BTEC National Certificate in
Horticulture – Level 3
The BTEC National Certificate in Horticulture provides a specialist work related programme of study that covers the key knowledge and practical skills required in the appropriate vocational sector. This programme offers flexibility and a choice of emphasis through the twelve specialist units. The Certificate which covers the first year of studies is equivalent to two UK A levels.
Entry Requirements
You will need to hold the equivalent of a UK level 2 qualification and have an interest, or experience in the Horticulture industry. The College will assess your qualifications and tell you whether you are eligible to join the course. You will need to complete the application and write 250 words on the back page of the form explaining why you want to undertaken your chosen course.
Course Content
You will study for one full year in order to obtain the Certificate qualification and also undertake Key Skills in core subjects such as English, Maths and Information Technology as part of your course.Core units
Investigative Project in the Horticultural Sector
You will be required to carry out an investigation of your choosing for something that will impact on your career objectives in the horticultural sector
Horticultural Business Accounting and Management
You will study a full business package including financial forecasting and have an understanding of how horticultural enterprises work
Horticultural Skills and Plant Knowledge
This unit gives you the skills to establish and maintain garden spaces as well as learning to identify plants using Latin binomial.
Principles of Plant and Soil Science
The principles by which plants live, grow and die are investigated in this unit. You will be looking at plant nutrition and supply, and the environment in which optimum plant health can be encountered
Specialist units
Work Related Experience in the Horticultural Sector
You will carry out appropriate work experience within the sector and be required to look at business structure and health and safety requirements.
Horticultural Design Principles
Looking at design principles you will design a range of spaces both private and corporate putting your knowledge into action.
Decorative Horticulture
Studying the range of amenity spaces we have in this country you will make evaluations of parks and gardens, the plants used, design styles and major designers work and their impact upon the landscape.
Turf Production and Maintenance
You will look at the range of turf areas we encountered, their establishment and maintenance, including the use of horticultural machinery.
Plant Propagation
Plants can be propagated in many ways and this unit will give you the ability to be able to propagate plants in the most appropriate forms and the reasoning as to why this is done.
Heritage Gardening
This unit looks at the range of heritage garden sites in the UK and their impact and influence upon modern garden design practice and landscapes.
Landscape Construction
This unit will give you the ability to construct a range of hard landscape features which include paths, patios, fences and other ornamental features required within a garden space.
Garden Design and Graphics
After designing a garden, the presentation of your proposal’s are extremely important to convey the design you are trying to put into place. This unit gives you the graphics to be able to produce a full presentation plan of your ideas, along with concept and elevation drawings.
How will I be assessed?
All units are graded as Pass, Merit or Distinction. Although there is no exam, each unit will be assessed through a combination of written assignments, reports, in class tests, and practical assessments. You will be externally assessed for one unit of the course. An overall grade is awarded for the qualifications at Pass, Merit or Distinction.What can I do next?
Upon the successful completion of the Certificate, you will be able to progress onto the BTEC National Diploma for a second year of study to complete additional six required units for entry into Higher Education. Upon successful completion of your second year, you may then progress onto a Foundation Degree or Undergraduate degree in Amenity Horticulture and Garden Design.
