• Course Level:Level 3

    Course Duration:2 Years

    Programme Aims

    his programme uses a combination of practical and theory work to develop your skills and give you the basis for a range of careers in amenity horticulture, landscape design and construction.
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    Entry Requirements

    It is essential that your Initial Assessment results show that you are working towards Level 2. You will also need to have achieved one of the following:

    •   4GCSEs at grades A C, including English, Maths and Science
    •   Environmental and Land-Based Studies Higher Diploma (Grades A C)
    •   GNVQ Intermediate
    •   NVQ Level 2
    •   BTEC First Diploma
    •   City and Guilds National Certificate or equivalent
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    Course Structure

    Training is a mixture of theory and practical, with approximately 60% of tuition taking place in the classroom/laboratory and 40% taking advantage of the College’s extensive mature grounds and extensive plant collections for practical sessions.

    Special Features


    All learners will have the opportunity to work alongside the College gardeners on the care and maintenance of a specific section of the gardens or arboretum.  

    Small teams or individuals are encouraged to enter exhibits at regional shows and exhibitions.

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    What you will study

    Year 1

    • Construction Construction/Maintenance of decorative landscape features
    • Exterior plant displays
    • Identification, care and planting of trees
    • Machinery operations
    • Ornamental plant identification and selection
    • Preparing landscape and garden briefs
    • Principles and practices of garden design

    Year 2

    • Business management
    • Construction of paths and structures
    • Establishing and maintaining interior plant displays
    • Garden history
    • Investigative project
    • Maintaining turf in parks and gardens
    • Plant and soil science
    • Site surveying and levelling
    • Tree and shrub pruning and maintenance
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    Assessment

    Progress is monitored by a variety of assessment methods including debates, open/closed book tests, practical activities, presentations, project work, simulated work-based learning, work-based learning reports and written assignments. Successful learners will be graded at Pass, Merit or Distinction.



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    Progression

    Successful students may have the opportunity to progress to a Foundation Degree in Horticulture. See our Higher Education prospectus for further details on what Bicton College can offer.
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