APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2013 DIPLOMA COURSE ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED - INTERVIEWS WILL BE CONDUCTED IN SEPTEMBER 2012.
Course overview
Introduction
The Diploma is a unique five month, full time residential training programme dedicated to the Thoroughbred breeding industry. The course is FREE to EU Students and combines practical experience working on a commercial stud during the busy breeding season (February to June) with theoretical lectures, visits, workshops and demonstrations relating to Thoroughbred breeding and racing. Students are supported and assessed during the programme using appraisals, projects, assignments and examinations relating to practical and commercial aspects of the industry. Successful students are awarded the National Stud Diploma certificate, in addition high achievers are presented with awards and prizes including significant travel bursaries.
Practical training
Diploma students have the unique opportunity to be involved with every aspect of the daily activities at the National Stud. Students work hands on, aided by experienced staff, with mares and foals, barren and maiden mares, teasers and spellers (racehorses at rest) as well as participating in foaling duties and the work of the breeding shed. Additionally students get an insight into in the daily routines in the stud office, assist with veterinary care and routine reproductive examinations carried out by veterinarians from Newmarket Equine Hospital.
Equine management training
Alongside the practical experiences gained working on the stud, students attend the well respected Evening Lecture Programme. The programme covers all aspects of horse care and stud management. Lectures are twice weekly and delivered by industry and veterinary experts. Additional talks are delivered to student groups by National Stud personnel and industry leaders throughout the programme. Students also have the option to take formal QCF qualifications alongside the Diploma certificate.
Visits and practical workshops
To broaden their knowledge of the industry students are exposed to a variety of industry organisations. This includes visits to Sales events, veterinary hospitals, studs, training yards and other industry bodies. These visits are organised towards the end of the programme and allows the students to get a behind the scenes insight into workings of these organisations.
Workshops are organised throughout the programme and delivered by National Stud, industry and veterinary personnel. Typical workshop topics include: indentifying lameness, broodmare conformation, tractor handling and practical lungeing skills.
Career prospects
The course aims to offer young people the opportunity to develop their knowledge and experience to progress onto management positions in the future. Many graduates have gone on to careers in stud management and administration, others have made their names as trainers, bloodstock agents and auctioneers. Career prospects for Diploma graduates are exceptionally high, many graduates start international or UK jobs soon after completing the course. Check out our former students in the “where are they now?” section.