Jade
Lane

"I had previously studied at NTU a few years ago on a Level 3 Horticulture course and loved it. The beautiful grounds, modern facilities and brilliant staff make Brackenhurst campus a wonderful place to study, so on making the decision to take my horticultural studies to a higher level, I had no doubt that the foundation degree course at NTU would be a great option."

"I was looking for a course that included a wide range of subjects within horticulture with a good balance of practical and theoretical elements, which this course definitely delivers - even despite the Covid-19 restrictions in place over the, we have had a lot of in-person teaching over the year, as well as online lectures."

"The modules of study are really varied and I’m enjoying discovering areas of the subject that are new to me, for example in the machinery and tractor elements of the Horticultural Technology module. Having said that, the course feels very cohesive as a whole. It’s been interesting how the modules all complement each other; you can really understand how the theory learned in the Soil and Plant Science module is important to aspects of the Garden Design module, for example."

"The lecturers and tutors on the course are fantastic, it is clear to see that they are experts in their respective fields. The passion they have for their subjects really comes across in the teaching and delivery of the sessions, and I’ve found them all to be very approachable and always available to clear up any doubts or answer any questions we may have, whether it be in person or via email."

"The modules in first year have covered a wide range of subject areas. I have really enjoyed the Garden Design module – step by step, we have gone from designing a small back garden to a large woodland garden and producing some impressive 2D and 3D drawings. I have also found the Construction module very interesting and hands-on, I’m secretly very proud of my new bricklaying skills!"

"The facilities at Brackenhurst Campus are excellent. The new teaching rooms are incredibly spacious and well-equipped, and I’ve also enjoyed using the laboratories for the Plant and Soil Science practical's. I’d say we’ve used the glasshouse complex and polytunnels the most for our practical sessions on campus which has been great, a highlight for me being the hands-on lessons covering a variety of horticultural propagation techniques."

"I would really recommend studying Horticulture at NTU, and my advice would be to join the course with an open mind; I came on the course with an interest in one particular area of horticulture, however after learning about other aspects of the subject during this first year, I now realise how wide the horticultural industry is, and the range of opportunities that are out there. There have even been opportunities to explore alongside the course, for example I’ve been volunteering weekly at Flower Pod (a social and therapeutic cut-flower enterprise, located next to the campus), which was an opportunity advertised by the university."

"It would be impossible to single out a particular module or assignment as most valuable because they all feel valuable. I’d say that learning how the seemingly separate modules of study intertwine and relate to one another has been really valuable and my all-round understanding of horticulture and the horticultural industry has greatly benefitted because of it. I’m really looking forward to the second year and putting all that we’ve learned this year into practice."