FdSc Sustainable Horticulture Management

Technology is progressing rapidly and will change the skills needed by the workforce across the horticulture and agricultural sector over the next decade.

Adapting to climate change, improving biodiversity and resource use will require new approaches and strategies for management of horticultural sites.

Horticulture is a vast and diverse sector which covers such areas as production horticulture, fruit and vegetable- both protected and outdoors, ornamental and amenity flower and plant production, grass maintenance for amenity, sports and golf courses, landscaping and garden maintenance, public, historic and botanical gardens and garden retail.

This two-year full time (4 year part time) foundation degree will enable you to develop skills, knowledge and understanding of the theoretical aspects of the subject areas as well as the current and future proofed skills needed to progress to a career in the diverse horticulture industry.

The course highlights include:

• Study the foundations of plant health and development
• Learn how to grow plants in a sustainable way
• Learn how to manage a thriving business
• Analyse technological innovations and evaluate sustainable practices

Facilities

Student Support
Higher Education students who have a learning difficulty, disability and/or ongoing health condition may be able to access reasonable adjustments to support their studies. Support is available to help students apply and access Disabled Student Allowance through either the Inclusive Learning and Development Department or the HE Office. One to one tutorial support is available through academic tutors.

The Library boasts a collection of over 8,000 books, covering a range of key subject areas within land-based curriculum. The Library also provides students with access to a variety of magazines, periodicals and academic journals through online databases.  

Learning technology is central to the learning experience of students at Plumpton College and therefore is supported by dedicated staff within the College Teaching and Learning Team.  The responsibilities of this team are to help support students with learning technology to enhance the overall learning experience.   

Teaching
Learning takes place through a combination of timetabled learning and independent study. Seminars enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups. You will also be able to meet your personal tutor. 

Class sizes 
Class sizes vary by module and all students will have opportunities for 1-to-1 time with their tutors.

Assessments
Assessment methods are largely based on case studies and analysis of real-life situations, reports of workplace practices and presentations of evaluations of sustainable strategies. 

Future Opportunities

Upon graduation students can progress into sought after positions within the green skills sector or top-up their degree with an additional year of study to earn a full bachelor degree in horticulture management at various institutions.

Employers such as the Royal Horticultural Society and the National Trust are looking for graduates in horticulture, forestry and arboriculture, garden design, viticulture and greenkeeping with the capacity and motivation to more in-depth knowledge and interest in new innovations which are both technological and sustainable.