Level 2 Diploma in Horticulture
About The Course
This course provides students with an excellent opportunity to access the horticulture industry and/or progress through to further courses in their chosen field. 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.
The course also provides an opportunity for students to develop personal, social and employability skills alongside gaining confidence in becoming independent learners. 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.
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.
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 working with plants and in developing a career working in horticulture.
All students will need to be physically able and be willing to take part in all aspects of practical work.
More information
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 or Animal Management.
Units studied including but not limited to:
- Dealing with customers and requests
- Assessing soil texture and condition
- Planting out plants, harvesting plants
- Erecting garden fences
- Repairing damaged turf
- Lay turf
- Identifying plants
- Horticulture work placement
Working in the horticulture industry can be highly rewarding but it requires hard work and dedication. You will need to be comfortable with working out-doors 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 instruction 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.
You may be required to make set contributions towards educational trips and/or travel expenses to local events.
- Level 2 Diploma in Horticulture
- GCSE maths and English (where applicable)
Assessment takes place through the completion of examinations, synoptic assessment, written assessment, homework and successful completion of industry placement.
You will complete industry placement every week on our grounds as part of your professional development and a set number of hours industry placement externally (approximately 2 weeks, subject to confirmation).
