DipHE in Ecological Garden Management

Subject Area: Course code: Course Type:
Horticulture & Plant Science HR068A01/25/2 Higher Education

Course Information

This Diploma in Higher Education is a 2-year programme that aims to develop the art and the science of managing gardens and designed landscapes to enhance ecological diversity in both gardens and in the surrounding environment. The programme will cover key aspects of horticulture and garden management. It aims to do so using the application of ecological principles, sustainable planting design, biodiversity approaches to pest and disease in plants and understanding the role of gardens, horticulture and landscape management in community and well-being.

The programme aims to develop more sustainable and ecological approaches managing gardens, plant collections and landscapes through three key themes:
- Horticultural Knowledge and application
- Principles of Ecology and Sustainability
- The Value of Gardens and Landscapes

The future of garden management will need to meet expectations to ensure managed landscapes meet goals in sustainable practices, can provide biodiversity impact, are climate resilient or ‘future proof’. New and emerging techniques and models for garden management will be needed by managers within the sector. This programme is designed to allow learners to develop key horticultural knowledge alongside application of methods to utilise understanding in biodiversity, responses to climate change and working with nature to develop and maintain gardens and develop horticultural practices for the future.

The course can be studied full time for two years or part time over four years. Full time study will require 2 days attendance per week at Kingston Maurward campus. If studying part time, this will usually require one day attendance per week, or two half days depending module timetables.

The Programme is currently awaiting validation by the Open University.

Overview

Qualification
  • DipHE in Ecological Garden Management
Course Content
  • The course will cover the following core topics:
    Year 1
    Plant Knowledge
    Applied Horticultural Science
    Horticultural Ecology
    Planting Design
    Food security, Human Health and Climate resilience
    Entomology and Mycology
    Study and Research Skills

    Year 2
    Living Plant Collections
    Garden Management
    Sustainable and Ecological Landscapes
    Land Use of Policy
    Public and Stakeholder Engagement
    Specialist Research Project
Entry Requirements
  • Entry requirements would normally expect to meet 48 UCAS tariff points

    Entry requirements could include a PPP on a Level 3 Technical Extended Diploma (1080) in Horticulture or similar e.g. Level 3 BTEC. BTEC Level 3 Applied Science would also be a good route into the programme.

    Entry would also be possible through A Levels particularly Biology, Environmental Science, Geography and Chemistry.

    Applications would be encouraged from mature students, within the industry, and applications would be considered on aspects of experience and qualifications.
    RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) qualifications at Level 3 provide UCAS tariff points that can be used as part of meeting entry requirements.

    International applications would also be considered, with relevant subject qualification and experience. Alongside this would be an expectation of IELTS average of 5.5.
    Potentially suitable students may be interviewed so that their interest, motivation and academic suitability can be assessed.
Next Steps
  • External applicants can apply through through UCAS www.ucas.com. Part time applicants should contact our University Centre team university.centre@kmc.ac.uk

    Internal applicants progressing from Kingston Maurward can apply through myKMC.
Career Opportunities
  • This programme supports career development in the Horticulture industry for positions in garden and landscape management. It develops skills to for garden design and landscaping skills using sustainable and ecological principles application across the industry.

Dates & Fees

Dates & Times
Start date: End date: Start time: End time:
22-Sep-2025 31-Jul-2027 9:00 16:00
Attendance
Mode of attendance
Full Time
Timetable
Day of the week Number of sessions
Mon, Tue
Course Fees
Fee (HE Full Fee) £6500.00

Students on this course are normally eligible for a student loan depending on their circumstances.
Fees shown are per year.

There may be additional cost for ensuring students have adequate PPE, costs of transport to the college and offsite trips may require additional costs such as entrance fees. Study Tours will have additional costs depending on the tour offered.

Materials Required

Learners will have practical sessions and should ensure they have correct PPE. This includes suitable clothing, steel toe boots, water proofs. Learners will also find it useful to have their own devices (laptops, tablets) to bring to college for classwork and to access learning materials.

What's next?

Is this course for you? Go ahead and book online now. If you'd like more information we are happy to answer any questions.