RHS Level 2 Certificate in Practical Horticulture

Subject Area: Course code: Course Type:
Horticulture & Plant Science HR063A07/23/1 Short Course

Course Information

This is one of the new generation of the highly regarded RHS level 2 qualifications, first introduced in September 2022.
The course is designed for people already working in the industry and those looking to move into a professional role.

The RHS have described this course as one for 'thinking hands'. It is wide ranging, challenging and promotes excellence in horticulture. The course will take place in the industry standard glasshouses and use the facilities in the walled garden, grade 2 listed Kingston Maurward formal gardens and the wider Kingston Maurward Estate.


Applicants will be invited to discuss their application with a member of the teaching team by telephone, and asked to attend a familarisation session at Kingston Maurward on Tuesday 27th June 2023 9am-12pm.

Overview

Qualification
  • Certificate in Practical Horticulture (QCF)
Course Content
  • This qualification consists of eight compulsory topics summarised below.
    Plant Identification enables learners to identify a wide range of plants.
    Plant Establishment, includes site based assessment, seed-sowing, establishing hedges and trees, planting in containers.
    Plant Propagation for professional purposes covering seed and vegetative propagation.
    Plant Health provides the skills to be able to identify and prevent a range of threats to plant health.
    Plant Care provides the skills and knowledge to implement garden maintenance plans and high quality aftercare in a variety of situations.
    Plant Pruning covers the principles and practices associated with the pruning requirements of a range of plants.
    Garden Features provides the skills and knowledge to care and maintain a range of features including structures and fences, statues and stonework ponds and hard surfaces.
    Grassed Areas covers the skills required for public and private grassed areas including selection of species, establishing a sward, annual maintenance, weed and pest control, repair and nutrition of turf.

    There will be a range of assessment methods to meet the 'thinking hands' brief including tutor assessments.
    Formal practical assessments with RHS assessors will take place twice during the year at KMC.
    There will be a weekly written identification test and assessment practice to help prepare for the formal assessments.
    An externally set, online written tests will take place during the summer term (date to be confirmed by RHS).
    All assessments are mandatory.
Entry Requirements
  • Although formal entry qualifications are not requested, confidence in numeracy, literacy and use of IT is essential to enable completion of all assessments.
    Experience in gardening and horticulture to meet the requirements of a professional level course.
    Commitment to attend all sessions.
Next Steps
  • RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture (HR064).
    Level 3 Horticulture ( HR221)
    HNC in Horticulture ( HR066)
Career Opportunities
  • Professional gardening, employed by an organisation or as a self employed gardener.
    Landscaping.
    Garden retail.
    Plant production.

Dates & Fees

Dates & Times
Start date: End date: Start time: End time:
19-Sep-2023 (Already Started) 18-Jun-2024 9am 1.15pm
Attendance
Mode of attendance
Part-time
Timetable
Day of the week Number of sessions
Tuesday 32
Course Fees
Fee (Short Course Full Fee) £1100.00

Materials Required

You will need to bring a notebook for the theoretical elements of the course and for the weekly plant identification test.
You will be expected to wear professional standard clothing including footwear with a steel toecap.

What's next?

Applications for this course are now closed. If you'd like to know when there will be another or need more information we are happy to answer any questions.