Full Time Horticulture BTEC First Diploma Level 2

Course Code:
N5000

Study Type:
Full Time

Academic Level:
Level 2

Awarded by:
EDEXCEL

Course Length:
1 Year - Full Time

Course Summary:
The full-time BTEC First Diploma in Horticulture is a 1-year practical course which provides the skills to progress to a more advanced qualification or work in the horticultural industry as a junior technician. This nationally recognised qualification will prepare you to work with plants in a variety of organisations such as nurseries, garden centres, parks, sports grounds, soft and hard landscape contractors, or in private gardens.

Course Details:
The course consists of six modules which are studied throughout the year and it includes both theory and practical work. Practical projects are carried out usually within the college although there are often opportunities for students to undertake practical work in the local community.

During the year, a minimum of five weeks is spent on a formal work placement. This placement may chosen by the student from a variety of different organisations and gives excellent experience of working in the horticultural industry.

The First Diploma in Horticulture consists of the following six modules:

• Amenity and Decorative Horticulture
• Turf Establishment and Maintenance
• Basic Landscape Construction
• Horticultural Industry and Organisations
• Work Related Experience in Horticulture
• Specialist Horticultural Machinery
  
  

How will I be assessed?
The six modules are assessed by the college through project and practical work and written assignments. One exception is the Industry and Organisations module which is externally assessed by means of a written assignment set by Edexcel (BTEC). Each module is assessed individually and graded as Pass, Merit, Distinction or Refer. Students are required to reach at least the Pass level in all six modules to gain the First Diploma qualification.

Career Progression:
Following satisfactory completion of the First Diploma Horticulture Programme, you may progress to a National Diploma in Horticulture or a related subject area. However, it should be noted that the grades required to progress into different higher level courses can vary.

The college can provide guidance to students on the options available to them before the completion of their course. You may also decide to go straight into full-time employment in a horticultural establishment of their choosing.

Other Information:
This is a full time course and you will need to be at college for five days a week from 9.00am till 5.00pm. However there are free time periods during the week providing opportunities for self-study and the use of the college's comprehensive learning resources.

You are required to provide steel toe capped boots and overalls for practical work.

Fees:
You must provide steel toe cap boots.


Requirement
You will need one of the following:- GCSE Grade D in English and Science, plus 2 GCSE's Grade A-G. Completion of NVQ1 in Horticulture, or other related Level 1 or 2 qualifications. Mature applicants who do not possess any of these qualifications but have suitable experience will be considered. You will also need to have demonstrated an interest in working with plants. Normally entry is via an interview with the course leader.