Reasons to choose this course
- Develop your skills in our modern teaching greenhouse complex and work on our historic gardens and country estate.
- Gain a broad horticultural understanding that will enable you pursue a career in the industry or higher education.
- Get a hands-on education that will equip you with skills and experience the industry is looking for.
- Be part of our award-winning horticulture team and visit national shows and competitions.
About this course
If you are interested in having a career in horticulture, opportunities are available for study in a wide range of areas such as landscape gardening; plant propagation and production; and design. Employment possibilities range from self-employment to jobs within organisations such as local authorities; the Groundwork Trust; the RHS; retail chains; and landscape contractors.
Where do you study?
Brackenhurst campus is an idyllic 200 hectare rural estate approximately 14 miles from Nottingham. Close to the picturesque market town of Southwell it is well served by road links and buses to Nottingham and surrounding towns like Newark. Facilities include modern teaching rooms, drawing and computer-design studios and laboratories.
We have a large glasshouse complex, Victorian walled garden complete with stove ranges and peach cages for fruit production. The campus also has modern accommodation with over 300 en suite study bedrooms, a bar and cafe at the Students' Union, library and computer suites for internet access and dining hall serving a range of hot and cold meals throughout the day.
We have a lively community of students of all ages studying BTECs, National Programmes, higher education degrees and postgraduate research.
Please note the following information for applicants
This course is delivered with a strong emphasis on practical activity. Industry representatives and guest speakers contribute to the course content, ensuring you develop the skills necessary for a career in horticulture. You will undertake a mixture of practical sessions, demonstrations and class-based seminars.
Assessment
This course is assessed through assignments and practical tests conducted throughout the academic year.
Modules
Plant Use and Protection
Focusing on individual plants, you build up a clear picture of how plants react and grow in different sites.
Horticultural Business Accounting and Management
This module enables you to develop a basic understanding of the ways in which businesses function. It involves the study of a variety of enterprises and their operating environments.
Horticultural Skills and Plant Knowledge
This module introduces you to plant nomenclature (naming) in Horticulture, and helps you appreciate the basics of plant use by initial plant identification and recognition.
Work-related Experience in the Horticultural Sector
This module provides you with the opportunity for personal development, providing you with important general skills and abilities for employment.
Principles of Plant and Soil Science
This module develops your understanding and scientific approach to plants and the factors that influence crop and other plant production.
Arboriculture – Tree Identification, Planting and Care
This module develops knowledge of arboricultural practices, clearly distinguishing the subject from silviculture.
Applied Plant Science
You will develop an understanding of, and scientific approach to, plant production, including the control of weeds, pests and diseases.
Land-based Estate Construction, Repair and Maintenance Skills
You develop the skills to construct and maintain a range of boundaries and pathways in the countryside, including the establishment of vegetation.
Plant Establishment and Maintenance
You develop the skills and knowledge necessary for effective planting and maintenance of plants in landscape situations.
Horticultural Production Techniques - Protected Crops
You will produce home grown exotic crops which cannot be grown outdoors in the UK.
Investigative Project in the Horticultural Sector
This module gives you the opportunity to develop a specialism and will enable you to attain detailed knowledge, skills and expertise in an area that interests you.
Turf Production and Maintenance
You explore the establishment and maintenance of turf from grass plant and seed identification, and ground preparation, through to the maintenance and renovation of grassed areas.
The BTEC Level Three Diploma in Horticulture is a great alternative to A-level study for students who have know they want to shape a career in the horticultural sector. Careers include progression on to garden design, landscape management, horticultural therapists, garden centre and nursery management and higher education.The BTEC Level Three Diploma in Horticulture is a great alternative to A-level study for students who have know they want to shape a career in the horticultural sector. Careers include progression on to garden design, landscape management, horticultural therapists, garden centre and nursery management and higher education.
Samantha Warren
BTEC Diploma in Horticulture
"Changing your career in your thirties or beyond can be a daunting prospect. I was looking at nearly 20 years service in an office and it was depressing me! Coming on to this horticulture course was the best thing I ever did. When my course finishes I hope to start a new career as a gardener in a country-house setting, with an aim of building up my experience and eventually becoming a head gardener. This course has given me the knowledge to do the work, it is up to me to put in the hard work and gain the experience necessary to make a success of it."
Full entry requirements
- You will need GCSEs including Maths, English and a Science at Grade C or above, or City and Guilds National Certificate or equivalent.
- Applications are welcome from mature and international students and will be assessed on an individual basis. We also consider applicants with non-traditional entry profiles.
International student entry requirements
How to apply
- Students need to complete and return an application form (available from Brackenhurst Student Administration).
- Once we have your application, we will invite you to visit Brackenhurst and meet the Programme Leader.
Contact us
If you want to speak to us about this course, open days or how to apply - then get in touch using the following details:
Email us
Telephone: +44 (0)1636 817099 (Brackenhurst)
Financial help
Possible financial assistance may be available to:
- those in receipt of Jobseekers allowance (including the partner where the claim is joint)
- those in receipt of Employment Support Allowance (ESA) in the work related activity group. Further guidance to follow
- learners of all ages studying their first full Level Two qualification
- 19-24 year olds studying their first full Level Three qualification
- Level Three jumpers of all ages (those taking a full Level Three without having a full Level Two qualification)
- those with learning aims that are funded as Adult Skills for Life and Functional skills in Literacy and Numeracy.
Residential Bursary
This bursary is means tested and awarded on a sliding scale depending on parent/guardian's income. You need to be holding a firm offer before applying for this and it does not cover the total cost of accommodation.
