Course Summary

The Level 2 Diploma in Horticulture places an emphasis on learning by doing. You will complete practical assignments; learn about plants, their botanic names and growth requirements; and gain skills in both production and amenity horticulture.

This course includes:

• Hard landscaping (construction and planning)
• Propagation
• Turf care (grass installation and maintenance)
• Planting of shrubs, bedding and trees
• Maintenance of herbaceous beds and shrub areas

It will provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to find employment in the horticultural sector or to progress to a Level 3 course.

Entry requirements

You need to be highly motivated and demonstrate a keen interest in gardening, landscape or production horticulture.  Offers of a place on the course are dependent on your qualifications. You will need:

• A minimum of two GCSEs at grade 3 or above including English and/or Maths

OR

• An Introductory Diploma in a land-based subject

You will have an interview and initial assessment. Parents and carers are welcome to attend the interview but not the initial assessment. You will also need to show an example of some horticultural experience (grass cutting, garden maintenance, seed sowing etc.) at interview.

If you are a mature learner, we may be able to take into consideration your previous experience in horticulture.

It is possible to progress to the Advanced Diploma in Countryside, a Level 3 Landscape and Design College Certificate or an RHS Level 3 course if you achieve a Merit grade or above.

Course Content

The course units are:

• Propagation
• Setting out from plans
• Turf care
• Landscape construction
• Horticultural industry
• Plant establishment
• Plant identification

You will also be required to study Maths and English if you have not obtained a minimum level 4 at GCSE.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed continually during practical sessions, on your written assignments, on plant identification and on course work.

Are there any additional costs or specialist equipment required?

You will be required to supply your own:

• Derby College coveralls
• Steel toe-capped boots or wellingtons
• Derby College uniform
• Writing materials to include a lever arch file and dividers
• Secateurs

What can I do after this course?

After this course, you can progress to the Advanced Diploma in Countryside or Arboriculture, Level 3 Landscape Design and Construction College Certificate, or an RHS Level 3 course if you achieve a Merit grade or above.

Derby College offers a range of one-day, weekend and evening courses relating to Horticulture as well as a wide range of other land-based topics - please see the Derby College Part-time Prospectus for a full list and details.

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