Equine Research Anglia (ERA) is an interdisciplinary community of scientists with a common interest in the horse. Our research portfolio covers the behaviour and welfare of domestic, captive and wild horses, equitation (including the human and equine athlete) and equine biomechanics. We are actively working with relevant external individuals and organisations in order to enhance our understanding of the horse. Our research has impact in providing evidence-based advice to organisations and policy makers with respect to horse management in all contexts.

Supervision and support

We provide a supportive, inclusive environment for graduate students with regular formal and informal meetings and activities for student and staff members.

Facilities

There is a variety of facilities available to support postgraduate work in this area. We have access to an excellent range of sport and leisure horses, riders and equestrian facilities. We have close links with the wider equine industry and are situated very close to Newmarket, the home of horse racing, and we also have access to free-ranging Konik ponies.

Our researchers have access to an excellent range of state-of-the-art equipment for measuring horse and rider performance, reproductive performance, genetics and physiological parameters. We also have access to a range of software supporting statistics and geographic information system (GIS).

Funding

Aside from self-funding or funding by your employer, charities and trusts (competitively sought after, as are Research Council Awards), career, graduate, and professional study loans may be available. Click: www.family-action.org.uk for information on educational trusts, or www.direct.gov.uk for bank loans at competitive rates. Alternatively, visit your local high-street bank for more information.

Career development and training

This programme provides an opportunity to study while working in an area related to your future career. This is facilitated by our location in Cambridge, which is a hotspot for equine based activity in the UK and internationally. As part of your studies, you will also benefit from training in transferable skills such as writing and presentation through our graduate training programme.

• Alison Northrop BSc - equine biomechanics, EMG, surfaces analysis
• Dr Charlotte Nevison BSc, PhD - equine welfare and ethics, equitation science
• Dr Mark Kennedy BSc, PhD - equine welfare, equine reproduction and horse transport
• Prof. Mike Cole - equine behaviour and training, analysis of drugs in sport (equine and human)
• Dan Gordon - human athletic performance

Candidates seeking admission to the degree of MPhil or MPhil with possibility of transfer to PhD will normally be required to hold a first or upper second class honours degree of a university, or any other institution of higher education in the UK with degree-awarding powers or a qualification which is regarded by Anglia Ruskin as equivalent to a first or upper second class honours degree.