Horticulture

Diploma Level 2

Study mode Full time

Location Moulton

Level Level 2

Start date Sept 2024

Duration 1 year

Apply now

Our Level 2 Diploma in Horticulture provides you with practical horticultural techniques and skills. If you are interested in developing your knowledge of garden design and landscaping or in the business of growing ornamental plants, fruits or vegetables, this course is the right one for you.

Our Horticulture students have access to an exciting range of specialist resources at the College. You will use our fully equipped glasshouse and laboratory facilities for practical lessons such as coppicing and propagation and theory such as plant and soil sciences.

We have specialist workshops equipped with tools and resources and a dedicated studio for the development of computer aided design. With access to our extensive estate, guided by our specialist staff and expert guest lecturers, you will work in our small scale gardens and build landscape features as a part of garden design.

Through practical and theoretical learning you will develop your experience in maintaining landscapes, estates and green spaces. Guided by our expert lecturers you will find out more about plant propagation, plant and soil science, and machinery maintenance and operation. Additionally you will work closely with a range of landscape machinery to shape the environment around campus, learning to correctly identify a range of plants.

Unit	Aims
Introduction to working in Land-based industries	In this unit, you will learn about key job roles in land-based industries and the exciting activities these include. You will consider how laws and other important guidance ensure that working in land-based industries is safe and puts workers’ needs first. You will look at how land-based industries can diversify by offering new products and services to the public and different ways in which land-based industries can increase their sustainability by reducing the impacts they have on the environment.
Introduction to Plant and Soil Science	Plants really are amazing; they supply the oxygen we breathe, provide us with food and resources and enhance our beautiful landscapes over many years. Having a clear understanding of how plants grow, what they need to stay healthy and the role soil plays in their success is essential when working in any of the land-based sectors.
Horticulture Work Placement	Do you think you can work well in the horticulture sector? Work placement gives a unique insight into working life and can help you to work out what you might want to do in the horticulture sector. You will also be able to add new skills to your curriculum vitae (CV), such as communication and teamwork. The unit includes 75 hours of real-life work experience.
Land-based Machinery Operations	In the land-based sector there are many activities that require the safe and responsible use of machinery in order to work effectively, and so that routine tasks can be completed. Due to the range of activities that can be carried out, it is important that you are able to operate different types of machinery safely and responsibly, following operational guidelines and instructions.
Maintain Sports & Amenity Turf	Whether you are working on a golf course, in the grounds of a stately home or in a public park, ensuring turf maintenance is carried out properly and at the correct times of the year is important to its success.
Establish and Maintain Soft Landscapes	You will be introduced to the practices of soft landscaping and the skills and knowledge needed by those entering the horticulture industry. You will develop the practical skills needed to clear and prepare the ground using different tools and equipment, and learn how to successfully establish a range of ornamental plants. You will also learn how to maintain plants on a seasonal basis, including the skills required for effective weed control, pruning, watering and feeding, and the identification and control of common plant pests and diseases.
Construction and Maintenance of Hard Landscapes	Hard landscaping is a vital part of the domestic and commercial horticulture industry. Features such as patios, paths, fences and pergolas form important components of many parks, gardens and landscapes. Landscape companies and their clients would expect the landscaper to be multi-skilled, and to carry out any task required on a garden build in a skilled and professional manner.
Estate Maintenance in Horticulture	Working in horticulture often involves basic tasks, including repairing fences, installing gates and providing water for plants. These are tasks requiring estate skills, and they are common to many land-based industries.

If you are aged under 19 years of age at the start of your course you will not have to pay any fees. If you are aged 19 or over there may be support available, depending on your existing levels of qualifications. Please speak to our Student Support Team for more information.

This is a full time course taking place on three full days per week. There will be a mix of practical and theoretical work which are split into two hour lessons. You will have regular breaks including a lunch break.

Vocational and professional qualifications are taught through college based theory and practical lessons with further learning and understanding developed via directed self-study. Assessment consists of internally set coursework and assignments, although some professional and vocational qualifications may require the achievement of externally set assessments.

A Level 2 Diploma will give you the chance to progress on to one of our Level 3 courses, or an apprenticeship. Alternatively, you may go onto be an assistant gardener, groundsman, nursery person, production horticulturist, garden product sales person, or land-based machinery operator.

Four GCSEs at grade 2-3 (D-E) or above or a Level 1 Diploma in a related subject.

Sustainability is a theme throughout the course however the course also specifically includes:

Creating areas using plants sourced from local provenance or home grown
Plants suited to the changing climate (e.g. drought tolerant and rain tolerant)
Working with the seasons and conditions to encourage biodiversity and maintain the ecological balance without the use of chemicals
Plant and soil science - learning how to maintain the soil and keep it alive with all the beneficial microorganisms within the soil horizons
Applying appropriate waste management to ensure that materials are reduced, reused and recycled