This study programme will ensure that you will develop the foundation skills and vocational knowledge needed for employment in land-based industries.
The study programme has been developed to focus on the education and training of people who want to be involved in the horticulture and arboriculture industries. In the second year you will be able to choose whether to choose more specialist units in arboriculture or general horticulture, including greenkeeping and design.
Horticulture is a diverse sector that includes nursery work, landscape design, plant propagation and production, tree maintenance and surgery, contract management, sports turf and groundsmanship, science and education. This study programme is designed to give you the skills and knowledge required to enter the work place with confidence.
Entry requirements
To begin this study programme you will need...
Duration: 2 Years
- 4 GCSEs at grades A*-C or 9-4 ideally including English and maths
OR
- Level 2 Diploma with Functional Skills
Course content
Subject units:
During your study programme you will cover nine of the following units...
- The principles of plant science
- The principles of soil science
- Undertaking an investigative project in the land-based sector
- Undertaking identification, selection and use of ornamental plants
- Understanding the principles and practices of landscape and garden design
- Maintaining turf in parks and gardens
- Undertaking tree and shrub pruning and maintenance
- Understanding the principles of tree felling and chainsaw use
- Understand the principles and identify the signs of pests and diseases in trees
- Work Experience in the land-based industry
- Business Management in the land-based sector
- Establishing and maintaining interior plant displays
- Undertaking horticultural production techniques (outdoors)
- Understanding and carrying out identification, planting and care of trees
- English and maths:
If you don't already have GCSE English and maths grade A*-C, we will work with you to help you develop your maths and English skills.
- Work experience:
At the end of your first year you will be required to find a work placement in order to achieve the industrial experience unit.
- Personal development skills, study skills and employability skills
Assessment methods
You will be assessed continually on the study programme. A variety of assessment methods will be used, including presentations, case studies, portfolios and practical assessments.
Qualifications
Horticulture BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma
Plus...
- English and maths skills
- Work experience
- Personal development skills
- Study skills
- Employability skills
You will also have the opportunity to take the additional qualifications of Chainsaw & Related Operations NPTC Level 2 Award, Safe Use of Pesticides NPTC Level 2 Award and Practical Horticulture RHS Level 1 or 2 Certificate for an additional cost.
You can also gain up to 168 UCAS points.
Further study and career options
As a result of studying this study programme you will have gained the skills and knowledge required to progress onto a university degree in a related field, or to find employment in the horticultural industry.
Additional information
If commuting to Shuttleworth College will be difficult for you, then you can choose to live in our halls of residence on campus. Priority is given to those who live the furthest distance from the College so make sure you book early to avoid disappointment. Visit our accommodation page for more information - www.shuttleworth.ac.uk/accommodation.
You will also have the opportunity to gain additional qualifications as part of the programme, including: Health and Safety in Horticulture; the Royal Horticultural Society Level 1 or Level 2 Practical Certificates; Certificates in employability skills and pesticide application. Please note that if you are over the age of 19 then you may be required to pay for some of the additional qualifications.
The study programme will also give you the opportunity to take part in a number of trips organised both in the UK and abroad. You will also be given the opportunity to enter competitions and design gardens for shows. The College also works closely with the local community to give you the experience of the working environment.
In order to take part in this course you will be required to wear clothing appropriate for working outdoors, including steel toe-capped boots for practical sessions.
To take part in this study programme you will be required to pay a fee of approximately £45 for required clothing and £660 for any trips that take place on this trip; you can apply for support towards these costs at the beginning of the course.
Funding information
All full-time Level 1 and Level 2 courses are now FREE for everyone, whatever their age. If you are looking to study a Level 3 qualification, courses are still free if you’re under 19 or 19-23 and studying your first full Level 3 qualification. If you’re over 23 or studying a second Level 3 qualification, you will need to pay a fee. Find out more on our financial support page at www.bedford.ac.uk/finance
If you are aged 19 or over you may qualify for an Advanced Learner Loan to help you pay the tuition fees for this course. Find out more at www.bedford.ac.uk/loans. You can also pay by instalments to help make the cost of this course more affordable.