BTEC National Diploma in Horticulture

This two-year course provides a broad based training programme in horticulture, with specialist options in landscaping, amenity/decorative horticulture, or sports turf management. It is ideal for school-leavers with a desire to work in a diverse industry with the appropriate entry requirements.

The teaching programme is centred on lectures with practical instruction, supported by assessment/assignment work, practical projects of an individual and group nature and a practical work experience programme at the College which is occasionally delivered off site at approved horticultural/turf related establishments.

In mid-May to June of Year One, students will have the opportunity to experience working in landscaping, amenity/decorative, golf or sports turf-related employment within the horticultural industry. Much effort is made to select work placements of direct interest to the student which will provide valuable experience in support of future entry into employment, with many students gaining full-time employment with their work experience provider.

Course structure

The National Diploma in Horticulture has three options:

  • Option 1: Landscaping, including construction and maintenance.
  • Option 2: Amenity / decorative horticulture, including garden and landscape design.
  • Option 3: Sports turf management, including the construction and care of golf courses.

All students study the following six core units:

  • Investigative project in the horticultural sector.
  • Horticultural skills and plant knowledge.
  • Horticultural business accounting and management.
  • Principles of plant and soil science.
  • Work-related experience in the horticultural sector.
  • Land-based machinery operations.

All students study the following specialist units:

  • Plant use and protection
  • Turf production and maintenance
  • Horticultural surveying and leveling
  • Plant establishmentand maintenance.
  • Landscape ecology.
  • Sustainable development.
  • Contract management.

Two options also have specific modules of study directly related to the option title. These include:

  • Option 1 - Landscaping, including construction and maintenance:
    - Landscape construction
    - Landscape rock and water features
    - Horticultural design principles
    - Garden design and graphics
    - Advanced landscape construction
  • Option 2 - Amenity / decorative horticulture, including garden and landscaping design:
    - Decorative horticulture
    - Heritage gardening
    - Horticultural design principles
    - Garden design and graphics
    - Plant propagation

One day a week (Wednesdays) will be spent practising your skills by carrying out 'option-related' work experience on the College campus under the direction of technicians/instructors. You will follow a specially-devised programme designed to develop your practical skills to industry standard (the level of skill expected by the industry), so that you are fully ready to take up your chosen career at the end of your course.

Additional skills and qualifications

When your learning agreement is discussed with your tutor early in the first term, you will be advised of extra skills and qualifications, which are built into the course programme.

All students undertake a programme of key skills development together with other secondary learning goals which are selected on the basis of their importance to the industry/career in which you are interested. They will contribute to your employability and will enhance your CV (some qualifications may require the payment of additional fees).

This course is a Level 3 course, which is equivalent to successful completion of an AVCE, Advanced GNVQ, or three A Levels (when completed alongside the appropriate key skills award).

Course progression

Students may progress onto full-time or part-time Higher Education (HE) courses at a range of institutions. Suitable Foundation Degree courses, offered at Sparsholt College, include:

  • Foundation Degree (FdSc) in Garden Design
  • Foundation Degree (FdSc) in Horticulture

Employment and career prospects

Employment prospects for students successfully completing this course are very promising as the industry continues to expand and increase its demand for qualified staff.

Preferred entry requirements

  • The minimum entry requirements are four GCSEs at grade A, B or C (or equivalent). Please note: One GCSE must be in English or mathematics and one must be in a science-based subject.
  • Prospective students not attaining the required entry requirements will be offered a place on an alternative course which, after satisfactory completion, could entitle them entry to the National Diploma.
  • Pre-course experience is always helpful and many candidates use the BTEC First Diploma (at Merit level or above), or National Certificate as an alternative to the minimum entry requirements stated above.
  • Whilst there is no entry requirement in regard to practical experience, candidates will find it beneficial to have worked in horticulture prior to enrolling on the course.
  • A good reference from school or previous employer is also required.

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The Potting Shed from BBC's GQT

The Potting Shed from BBC's GQT

Course Facts at a glance:

Duration:

2 Years

Tutor:

Year 1 Tutor:
Aaron Mills,
BSc (Hons), Cert Ed.

Year 2 Tutor:
Chris Bird,
M Hort. (RHS), NCH, Cert. Ed.,
M I Hort.

Qualification:

This course is a Level 3 course, which is equivalent to successful completion of an AVCE, Advanced GNVQ, or three A Levels (when completed alongside t