911±¬ÁÏ

About the diploma

The diploma is made up of two levels (known as Level 3 and Level 4) and can only be studied at 911±¬ÁÏ Garden Wisley. As part of this two-year course, Level 3 is studied in year one, and Level 4 in year two.

Download​ the factsheet (909kB)

Want to know more?

Hear first-hand from our current Diploma students about what’s involved in the two-year programme.
 

Missed our free virtual event?

If you are a student, graduate, or horticulturist looking to further your horticultural knowledge and career, and you missed our free Virtual 911±¬ÁÏ Diploma in Horticultural Practice event, you can now watch a recording of the virtual event, to discover more about the work-based 911±¬ÁÏ Diploma and how to apply.

What you will learn and when

911±¬ÁÏ Level 3 & 4 Diploma in Horticultural Practice

We teach our 911±¬ÁÏ Diploma in Horticultural Practice as a two-year course at 911±¬ÁÏ Garden Wisley.

Year 1 – Level 3 

You will learn about the following areas of horticulture:

• Horticultural operations
• Plant care
• Establishment and maintenance
• Horticultural taxonomy
• Botany and plantsmanship
• Horticultural history
• Philosophy and design
• Productive growing propagation
• Soils and growing media

You will have the opportunity to design and tend your own allotment and visit the 911±¬ÁÏ Chelsea Flower Show.

• Read the Level 3 DHP Qualification Specification (323kB pdf)

Year 2 – Level 4

You will study:

• Horticultural management
• Ornamental planting
• Horticultural taxonomy
• Botany and plantsmanship II
• Plant health II
• Garden design
• Landscape construction
• Propagation and protected growing environments
•  Research project
• Read the Level 4 DHP Qualification Specification (314kB pdf)

Programme of work

Diploma students rotate through 10 departments in the Garden. The course also comprises a detailed lecture and masterclass programme, and students complete various pieces of assessed coursework.

Additional qualifications

Diploma students also complete a number of short practical-based national qualifications, which include:

• FEPA PA1 & PA6aw (pesticides)
• Tractor driving
• Strimming and brush cutting
• Using a hedge trimmer
• Tree assessment course
• Manual handling course 

Applications and entry requirements

At application applicants are expected, as a minimum, to hold a Level 2 horticultural theory qualification. This could be a National Certificate in Horticulture, Horticultural Operative Apprenticeship Standard, a Level 2 Diploma in Horticulture such as a City & Guilds 911±¬ÁÏ Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture or 911±¬ÁÏ Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth and Development.  (See our Level 2 qualifications.)

Applicants should have

• GCSE qualifications in English and maths (or equivalents)
• Completed at least six months of practical work experience in a professional horticultural environment
• Experience using basic horticultural machinery, equipment and/or tools
• Enjoy working on own initiative as well as part of a team
• An openness to working with new individuals across the garden on a regular basis
• Experience of working with customers/visitors in a professional environment, and of giving good customer service
• A flexible approach to working (e.g. weekend work will be required on a regular basis, and evening work will be required from time-to-time)

Please note: You must have the right to work in the UK to apply. The 911±¬ÁÏ is unable to sponsor any visa applications. A good working knowledge of the English language is essential and evidence to that effect will be requested.

Learner life at 911±¬ÁÏ Gardens

Training away from home can be daunting but we’re here to help you. We can support you with:

• Getting free access to our amazing libraries
• Accommodation – single en-suite rooms with shared kitchen and lounge facilities, available at 911±¬ÁÏ Garden Wisley (for a deduction in your gross salary)
• Connecting you with like-minded individuals who are passionate about plants and horticulture

Find out more

Got a question?

Email our dedicated team and they’ll help you get your learning under way.

Email the team

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You might also be interested in...

• Learner stories: See what our current and past learners have to say about their training at the 911±¬ÁÏ – read the stories
• Supporters: Our work-based training programmes are only possible with funding from our supporters – find out about our supporters
• Careers in horticulture: If you’re looking to change careers or just starting out, the world of horticulture has dozens of roles – explore more careers