Course overview
This qualification is for you if you are aged 16-19 or 19+, and want to work
in horticulture. It is designed to provide you with a very wide range of
specialist technical practical skills and detailed knowledge and understanding
which will equip you to seek a diverse range of employment opportunities, or to
further learning and training within the horticultural industry.
This qualification gives you the opportunity to learn about and build on the
essentials of working in horticulture such as safe working, using equipment and
machinery, plant identification, maintaining turf, plant health, pests and
diseases and pruning and maintaining trees and shrubs. You will also learn about
plant and soil science and business skills, and specialise in professional
horticulture with regard to the optional units.
Modules
You will gain an understanding of the skills and knowledge that are important when you are working in a horticultural setting, or progressing to further learning and training in this area. You will get lots of practice and support to enable you to develop as a horticulturalist.
How will I be assessed?
- Synoptic assessments/assignments where a candidate is given a problem to solve or an outcome to achieve. An example of this would be to plan and maintain a vineyard area.
- Theory examination (2-hour) each academic year
- Portfolio of evidence for work experience undertaken
- Optional unit assessments
Work experience
Industry placements enhance your studies and are an important part of your course. They ensure you develop the key skills, knowledge and behaviours necessary to be successful in your chosen industry, resulting in you leaving college ready for the world of work. It is compulsory to undertake an element of work experience when studying a Level 1, 2, or 3 course. The number of hours you must complete will depend on your level of study.
Course Level:
- Level 1 – Minimum of 30 hours of industry placement
- Level 2 – Minimum of 75 hours of industry placement
- Level 3 – Minimum of 150 hours of industry placement (per year of your course)
- T Level – Minimum of 315 hours of industry placement
Entry requirements
4 GCSEs at Grade 4 and above to include English and Maths OR a Level 2 in a related subject plus English and Maths, at least grade 4
Bursaries
Financial support could be available to you depending on your household income, eligibility criteria, and level of study. A bursary, which is money given directly by the Government, could help fund bus travel, accommodation, course equipment, college meals, or educational trips.
Course Fees
Students aged 16-18 on 31st August in the year of starting the course do not pay tuition fees.
Adults aged 19+ may be entitled to a tuition fee waiver on certain courses (where the Government pays the tuition and assessment fee) if any of the following apply:
You are aged between 19 and 23 and:
- This is your first Full Level 2 or Full Level 3 qualification.
- You are undertaking English and Maths up to and including Level 2.
- You are unemployed or economically inactive and your gross annual income is below £26,800.
- Your course is part of the Level 3 Free Courses for Jobs offer (and you meet the earnings threshold)
You are aged 24+ and:
- You are studying a Level 1 or Level 2 course and are unemployed, economically inactive, or earning below £26,800 gross annually.
- You are undertaking English and Maths up to and including Level 2.
- Your course is part of the Level 3 Free Courses for Jobs offer (and you meet the earnings threshold)
All students pay a standard facility fee of £150 to use communal, non-educational facilities.
Material fees apply to Floristry, Blacksmithing and Metalwork, Agricultural Engineering, and Motor Vehicle students.
Equipment & PPE
Students on a 14-16, Level 1, 2, 3, or Foundation Learning course may be required to purchase equipment such as a uniform, PPE, or kit before starting their course. Material fees are applicable depending on the course studied.
Start dates
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