Part-time & Short Courses

‘The Higher Diploma in Floristry has helped me to mature as a florist and has certainly made me look at my work from a different perspective. It's broadened my mind and shown me different aspects of other artistic courses and crafts which I can blend with floristry and it's made me want to be as near to perfect as I can be when it comes to competition work.’
Lauren Curry, a Higher Diploma in Floristry student at Bicton College, winner of a silver gilt medal for her fantasy floral parasol at the prestigious RHS Young Chelsea Florist competition

NPTC Level 4 Diploma in Floristry

Programme Aims

Bicton College is one of a select few colleges offering the prestigious Level 4 Higher Diploma in Floristry. The course is designed to offer an accessible step up from Level 3 qualifications to aid personal and business development. The course content is wide and varied, and aims to develop a full range of skills. It covers the most up-to-date developments in the industry including international design principles, techniques and styles.

The course is aimed at candidates who wish to have career progression at management level within the sector, want to develop their professional skills and who are employed in the industry at least part time, or are self employed within the industry. This qualification is developed in conjunction with the Society of Floristry. The classes will  be taught by Chelsea medallist, Sarah Hills-Ingyon NDSF FSF.

Entry Requirements

It is essential that candidates have experience of the retail environment and have the industry contacts to enable them to complete the requirements of the qualification. You should also have a Level 3 qualification in Floristry or equivalent examinations/experience, and Initial Assessment Level 2.

What You Will Study

The course is made up of 10 modules (or units):

• Botanical Concepts & Practices for Floristry
• Business Practices for Floristry
• Design Concepts for Floristry
• Floral Events Practices
• Historical Studies for Floristry
• Marketing & Promotion Practices for Floristry
• Technical Floristry Skills:
  - Designs in Mediums
  - Design Trends
  - Tied Designs
  - Wired & Glued Designs

Assessment
Assessment is through three integrated assignments, a written examination and a practical examination.

Progression
Students completing the Level 4 Higher Diploma will be capable of assuming positions of responsibility within a floristry business, or may even start their own business. Others might specialise or diversify into allied professions, such as teaching, buying,

NPTC LEVEL 5 MASTER DIPLOMA IN PROFESSIONAL FLORISTRY

Course Level:                   LEVEL 5

Course Duration:            1 YEAR  

Programme Aims

The Level 5 Master Diploma in Professional Floristry remains the industry’s ultimate floristry qualification in the UK. This is an exciting and prestigious qualification and will provide students with the extensive knowledge and experience required to participate at a higher level within the floristry industry and beyond.

The qualification has been developed in association with the Society of Floristry and now The British Florist Association (BFA) to provide a progression route from their Intermediate Certificate Society of Floristry (ICSF) and a replacement for the National Diploma Society of Floristry (NDSF), which is not accredited but is well respected in the industry.

Entry Requirements

You must have a Level 4 floristry qualification (or equivalent), such as the Higher Diploma in Floristry, and your Initial Assessment results should show that you are working at or above Level 2.

Assessment
Assessment is made up of practical and written examinations, and integrated assignments.

Progression

Typical students completing the Level 5 Master Diploma in Professional Floristry will be capable of assuming positions of responsibility within a business. Some may wish to enter the retail industry as senior staff or managers, or start their own business, whilst others may specialise or diversify into allied professions, such as

teaching, buying, corporate services and event management. If you already run your own floristry business this Master Diploma will help you to develop your knowledge of the industry and gain new management skills to help you move your career or business forward.