Courses available 2009/2010
◊ = Entry or Level 2 Course
● = Intermediate or Advanced level 3 Level Course
□ = Degree or Level 6 Course
ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY EXAMINATION AWARDS:
◊ The RHS (level 2) Certificate in Horticulture ~ QCA Accredited
The RHS level 2 Certificate (formerly the RHS General) is probably the most widely
recognized horticultural qualification in the World. No previous experience or qualifications
are required and it is open to anyone over the age of sixteen. Undoubtedly our most
popular course, the RHS Certificate offers an integrated programme of study covering
botany, biology, biochemistry and plant husbandry which is designed to give students
a comprehensive and broad based understanding of horticultural science and competence
with a range of skills, techniques and practices relevant to both the amateur and
aspiring professional gardener alike.
This course is also available on CD at much
reduced fees. See summary for details
◊ The RHS (level 2) Certificate in Horticulture ~ Short version ~ QCA
Accredited
The full RHS (level 2) course without the associated written assignment
work.
This course is also available on CD at much reduced fees. See summary for details
● The RHS Advanced Certificate in Horticulture ~ level 3 ~ QCA Accredited
This course is one of the four RHS examination awards offered by the Institute and,
although a ' stand alone ' award, now forms the first part of a completely restructured
RHS Diploma. Although there are no formal entry requirements for the Advanced certificate
examination, the Institute will usually only accept students that have obtained at
least a credit pass at level 2 or have equivalent experience. Prospective students
should be aware that this course and examination is a considerable step up from the
RHS level 2 Certificate and that successful completion will require competence in
most aspects of Horticulture.
● The RHS Diploma in Horticulture ~ level
3 ~ QCA Accredited
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. The syllabus was completely rewritten following
QCA accreditation in 2005/6 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. Students are required to hold the RHS Advanced Certificate before
moving on to the Diploma.
□ RHS Master of Horticulture ~ Degree level
6
Those students that successfully complete the RHS Diploma -
All RHS and RFS examination awards (with the exception of the degree level RHS Master of Horticulture which will continue to be administered by the RHS) are now fully accredited by the QCA. Accreditation has taken place in stages during the last few years and is now all but complete. Any minor revisions that are outstanding will not affect students in any way other than that we may need to provide (at no extra cost) small amounts of supplementary material.
GENERAL AND SPECIALIST HORTICULTURE:
◊ The Home Gardener
◊ Organic Kitchen Gardening
◊ Organic
Market Gardening
◊ Floristry (see below)
ROYAL FORESTRY SOCIETY EXAMINATION
AWARDS:
◊ RFS Certificate (level 2) in Arboriculture ~ QCA Accredited
□ Professional Diploma in Arboriculture (level 6) ~ QCA Accredited
INSTITUTE
OF GROUNDSMANSHIP EXAMINATION AWARDS:
◊ National Practical Certificate
● National Intermediate Diploma in Turfculture
□ National Diploma in Turfculture
PROFESSIONAL LANDSCAPE AND GARDEN DESIGN:
COURSE
SUITE OVERVIEW
◊ Garden Design 1 (GD 1) ~ An Introduction to Garden Design
◊● Horticulture with Landscape & Garden Design ~ A major combined portfolio (level 2)
● Horticulture with Landscape & Garden Design ~ A major combined portfolio
(level 3)
SPECIALIST VOCATIONAL HORTICULTURE:
◊ Certificate in Mediterranean
and Sub-
● Diploma in Tropical Horticulture
◊ Certificate in Professional Fruit Growing
● Diploma in Professional Fruit Growing
AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION & RURAL
STUDIES:
◊ Organic Smallholding and Livestock Husbandry
◊ Conservation & the Environment
◊ The Home Curing of Bacon & Hams
Extracts from course study books will be found at the end of many course summaries.