When do the courses start?
Our courses are entirely flexible and you may work through at your own speed starting at any time. If you have a busy time when you are unable to study, that is fine with us.
How long will the course take?
Most of our courses can be completed within about 12 months but it does depend how much time you have available for study. College membership is valid for 18 months and most people would complete well within that period. Membership can be extended if necessary.
How many hours of study are required per week?
This is entirely up you but as a general rule it is a good idea to devote the equivalent of about one evening per week to the course.
How long do my answers to the questions need to be?
A general guide would be about 2 or 3 handwritten A4 pages including a simple diagram in each answer. In an exam you would have only so many minutes per answer depending on the exam paper.
Are the HCC non-exam courses equivalent to any other qualifications?
Not really. Because you are not preparing for a specific exam syllabus you can work to whatever level you wish. We find that some people are quite basic in their approach while others go into very much more detail with their work and achieve a superb standard. In particular this is so for the Leisure Gardening studies. Some students give answers that are easily at the M. Hort (RHS) level with excellent research and references.
Do I get anything at the end of my course?
Yes. You will be awarded an HCC Certificate which will reflect the standard of work you have achieved. While it has no formal recognition as such, it can provide a useful addition to a c.v. when you apply for a job. We can and do quite often prepare references on request.
Where would I take the exam?
Apart from the advanced level exams like M. Hort and P. Dip. Arbor. there are generally exam centres round the country so that you would not have to travel far. Only the RHS Level 2 Certificate Exam may be taken outside the U.K. Do ask the RHS about their examination centres.
Is my tutor available on the telephone or e-mail?
Most contact with your tutor is through the post although some are on e-mail. If you need immediate help you can always ring the HCC office on 01225 816700 or send us a message via our contact page.
I sent my work to my tutor several days ago. When can I expect a reply?
As a general rule our tutors send work back well within 14 days of receiving it, but there may be odd occasions when this is not possible, e.g. because of holidays or illness. Do let us know of any problems - lost post is very rare in the U.K.
Do I have to pay for the course in one lump sum?
No. We do offer an instalment scheme which spreads the cost over 10 months but this works out slightly more expensive.
Are there any reductions or grants available?
We do offer a reduction in fees to those unemployed and seeking work or in special cases of hardship. We also offer a special price to those of the 'Third Age' i.e. 58 years +. These discounts are only available on courses that are not currently subject to any other special offer. There are charitable funds available from the RHS - details from them. They do tend to support more specifically horticultural affairs like seed collecting expeditions.
How do I enter for examinations?
Candidates for examinations should make their own arrangements for the syllabuses, entry forms, fees. They should make their own application directly to the examining body concerned. There is however, no obligation to sit any examinations.
How should I value the HCC Course Completion Certificate?
The name of the HCC is well known and the course completion certification issued by the College is valuable as evidence of the commitment of time and energy devoted to study the subject, of financial investment to gain knowledge and skills, and of the tenacity of the certificate holder. Course completion awards are now available in three categories: certificate, advanced certificate and diploma depending upon the courses studied. The HCC does not claim to be the complete answer for everybody but the story of the HCC since its start around 1930 is one of success for many thousands of people. The HCC Certificate in conjuction with your portfolio of work completed while on the course with us would provide a prospective employer with substantial documention of your achievements.
