RHS LEVEL 2 CERTIFICATE IN THE PRINCIPLES OF HORTICULTURE - HOME STUDY INFORMATION


 

What is the RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture?

 

The Royal Horticultural Society Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture is a internationally recognised qualification.  On successful completion of the examination candidates may choose to continue their studies in order to obtain higher qualifications: the RHS Level 3 Qualifications.  An attractive feature of this course is that it is purely horticultural and students are not required to study non-horticultural subjects as on many other courses.


WHO ENROLS ON THIS COURSE?

 

People from different backgrounds: from those who have never studied horticulture and/or gardening to the more experienced gardeners of all ages.   The RHS Level 2 Certificate is ideally suited to interested amateurs or to anyone considering embarking on a career in horticulture or to those who are already working in the horticulture/gardening sector who wish to learn more and obtain a recognized qualification.  Whatever your ultimate goal, whether it is professional or purely for personal enjoyment. Enrolling on The Garden School RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture is the perfect starting point for discovering the wonderful world of horticulture.


STUDY PACKS

 

Once you have enrolled on the Home Study you will receive your first set of course material which includes: a) Study Packs 1, 2, 3 and 4.  b) Home Study CD.  There are eight Study Packs and two data CDs in total. You will receive your Study Packs in two parts. The CD-ROM is designed by The Garden School and it features plants and other presentations to complement the course notes. On completion of a Study Pack you will request an assessment paper, which you will return for correction.

 

ASSESSMENTS

 

Once you complete the assessment, it is returned to The Garden School for marking. Once the assessment is marked, it is returned with comments and suggestions made by the assessor. These assessments follow the format and style of the examination papers.   It is recommended that assessments be returned regularly.  If no assessments are returned for a period of six months, the student is deemed to have completed the course and the remaining Study Packs will be sent, but correspondence will cease.

 

THE EXAMINATION

 

The examination is held twice each year in February and June at a number of locations around the United Kingdom and Ireland. Candidates not resident in the UK or Ireland may, with the approval of the RHS Examinations Office, make arrangements for taking the Examination in their country of residence but they will be responsible for any cost incurred.  The application for the exams is made through The Garden School. We will send the relevant information with your first Study Pack.  Those who do not wish to sit the examination do not have to do so. The examination requires a fee to be paid by the student to the Royal Horticultural Society.   Anybody over the age of 16 is eligible to take the examination.  Exam fees are not included in the cost of the course. For those who do not wish to sit the RHS exam but complete the course, they will be issued with a Certificate of Completion. There are eight exam papers which are held over two days. These can be completed one at a time, a few at a time or all at the same time. The examination fee for all eight exams is €130.

 

BOOKS & MATERIAL

 

It is intended that the course materials will cover all areas of the course, leaving students fully prepared for the examination.  The purchase of books is not required. We do, however, include a suggested reading list with your first Study Pack.

 

SEMINARS & GARDEN VISITS

 

A number of seminars and visits to the National Botanic Gardens will be held in Dublin at weekends throughout the year (10 each year).  While enrolled on the Home Study Course you will be entitled to take part in these activities.  This will give everyone on the course the opportunity to exchange experiences and meet the Ciaran Burke, your tutor.


Students from different stages of completion attend the seminars. Students can email Ciaran with requests for topics to be covered on the day. Each time there is a walk in the gardens to help with plant identification and to bring the course to life.  The seminars and the garden visits are included in your course fee in Option 1. You can also choose to attend the seminars for a twelve month period only, Option 4.


OPTIONS


A number of enrollment options are now available.

  1. 1.Enroll on the course for two years with garden visits included.

  2. 2.You can choose to enroll on the course without any garden visit seminars.

  3. 3.Choose  to enroll and attend garden visits and seminars only for a 12 month period.

  4. 4.A combination of options 2 and 3.

  5. 5.Extend the enrollment period for an extra twelve moths once our initial enrollment period has elapsed.

  6. 6.Combine option 2 (correspondence only) with Four Seasons Gardener Course. More info about Four Seasons gardener Course



 

Syllabus

Syllabus outline is available on the enrolment form page. Link below.

 

ENROLLING

 

You can enroll with The Garden School Home Study at anytime. Once enrolled, you have 24 months in which to complete the course. You can finish your course as quick as you like but there is no need to rush.

Payment can be made by standing order over 6 months. Standing order form available on request.



Syllabus


Enrolment form and course information


Prices and payment methods



RHS Certificate

HOME STUDY-LEARNING FROM HOME

A home study course offers you the opportunity to learn from the comfort of your own home.  This means that you can study at a time that suits you best but it does require a certain amount of discipline!  Sometimes you may need support and advice and we aim to provide you with the support you need.

  1. •Internationally recognised qualification

  2. •Suited to beginners and more experienced gardeners / horticulturists

  3. •Ideal for those who want to embark on a career in horticulture or keen gardeners who just want to learn more!

  4. •Includes garden design, ornamental plant selection use and maintenance, vegetables and fruit, treating plant problems, plant science and soil science among other subjects.

  5. •Home study course allows you to study from the comfort of home at your own pace.

  6. •Specially designed CD- ROMs included.

  7. •10 Seminars throughout the year at weekends are an option

  8. •Combine with Four Seasons Gardener Course

  9. •Illustrated course material.

Standing order payment options are available. Spread the payments over six months. Download information and enrollment forms here.

ENROLMENT FORM

THE GARDEN SCHOOL

EGOOL, KILMOVEE, BALLAGHADERREEN

CO. ROSCOMMON, REP. OF IRELAND

TEL: 00353 94 9649943

EMAIL: ciaran@thegardenschool.ie