Extended Diploma in Horticulture Level 3

This is an excellent career option for those who wish to become professional horticulturalists and progress into management and supervisory roles.

Students will develop practical, technical and supervisory skills. It combines plant knowledge, horticultural management, technical skills, design and creative flair. The programme offers you the opportunity to learn how to establish, maintain and manage plants, propagate and grow commercial crops, care for turf, design gardens and construct garden features using a wide variety of plants and diverse materials.

Units include:
- Principles of plant science
- Principles of soil science
- Work related experience
- Horticultural business management
- Machinery operations
- Plant establishment and maintenance
- Plant identification
- Plant propagation
- Indoor plant production
- Business management
- Sustainable development
- Amenity turf
- Sports turf
- Tree establishment and maintenance
- Construction of landscape features
- Estate skills
- Prepare landscape and garden design briefs
- Establish and manage exterior plant displays
- Heritage gardening
- Opportunity to undertake additional qualifications i.e. pesticides, tractor driving etc.

Find out more about our horticulture courses here

End Qualification:

Year 1 - NPTC Subsidiary Diploma in Horticulture
Year 2 - NPTC Extended Diploma in Horticulture

Entry Requirements:

Interview required

Students should be at least 16 years old and be able to show an enthusiastic interest in the subject area.

Five GCSEs at grade C or above (with at least 2 coming from maths, English or science). Progression is encouraged from full level 2 qualifications such as the first diploma where students are attaining at least a merit grade profile and successfully completing their full course footprints supported by an appropriate tutor reference. Mature students with a suitable industrial background and/or educational attainment may be accepted without these qualifications.

For some students an agreement will be reached to comply with an academic contract from the start of the course.

Assessment:

You will be taught through a combination of formal lectures, practical design work and case study. Your progress will be monitored continuously throughout the programme, using a combination of assignments and practical assessments.

Progression from this course:

Successful students could go on to find employment in the landscape sector or as professional gardeners, nursery workers or green keepers. The course can also help students set up their own business or progress to a higher level course with this course being equivalent to 3 A levels.

Locations:

Cambridge Campus (Milton) - CB24 6DB

Duration:

2 Years

Start times:

September 2013

How to Apply:

Please apply online using the general college application form

Course Costs:

All students on full-time courses will need to pay a materials / resources fee. Details will be provided before enrolment. If you are under 19 on 31st August in the year you begin your programme, you will not have to pay tuition or registration fees for your course. For students aged 19 or over, there will be a tuition fee (depends on the course) for each year of the course as well as a registration fee (which includes exam fees). However, many students will be eligible for reduced fees and / or financial support towards the costs. Click here for detailed information. Please contact Student Services if you have further queries.

Additional Information:

If you are aged 19 or over, you may be eligible to apply to the college's learner support fund for financial support with the costs associated with your studies. For more details, please click here or contact student services on 01553 815271 (King's Lynn campus) or 01945 582561 (Isle campus) or 01223 860701 (Cambridge campus)