AN INTRODUCTION TO THE RHS SUITE OF AWARDS
Following the restructuring of The RHS Examination Awards from September 2010, we
have changed the number and arrangement of the courses we offer.
The RHS level 2 award
has been spilt into two, separate parts:
The RHS level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth, Propagation and Development
The
RHS level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Garden Planning, Establishment and Maintenance
Together they will be known as The RHS level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture.
This
award, previously known as the RHS General and, since 2004, as the RHS level 2 Certificate
in Horticulture is probably the most widely recognised horticultural qualification
in the World. First established in 1893, it remains an ideal subject for open and
distance learning and, whilst it is primarily aimed at providing an Internationally
recognised qualification for those intending to enter one of the many horticultural
professions, it is equally suitable for keen amateur gardeners who wish to acquire
formal confirmation of their horticultural skills and knowledge. No previous experience
or qualifications are required and the course is open to anyone over the age of sixteen.
From September 2010 we will be offering courses for each separate part of this award
and also a combined version covering all eight units. All three courses will be available
in both traditional, printed format and also now on CD.
At the Institute we have
always believed that the study of Horticulture at foundation level should be a complete
introduction to the the subject and not simply those elements detailed in the examination
syllabus. The radical restructuring of the RHS level 2 and 3 awards has provided
the opportunity for us to combine the material from earlier courses (updated where
appropriate) into one which will provide a full and complete preparation for the
RHS level 2 Certificate (both parts) AND those (both parts) now covered at level
3.
Already widely acknowledged to be the most comprehensive level 2 and 3 horticultural
distance learning courses available, the courses, necessarily constructed around
the former level 2 and level 3 (Advanced) syllabuses, include far more material,
in greater depth, and is much more widely based than any of their kind. They were
initially written in order to fulfil the brief mentioned above; provide IHRS students
with a comprehensive introduction to horticulture both as a science, craft and recreational
subject.
The new course will be known as The RHS Principles of Horticulture, levels
2 and 3
The course, which you may begin at any time, 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. The completely revised modular
structure of both the course and examinations will provide students with a much greater
degree of flexibility.
Registration procedures for the examinations are subject to
change but currently candidates will need to register with a college near their home
that accepts external students. Full details are available from the RHS website,
by telephone or post from Wisley and, of course, your tutor will be happy to offer
any help, advice or assistance that you may require when the time comes.
Whilst all
the separate unit examinations for both level 2 and level 3 will be available individually
to fit in with the QCF requirements,splitting the syllabus and examination in this
way inevitably leads to a number of 'chicken and egg' situations and we always advise
students not to sit the examinations until they have completed the full course.
The
current syllabuses provide 28 credits at level 2 and 30 creditsat level 3 and we
will, therefore, provide a studentship of three full years in which to complete the
combined course. Whilst the college will provide all the written materials necessary
to complete the course, wider reading and additional personal research will be of
great benefit to all students particularly with regard to level 3. Tutors will be
happy to provide any advice and/or assistance that may be required.
Whether or not
your decide to sit the formal examinations, all students who satisfactorily complete
the course will be awarded the IHRS Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture
(Cert. Hort. IHRS), which, although not signifying that any external examination
has been completed, is, nonetheless, valued and respected evidence that a formal
and comprehensive programme of study has been undertaken and successfully completed.
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The Royal Horticultural Society’s
Master of Horticulture
M Hort (RHS)
This course, which is administered by the RHS and not part of the QCF, is designed
for, and aimed at, the experienced professional horticulturist and is a degree level
qualification. Evidence of appropriate professional experience will be required,
in addition to the student being a holder of the RHS Diploma in Horticulture, to
qualify for entry to this course.
There is considerable choice available with regard
to the specialist subjects a candidate may select and this effectively precludes
a set format for the course. IHRS M.Hort (RHS) courses are therefore designed on
an individual basis for each candidate, he or she following a programme of study
and assignments set by the course tutor to cover the specialities chosen. A minimum
of three years is needed to complete the course.
Prospective students are advised
to check their eligiblity with the RHS via the link below and then contact the college
to arrange to speak to the Principal to discuss the available options.
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Click on the titles above to go to the Course Summaries