BHS Stage 1 to 4 Horse Knowledge and Care courses. Subject to availability of spaces, the Study Weeks are open to all, whether a TOCES distance learning student or not.

On a Study Week 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. So please bear in mind - although you will work hard, the atmosphere is friendly and informal!

Study Weeks are held at TOCES' yard in Suffolk with accommodation provided on-site in Boxted Hall.   Breakfast is a self-service meal and lunch and dinner are served in the dining room of Boxted Hall.  Alternatively you can opt to stay in one of many local hotels, inns or bed and breakfast establishments. 

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 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.

Most employers have had experience of equine course graduates who are unable to work efficiently and cannot perform simple yet important practical tasks. 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. 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, lectures are given by highly qualified and, in some instances, world-renowned, lecturers. The lectures invariably aid your understanding of the subject and back up the distance learning material studied.

Having studied high quality distance learning materials, completed the Practical Skills Workbook and attended the Study Weeks, TOCES students and graduates will possess the skills and knowledge needed to make a valuable contribution to the equine industry.

Course fees are fully inclusive of lectures, exam fees (where applicable), lunch and refreshments. 

Accommodation can be provided at Boxted Hall.  The fees start at £40 per person, per night for dinner, bed and breakfast.  Alternatively accommodation can be booked in a local hotel, bed and breakfast, pub or inn.

Please note that:

• You can attend the Study Week and take the mock BHS Horse Knowledge and Care Stage examination without completing the distance learning course if you wish. You must however ensure that you have the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical experience before attending.
• Non-BHS members can attend the Study Week. The mock BHS Horse Knowledge and Care Stage examination is optional.
• These courses are designed to cover all aspects of stable management for the Horse Knowledge and Care examinations.
• Riding is not included within the courses.

Summary of Study Week requirements:

Higher National Certificate Two mandatory Study Weeks

Higher National Diploma Three mandatory Study Weeks

BSc and BA Five mandatory Study Weeks

National Certificate Two mandatory Study Weeks

Higher National/National Units Approximately two days (within a full Study Week).

BHS Horse and Knowledge and Care Stage Courses 1 Study Week per Stage

BTEC Professional Diplomas 2 Study Weekends (3½ days each)

Study Week and Study Weekend Dates

• If you have enrolled onto TOCES’ BTEC F/I/A CHM, BHS HKC, NC, NU, Professional Diplomas, HND, HNC, HNU, BA or BSc the Study Week/Weekend fee is included within the course fee.
• HNU and NU Study Days: Please contact the office approximately three months before the Study Week/Weekend which covers your HNU or NU to find out the exact days and times you will be required to attend.
• All TOCES Study Weeks and Study Weekends are open to non-TOCES students.
• To book please request a Booking Form from TOCES and return the completed Booking Form with payment if applicable. Please note that Study Weeks and Study Weekends get booked up very early, so early booking is recommended. Early booking helps us with administration and planning.
• If there are insufficient bookings by the Booking Deadline, the Study Week will be cancelled.
• If spaces are available and the Study Week is going ahead, bookings will be accepted after the Booking Deadline.
• Please see the Booking Form for Terms and Conditions.