Courses

HNC in Horticulture

This advanced level course is suited to people with horticultural experience who wish to develop their practical, scientific and business management skills.  It may also be suitable for mature candidates without a background in the industry.


Units include :

Using Software Application Packages
This unit will enable the use of an IT system and software application packages to process a range of types of data. 

Supervision & Management
This unit develops the principles and techniques of supervisory management.

Horticultural Practices
An Introduction to the major sectors of the horticulture industry and the key skills in horticultural practices.

Plant Recognition and Use
The development of plant recognition skills and the ability to make the connection between plants, their selection for landscape use and their care and maintenance.

Soil Management
An introduction to the principles of soil science and management in order to optimise the rooting environment of plants.

Plant Protection : Problems & Control
The recognition and identification of plant protection problems and selection of the most appropriate controls.

Horticulture Mechanisation Principles
An introduction to the most suitable machines for all types of horticultural business, their maintenance and relevant aspects of health and safety.

Plant Growth & Development
Understanding the processes that underlie development, growth and reproduction in higher plants.

Plant Physiology
Investigation of the processes underlying plant growth and the underpinning of the work of more advanced units.

Nursery Production
Introduction to a range of nursery produced plants, their production systems and the factors that influence the choice of plants. 

Group Award Graded Unit
This unit provides evidence of achievement of the principal aims of the HNC.  It takes the form of an exam that is graded A, B or C.

Entry requirements

Essential

For progressing students - it is essential to have passed the Certificate level of the course
For new students - 1 Higher Grade in English or Maths
- Enthusiastic, hard worker prepared to get involved in all aspects of the course both practical and classroom based
Mature students will be considered for HNC without formal qualifications depending on the range of work based qualification or life skills

Progression

Year 2 of HND Horticulture, Year 2 of HND Horticulture with Plantsmanship, year 2 of BSc in Horticulture.

Additional information

On completion of the course, there are many employment opportunities. These include self employment, work in botanical or private gardens, with local authorities, garden centres, nurseries, turf production and maintenance companies. If you are already in horticultural employment, progression opportunities will be enhanced.

For more detailed information download the Course Information Leaflet - HNC Horticulture.

Start date

Mid September each year

Finish date

Early June each year

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