Study With Us

Horticulture is the industry and science of plant cultivation including the process of designing, preparing, planting and growing from seed and cuttings. Horticulturists work in a variety of outdoor settings and their use creativity and knowledge in a range of specialisms such as nursery production, garden centres, landscaping gardening, crop production and public and heritage gardens. It has recently been reported that there is a shortage of workers with skills in horticulture sector.

Future Career and Earning Potentials:
Horticultural Worker £13K-£30K
Horticultural Manager £18K-£40K
Garden Nursery Assistant £13K-£19K
Gardener £16K-25K
(Source: National Careers Service)

Please Note: Work placement opportunities will be available at all levels.

This study programme will cover a range of the topics and units at each level, some of which are listed below:

Level 1 Diploma in Practical Horticulture Skills
• How to prepare soil and mulching
• Planting
• Designing gardens
• Effective watering
• Soil pH and structure
• Planting hanging baskets and containers
• Creating displays from bulbs
• Caring for planted areas
• Making new plants from seeds and cuttings
• Growing fruit and vegetables
• Supporting plants effectively
• Painting and preserving wooden structures.
• Potting up and growing on plants.
• Identify plants and weeds
• Cutting grass safely

Level 2 Diploma in Practical Horticulture Skills
• How to prepare new ground for planting
• Improving soil structure and quality
• Planting container grown and bare root plants and trees
• How to care for a planted area or border
• Create containers for seasonal display
• Grow fruit and vegetables
• Propagate plants by seed indoors and directly outside
• Know how to make new plants by different types of cuttings
• Propagate new plants by grafting
• Create and work independently on your own garden projects
• Design a garden and produce a plan
• Use garden power tools safely

Level 1- you will learn by building up skills, professional techniques and knowledge by working in teams in a realistic horticulture environment that includes polytunnels, gardens, borders, planting containers and lawns. Class based lessons will give you a full understanding of the theory of horticulture and expand your knowledge for assessments. During the course of the academic year, you will be involved in relevant industry visits.

Level 2 - for the equivalent of two days a week you will be working on the practical elements of the course where you will learn by building skills and professional techniques and knowledge working on developing and maintaining college grounds.  You will be required to work as a team and develop your own personal skills as well as gain an understanding of background theory that you can put into practice. You will also develop your skills in maths and English delivered by specialist staff.

There will also be an opportunity to complete a period of work experience.

Level 1
No formal entry requirements

Level 2
5 GCSEs at Grade 9 - 3
OR
Level 1 Horticulture qualification with Level 1 English or Maths

This is part of a full-time study programme.

It may be available as a standalone fee paying course that is not part of a full-time study programme subject to sufficient interest. For further information call the Course Information Team on 01924 789111.

Tuition and certification are free if you are aged 16-18. Related additional costs may include materials, equipment, visits, and residentials, which are payable by all students.

Any student registered with an Awarding Body who has been given free entry and subsequently withdraws or is withdrawn by a tutor will incur the certification fee associated with the course. Any re-sit examination will incur a cost.

Different fees apply to international/overseas students and those studying this qualification as a standalone course.

For more detailed information on financial support please contact the Financial Support Team on 01924 789283.

On successful completion and with the required English and maths grades you can progress through the levels.

On completion of level 1 You will gain the skills and knowledge to work in the horticultural industry as a plant care assistant at a nursery or garden centre or work as part of a professional gardening team.

On completion of level 2 it could lead to an apprenticeship or employment in the following areas: Agricultural/Horticultural Technician, Gardener, Horticultural Garden Centre Worker or Landscaper.

Please complete a full-time application form.

If you require an application form or details on how to enrol, please contact Course Information on 01924 789111.

Please contact Richard Brown by email: rbrown@heartofyorkshire.ac.uk or Sally Thompson on 01924 789379 or email: sthompson@heartofyorkshire.ac.uk.

Open Events

To see our upcoming Open Events and to sign-up for priority entry, please click here:  https://www.heartofyorkshire.ac.uk/latest/events/