Foundation Certificate Horticulture (PT)

Foundation Certificate Horticulture

• Key Information
• Course Content
• Additional Information
• How to Apply

Click to Apply: Foundation Certificate Horticulture

Award Type:

Foundation Certificate

Level:

Undergraduate

Study Modes available:

Part-time

Delivery Method:

Standard

Course length:

Between 18 months and 2 years part-time

UCAS Code:

N/A

Venue:

Myerscough College, Preston

Start Month:

September

Entry Requirements:

120 UCAS Tariff points from one of the following:

· 2 A-levels (at least one at C)

· BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma at PPP

· BTEC Level 3 Diploma at MP

· 2 Scottish Highers at minimum C or above

· 3 Irish Highers at minimum C or above

· NVQ Level 3 in a relevant discipline

· International Baccalaureate Diploma at 24 points

AS levels and Scottish Intermediate 2s may be used to contribute to entry requirements but they are not sufficient for entry on their own. Alternative equivalent qualifications will also be considered positively.

Consideration will be given to non-traditional qualifications and relevant work experience. Applicants are encouraged to produce evidence of their potential to benefit from the course. Applicants who believe they may be eligible for Accreditation of Prior Certificated and/or Experiential Learning (APCL/APEL) for certain modules will be considered on an individual basis.

Applicants who do not hold a Level 3 qualification but have extensive relevant experience may be offered opportunity to undertake a pre-entry assignment to demonstrate ability to study at the required level.

Applicants for whom English is a second language must be able to demonstrate proof of International English Language Testing System (IELTS) at level 6.0 (with no component score lower than 5.5) or equivalent.

All offers may be subject to successful interview.

Course Description:

Horticulture today combines knowledge of plant and soil science, utilisation of innovative new technologies. It offers a stimulating and rewarding career path for anyone with an interest in plants and the environment. The Foundation Certificate in Horticulture, awarded by the University of Central Lancashire, introduces the scientific basis of plant cultivation and related technologies, and the horticultural business environment,

The student will learn the fundamentals of plant biology and soil science, principles of amenity horticulture and plant production. The student will also develop those skills essential for anyone looking to work within the horticultural industry at technical or managerial levels.

The course is ideal for anyone new to horticulture, who wants to work in this challenging and exciting industry or for those currently working in horticulture who wants to expand their knowledge or progress towards management positions. The course integrates both underlying scientific knowledge and technical skills, applied within an industry and business context.

COURSE CONTENT:

Work Skills Development

This module provides students with first-hand experience where students will use their industry environment to develop practical and technical skills. Students will record and reflect on their own personal development during the module.

Principles of Amenity Horticulture

This module aims to develop foundation knowledge of amenity horticulture including plant taxonomy, plant identification and plant utilisation. The module will contain practical elements which will complement theory.

Plant Production: Science and Technology (double module)

A module with a high practical content, where students will be expected to complete the process of producing and selling plants. Skills taught within the module will include plant propagation and cultural practices for a range of non-edible crops. Business aspects studied will include specifications, costing, marketing.

Applied Soil Technology (half module)

This module promotes the progression of the student from an understanding of the essential principles of soil science to their application to growing media in a range of environments.

Essential Plant Biology (half module)

This module aims to provide students with the essential knowledge of plant biology needed to allow successful management of their growth and development. Students will discover how plant form and function relates to their basic needs in terms of light, water, nutrients and reproduction.

Plant Cell Biology (half module)

Increasingly research into the biochemistry and intracellular functioning of plants is giving us insights into new management practices or allowing us to produce new and useful plant varieties. This module aims to give students a basic knowledge of plant biochemistry and cell function to allow them to start to interpret these new developments.

Essential Soil Science (half module)

This module aims to provide the underpinning knowledge and understanding of soil science, sufficient for students to be able to recognise soil properties and their influence on plant growth and development.

Course Documents

Student Handbook (2015 Entry)

Programme Specification and Handbook (2016 Entry)

Myerscough College Policies and Procedures

Assessment:

Students will face a variety of assessments such as technical reports, literature reviews, written examinations, presentations, laboratory/practical reports and practical tests (eg plant identification).

Links with Professional Body:

Representatives of the local industry have been actively involved in a technical advisory capacity. The College works closely with The Institute of Horticulture (IOH), International Plant Propagators Society (IPPS), National Trust (NT), Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), British Pot Plant and Ornamental Association (BPOA) and The Horticultural Developmental Council (HDC).

Extra Costs:

Additional costs that are essential for this course include:

A Pair of Secateurs and a Horticultural Knife - £40

Additional costs for opportunities and items that are optional for this course include:

Waterproofs and Safety Boots - £80

Learning Environment:

Learning activities on this course include lectures, seminars, workshops and practical sessions. Students will be expected to undertake extensive independent study and research to support taught sessions. Group work form an important part of the course. Students will have access to extensive College grounds and modern greenhouse facilities. In addition, students will have access to Myerscough College’s virtual learning environment.

Additional Information:

Modules may include guest speakers from the industry. Visits may include facilities such as gardens, growers and trade fairs.

What do students think about this course?

Students value the opportunities that the course gives them to develop skills and knowledge to enable them to secure employment within the industry.

The industry experience and expertise of the teaching staff is recognised as a real strength of the course.

Innovative teaching practices and award winning staff enable each student to reach their potential and realise their goals and ambitions within the industry.

What are our graduates doing now?

Working in the horticultural industry (see above).

Working in scientific research.

What international opportunities are available?

Horticulture is a global industry with many opportunities to travel. Many commercial horticultural nurseries have bases in mainland Europe and Africa, with contact throughout the world.

Progression:

Upon successful completion, students may apply to progress to Foundation Degree in related subjects, for instance the FdSc Horticulture course at Myerscough College.

What careers can you follow:

Students have gained employment in a wide range of situations such as garden centres, commercial nurseries, technical consultants, horticultural research, landscape companies, plant breeding, local authority parks management, and botanical and private gardens.

You can now APPLY ONLINE using the links on the right

How To Apply

To apply for this course please select the coloured tab, relating to the centre you wish to study at, on the right hand side of this screen. You can save your progress if you prefer to do it in stages but you must complete all sections of the form.

Myerscough College - general contact details Address: Myerscough College, St Michael's Road, Bilsborrow, Preston
Lancashire PR3 0RY
Telephone:01995 642222 Email: enquiries@myerscough.ac.uk Individual Learning Requirements Prospective students who have a learning difficulty or disability that may affect their studies should inform the College as soon as possible so that reasonable adjustments can be initiated, as appropriate. Where necessary students will be asked for evidence to help identify appropriate adjustments. If students wish to apply for a Disabled Student Allowance they need to seek advice from Student Finance England (or equivalent) which funds this provision for Higher Education Students. Please note that DSA funding is not available on all courses.

Please note that the information provided in this fact sheet was accurate at the date of publication. However, courses are continually being modified and information is therefore subject to change.