Ideal for those looking to pursue a career in horticulture or stretch and challenge skills for personal interest

This level is also suitable for those already working in the industry who would like to formalise and expand their existing skills by gaining a professional qualification.

Horticulturists play a vital role in greening our cities, creating health-giving environments, tending gardens and designed landscapes, growing crops to feed the nation, helping to protect the natural environment and improving the quality of life for all. The love of plants is the simple thing that unites all horticulturists along with the understanding that plants are the foundation that underpins all other layers of life.

This qualification allows learners to develop a level of plant knowledge deemed essential by the horticultural industries. It equips learners with the knowledge and understanding to progress to employment within the horticultural sector. It assesses the knowledge of the scientific principles underpinning horticultural practices and supports career development for those already working in the profession.

Highly valued by employers, the RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles and Practices of Horticulture consists of two individual qualifications; a practical-based and knowledge-based qualification. This course is the knowledge-based (theory) part of the RHS Level 2. We also offer the practical-based part too which together make the complete RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles and Practices of Horticulture.

This course includes the following modules: 

Unit 1

• Plant science 1 - underpinning knowledge of the plant, its structure and function
• Plant health - underpinning knowledge and understanding of a range of factors influencing plant health
• Plant nutrition - horticultural knowledge of plant nutrition and growing media
• Plant specification - knowledge to make recommendations for planting based on needs and site requirements

Unit 2

• Plant science 2 - understanding of the range and role of plant adaptations
• Planting styles - factors involved in creating a wide range of horticultural plantings
• Horticulture and society - develop knowledge in understanding horticulture's contribution to society, environment and economy
• Biodiversity - applied knowledge of the roles of plants in creating habitats to encourage biodiversity

This qualification will be entirely assessed by a summative, unseen written examination for each unit.

Therefore examination 1 will cover Unit 1 (topics 1.1-1.4) and examination 2 will cover Unit 2 (topics 2.1-2.4). Both Units must be passed to gain the qualification.

Anyone who has an interest in plants and gardens can study for an RHS qualification. There are no minimum requirements. This course is amied at those that are 19+. If you are of school-leaving age, we have a range of full-time study programmes.

This qualification can be taken on its own, or with the RHS Level 2 Certificate in Practical Horticulture course. Together these two Certificates form the complete RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles and Practices of Horticulture. It is possible to study both within the same year, but it is very normal to study just one Certificate at a time.

Typically in early August, applicants are invited in to formally enroll, and to provide any evidence that may be required to prove their eligibility for any full/partial fee waivers that may apply. Please see the 'Fees' section below for more information on this.

From this course you can progress to working in privately and publicly owned parks and gardens, in horticulture retail or self-employment.

The course could also lead to further study:

• RHS L2 Certificate in Practical Horticulture.
• RHS L3 Qualification at a registered centre (Level 3 Certificate in Practical Horticulture, Level 3 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth, Garden Planning and Applied Propagation, or Level 3 Award in Horticultural Investigation).
• A full-time L3 Professional Horticulture Course with us.

As this is a theory-based qualification, no specific equipment is required, other than a willingness to learn and undertake the required units.

You can view more about this qualification, and the suite of RHS qualifications at their website.

RHS Qualifications Website

RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth and Development

Fees for this course are payable upon enrollment which happens before the course starts in September.

Many of our students are eligible for a full or partial waiver of the course fees, which is determined by things such as employment/benefits status and income. This information is taken from the previous 3 months prior to the course start date. We will ask for evidence in some circumstances to enable us to authorise a waiver if you are eligible.

L2

PF.LE

Horticulture and Agri-Tech

Horticulture and Agri-Tech