RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth and Development
RQF Qualification Number: 6101042X
We are intending to offer the new qualifications, subject to approval, which RHS intend to launch in September 2022 Please contact our student advisors for further information and guidance or, to register your interest in this course without obligation, please click here
This new RHS course is an ideal first step for learners considering a career in horticulture. It’s also a great choice for leisure or professional gardeners who want to improve their knowledge, including some essential theory!
Horticulturists play a vital role in greening our cities, creating health-giving environments, tending gardens and designed landscapes, growing crops to feed the nation, helping to protect the natural environment and improving the quality of life for all. The love of plants is the simple thing that unites all horticulturists along with the understanding that plants are the foundation that underpins all other layers of life.
All life on earth is directly or indirectly reliant on plants either from a nutritional perspective or increasingly as the World Health Organisation report Urban Green Spaces and Health suggests, through a deeper connection linked to mental health and wellbeing. Put simply, people need plants. Plants need Horticulturists.
- Flexible home-study course so you can fit your learning around your work and life
- Quality course material and excellent tutor support – to help you achieve your goals
- Follows the RHS syllabus
- HCC is an approved Distance Learning Provider with RHS for the Level 2 qualifications
- On successful completion of your studies and the RHS exams you will receive the nationally recognised RHS qualification
- Suitable for both amateur and professional gardeners
- No previous experience needed
How the course works
How the courses work
This course consists of two units which are broken down into 4 topics.
Your first set of course materials will be sent to you when you enrol. You can start as soon as you want and progress through the course at your own pace (you have 2 years to complete it), studying when and where you choose. This flexibility makes it easy to fit learning around work and family commitments.
The extensive course materials have been developed by gardening experts and are clear and straightforward, so your studying is easy and enjoyable. As you complete each lesson, your tutor will return your marked assignment with constructive feedback and guidance. (You can also contact your tutor or the support team for help at any point during your studies.)
All the required study materials are included.
On successful completion of your studies and the RHS exams you will be awarded the nationally recognised RHS qualification.
Support
We are proud of our friendly, caring ethos and aim to do all we can to help you succeed.
Our tutors are all experienced, highly qualified and passionate about sharing their love of their subject. You can phone or email your tutor throughout the course – to ask questions, for advice, encouragement or to draw on their wealth of knowledge.
You can also contact the support team who are here to help you Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
What you will learn
RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth and Development consists of 2 units which are broken down into 4 topics each:
Unit 1
Topic 1: Plant Science 1: provides underpinning knowledge of the plant, its structure and function.
1. Scientific and common plant names
2. Lifecycle adaptations
3. External parts of the plant
4. Internal plant structures
5. Pollination and fertilisation
6. Photosynthesis and respiration
7. Movement of water through the plant
Topic 2: Plant Health: provides underpinning knowledge and understanding of the effect of a range of factors on plant health.
1. Environmental conditions
2. Plant nutrition and plant health
3. Impact of competition on plant health
4. Pests and pathogens
5. Biosecurity and plant passports
6. Maintaining plant health
Topic 3: Plant Nutrition:provides horticultural knowledge of plant nutrition and growing media.
1. Soil types and profiles
2. Role of nutrients
3. Soil-based nutrition
4. pH and nutrient availability
5. Bulk constituents for growing media
Topic 4: Plant Specification: provides horticultural knowledge to make recommendations for planting based on matching plant need and site requirements.
1. Site-based criteria
2. Plant-based criteria
3. Plant specifications
4. Receiving plant material on site
5. Planting and post-planting care
6. Maintaining new plantings
End of unit examination
Unit 2
Topic 1: Plant Science II: provides an understanding of the range and role of plant adaptations.
1. Leaf adaptations
2. Stem adaptations
3. Root adaptations
4. Flower adaptations
5. Seed adaptations
6. Growth habit adaptations
Topic 2: Planting Styles: provides horticultural knowledge of the factors involved in creating a wide range of different horticultural plantings.
1. Historical contexts
2. Formal planting
3. Informal planting
4. Plant associations
5. Plant uses
6. Edible landscapes
7. Short-term plantings
Topic 3: Horticulture and Society: allows learners to develop their knowledge and understanding of horticulture’s contribution to society, including social, environmental and economic.
1. Wellbeing
2. Environment
3. Economy
4. Community
Topic 4: Biodiversity: provides an applied knowledge of the roles of plants in creating habitats to encourage biodiversity.
1. Plants and biodiversity
2. Impact of climate change
3. Creating habitats
4. Citizen science and species surveys
5. Biodiversity Action Plans
End of unit examination
Study length
If needed you have 2 years to complete the course. Many students are able to complete this course in approximately 9-14 months (approx 180 learning hours)*.
*Timescales are approximate and depend upon application and motivation.
Qualifications
RHS qualification:
Upon successful completion of RHS examinations you will be awarded:
- RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth and Development
Your course materials and the valuable tutor feedback you will receive during your studies will help to prepare you for the Royal Horticultural Society qualifications. Upon commencement of your studies you need to register as a candidate with HCC. We offer advice and assistance for booking examinations when you are ready. Please click here for RHS and assessment centre requirements and fees.
Career opportunities/progression
Entry requirements
You do not need previous gardening knowledge or experience to enrol on this qualification.
Enrol now
We are intending to offer the new qualifications, subject to approval, which RHS intend to launch in September 2022
Please contact our student advisors for further information and guidance or, to register your interest in this course without obligation, please click here
