The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) is promoting its suite of flexible equine qualifications, offering professionals and enthusiasts the chance to advance their careers without sacrificing work commitments. With a free online information webinar scheduled for Monday 22 June 2026, the Enniskillen Campus is highlighting pathways ranging from short specialist courses to a two-year part-time Certificate in Higher Education validated by Ulster University.
These programmes target a broad audience—from school leavers to experienced industry professionals—who require adaptable study modes. All courses are designed in consultation with the equine industry to ensure relevance to current workplace demands.
Webinar Details
CAFRE will host a free online webinar on Monday 22 June 2026 at 7:00pm to outline course structures, flexible learning options, and learner experiences. Teaching staff from Enniskillen Campus will explain how online and blended formats accommodate busy schedules while maintaining educational standards.
Course Pathways and Qualifications
The college offers several distinct routes for equine education:
- Certificate in Higher Education in Equine Science and Management: A two-year, exclusively online programme validated by Ulster University. Students can study from anywhere in the world, fitting learning around professional and personal commitments.
- Level 2 and Level 3 Certificates in the Principles of Horse Care and Management: 1st4sport accredited qualifications delivered through blended learning. These combine online lectures and interactive video meetings with final assessments held on campus at either Greenmount or Enniskillen.
- Specialist Online Short Courses: Pre-recorded lectures covering specific topics, allowing learners to study at their own pace without formal assessment structures.
Designed for Working Professionals
The programmes specifically address the barriers faced by those already employed in the sector. Laura Smith, Senior Technologist at CAFRE, emphasised the practical rationale behind the flexible approach:
“One of the greatest advantages of our suite of equine short courses is their flexibility. Many professionals in the industry balance long working hours with personal commitments, making full-time education impractical. We offer courses delivered through online or blended learning formats, addressing this challenge by allowing learners to study at their own pace while continuing to work. This flexible approach ensures that a wider audience, from school leavers to experienced professionals, can access training without stepping away from their careers. It also enables learners to immediately apply what they have learnt in real-world settings, reinforcing their skills and improving outcomes for both horse and rider.”
Professional Applications and Progression
The courses cater to diverse participants—from private owners and small-scale breeders to animal welfare officers, leisure riders, and non-equine veterinary nurses—seeking to formalise their knowledge. While the Certificate in Higher Education includes practical elements, it does not develop hands-on competencies, making it suitable for participants both with and without prior practical experience.
Graduates of the Certificate in Higher Education may progress to full-time Foundation or Honours Degree programmes at CAFRE, subject to meeting entry requirements. Career outcomes include equine business management, technical advisory roles, horse training, and sales representation.
Questions for the Sector
As remote learning becomes entrenched in agricultural education, several considerations emerge:
- How does the absence of mandatory practical assessment in the online Cert HE affect employer confidence compared to traditional campus-based degrees?
- What mechanisms ensure that blended learning students receive adequate hands-on supervision during the brief on-campus assessment periods?
- Will the expansion of online provision reduce residential student numbers at Enniskillen Campus, potentially affecting the practical training infrastructure?
- How does CAFRE measure the long-term career progression of online learners compared to their full-time counterparts?
Registration and Further Information
Prospective students can attend the 22 June webinar to explore which pathway suits their circumstances. Those requiring further information about course content or enrolment should monitor the CAFRE website or contact the college directly.
Media queries should be directed to the DAERA Press Office via pressoffice.group@daera-ni.gov.uk or telephone: 028 9016 3460.