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Level 2 Diploma in Horticulture

  • BERKSHIRE COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE
  • LEVEL 2
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Course Overview

This course provides students with an excellent opportunity to access the horticulture industry and/or progress through to an apprenticeship in their chosen field.

The course also provides an opportunity for students to gain the confidence to enter the horticulture industry as an employee.

As part of this study programme students are required to study GCSE maths and English if a grade 4 has not already been achieved.

This is an essential part of the programme in order for students to develop the literacy and numeracy skills required for successful entry into employment and/or progression onto future courses.

Course Code

FF2CHOR3B0

End Date

Fri, 03 Jul 2026

Entry Requirements

Four GCSEs at grade 3 or above including English, maths and science.

At interview, we will require evidence of your interest and passion for wor...

Course information

Students are able to develop practical skills in propagation and gain underpinning knowledge of establishing and maintaining plants. Students will work with a range of plants and tools within our extensive 162-hectare estate which is managed by our highly experienced and knowledgeable Grounds Team.
Units studied including, but not limited, to:

-Introduction to working in Land-based Industries
-Introduction to Plant & Soil Science
-Horticulture Work Placement
-Land-based Machinery Operations
-Estate Maintenance in Horticulture
-Propagation Techniques
-Maintain Sports and Amenity Turf
-Establish and Maintain Soft Landscapes

1 Year

This course is delivered through theory lessons, practical work, group seminars and internal and external professional development (industry/work placement).

You will also have individual tutorials with your Course Manager on a regular basis in order to monitor and track your progress.

Assessment takes place through the completion of practical assessments, synoptic assessment, written assessment, homework and successful completion of industry placement.

Level 2 Diploma in Horticulture

You will complete industry placement every week on our grounds as part of your professional development and a set number of hours of industry placement externally (approximately 2 weeks, subject to confirmation).

This course can lead to employment within garden centres, landscaping companies, garden maintenance, garden design.

Students can also progress (subject to meeting specified entry requirements) onto other courses such as Level 3 Diploma in Agriculture, Equine Studies or Animal Management.

What careers can this course lead onto:

-Amenity Grounds person
-Conservationist
-Ecologist
-Estate Worker
-Garden Centre Assistant
-Garden Designer
-Gardener
-Greenkeeper
-Landscape Operative
-Machinery Operator
-Production Nursery Assistant
-Turf Production Worker

Working in the horticulture industry can be highly rewarding but it requires hard work and dedication. You will need to be comfortable with working outdoors in all weathers, be physically able and willing to carry out routine husbandry tasks e.g. maintaining and weeding borders, working with machinery, pruning, lifting and carrying tools, debris and equipment.

We have a strict dress code for working on our practicals and, as such, you need to be prepared to follow instructions from all staff in order to maintain your own health, safety and welfare.

English and Maths will be built into your college timetable should you have not achieved a Grade 4 in these areas.

If you have a Learning Difficulty or Disability or Additional Educational Need, please let us know when you apply. You will be offered support in your interview. If you need help completing your application, we can also assist you with this.

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