Part-Time NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN HORTICULTURE (LEVEL 3)

Establishing an all round understanding of horticultural principles and practices, this course is ideal for students who wish to change career or enter higher education. You will benefit from a comprehensive theoretical and practical training in horticulture, which will provide you with practical skills, an in-depth knowledge of plants, soils, landscaping and design, plus sound business sense.

Entry Requirements

4 GCSEs at Grade C or above, with preferably 1 in Mathematics, English or Science.
National Award in a relevant subject.
First Diploma at Merit or above.

Additional Experience
Life experiences will be taken into account when considering applications.

Location
Hadlow

Course Duration
2 years, 4 days per week.

Course Content

Year 1

• Horticultural skills and plant knowledge
• Plant propagation
• Plant establishment and maintenance
• Landscape construction
• Horticultural design principles
• Principles of plant and soil science
• Plant use and protection
• Heritage gardening
• Investigative project in the horticultural sector

Year 2

• Decorative horticulture
  
• Landscape rock and water features
  
• Land-based machinery operations
  
• Garden design and graphics
  
• Horticultural business accounting and management
  
• Applied plant science
  
• Hard landscape construction
  
• Horticultural production techniques - protected crops
  
• Work related experience in the horticultural sector
  
• Key skills

Assessment Method
Written assignments and practical assessments.

Progression Routes
Successful students can progress onto a degree level course in production/amenity horticulture, garden design, landscape management or other related subjects. Alternatively they may wish to enter industry.

Specialist Equipment Needed
Steel toe-capped boots and waterproof clothing.