RHS Diploma level 3

Apply a broad range of horticultural skills and understanding to practical horticulture;

Relate the practices of horticulture to their underlying scientific principles;

Devise reasoned solutions to horticultural problems;

Plan horticultural operations, execute plans and review achievement in order to develop future strategy.

The three written examinations are, like the new Advanced Certificate, in modular format with each examination lasting two hours. The examinations are held twice annually, in February and early July.

The core practical element will be taken at the RHS garden, Wisley or approved regional centres.

The full syllabus, examination dates and other information for 2010 will be found here

Success in the written modules is no longer a requirement for entry to the practical.

Registration may be by module or for the whole examination and will be valid for four years. Closing dates for entry into the 2009 and 2010 examinations will be found on the link above.

Prospective students should note that, whilst the written material provided for this course is very comprehensive, extensive personal research and the use of standard reference texts will be essential.

Students should note that the course comprises the compulsory modules F, G and H plus one of the optional modules not taken as part of your Advanced Certificate i.e. D, I or J.

Introduction

The RHS Diploma was established as a stand alone qualification in 1994 but, following the introduction of the RHS Advanced certificate, a fundamental revision was undertaken in 2001 and the syllabus was completely rewritten to form what is, essentially, the second stage of a two part qualification, of which the Advanced Certificate forms the first part and the Diploma the second.

Although both are stand alone awards, students are required to hold the RHS Advanced Certificate before moving on the Diploma. Those students that successfully complete the RHS Diploma, and meet other criteria, will be eligible to register for the Master of Horticulture (RHS) examination.

Success in the RHS Diploma will recognize achievement in both the theoretical and practical aspects of horticulture and successful students will be able to: