911±¬ÁÏ

Level 3 & 4 Diploma in Horticultural Practice

Get the skills and qualifications to progress your career in horticulture

Applications are closed

Applications for the Level 3 and 4 Diploma at 911±¬ÁÏ Garden Wisley are closed. Our next recruitment will open in December 2025.

This programme is aimed at those with an existing horticultural qualification and practical experience who wish to learn more and develop team leader and supervisory skills

It is suitable for applicants with a completed horticultural theory qualification at Level 2 (or equivalent) and a total of 6 months full-time practical experience at the time of application

The two-year programme (delivered at 911±¬ÁÏ Garden Wisley) is a full-time work-based training programme with academic study

You will spend 2 years working alongside the 12 garden teams at 911±¬ÁÏ Garden Wisley whilst completing your qualifications

Complete Level 3 and 4 qualifications

Over the 2 years, you will attend a detailed lecture and masterclass programme, and complete various pieces of assessed coursework to achieve the Level 3 and the Level 4 Diploma in Horticultural Practice. Level 3 (equivalent to A Levels) is studied in year one, and Level 4 (equivalent to a first-year degree) in year two.

Diploma students will also complete a number of short practical-based national qualifications, including Manual handling, FEPA PA1 & PA6aw (spraying), Tractor driving, Strimming and brush cutting, Using a hedge trimmer and Tree assessment

What will you study

Year one - 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 two - Level 4

You will learn about the following areas of horticulture:

  • 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)
 
Please note: Progression onto the Level 4 Diploma programme (year two) depends on the Level 3 Certificates (year one) having been successfully completed
Entry requirements
Year one applicants are expected at application to have:
 
  • A completed Level 2 horticultural theory qualification (at Certificate, Diploma or Apprenticeship Standard level) or equivalent.
    • This could be a National Certificate in Horticulture, Horticultural Operative Apprenticeship Standard, a Level 2 Diploma in Horticulture such as a City & Guilds, the 911±¬ÁÏ Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture or 911±¬ÁÏ Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth and Development
  • The equivalent of at least six months’ full-time practical experience (paid or voluntary)
    • This should have been completed in a professional horticultural environment (such as a historic/botanic garden, a public park, garden centre, commercial nursery or other relevant local business. This list is not exhaustive)

Please note: If you have already completed a Level 3 or 4 Horticultural qualification (or equivalent/higher) you will not be eligible for this programme.

  • Right to work in the UK – this must be in place at the start of your 911±¬ÁÏ contract and for duration of the placement
    • The 911±¬ÁÏ is unable to sponsor any visa applications
  • Experience using basic horticultural machinery, equipment and/or tools
  • A flexible approach to working as an individual and as part of a team, in all weathers (e.g. we work outdoors all year round and weekend work will be required on a regular basis, and evening work will be required from time-to-time)
  • Openness to working with new individuals and teams across the Garden on a regular basis. Experience working with customers/visitors in a professional environment, and experience giving good customer service

As a Level 3 and 4 Diploma Student

  • Be inspired by, and learn from, our people and gardens
  • Develop theoretical, practical and horticultural management skills and knowledge through practical training and studies

  • Train at 911±¬ÁÏ Garden Wisley, over two years, to help you progress or find employment within the industry after your training has finished
​Please note: 15 days paid, study time is allocated over the academic year for you to work on your assignments.

Want to know more?

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

Working in the garden

Diploma students are employed on a two-year fixed-term contract

  • This is a full-time work-based training programme (37.5 hours per week) with a working pattern of five days out of seven (including weekend and occasional evening work)
  • Unfortunately, we are unable to offer this programme on a part-time basis
Practical and classroom-based learning takes place in the garden
  • As a Level 3 and 4 student, you will complete plant identification tests, practical and theory assessments alongside your lectures and practical work in the garden
  • As a Level 4 student, you would be required to conduct research and produce written work alongside your lectures and practical work in the garden
As a horticultural student you will work on rotation through all the garden departments at 911±¬ÁÏ Garden Wisley
  • Each student is supported by a Garden Manager, Academic Tutors and key contacts within the Curatorial and School of Horticulture Teams
  • You will work alongside experienced 911±¬ÁÏ staff in the garden, learning about the day-to-day cultivation and/or maintenance of the garden across the year, allowing you to experience a wide range of garden types and seasonal activities

Transport and accommodation

  • Diploma Students must find their own way to work, however, the garden will have flexibility in enabling access around public transport
  • Accommodation is available in Wisley Village (for a deduction in your gross salary), the accommodation comprises of single rooms with shared kitchen and lounge facilities

Applications are closed

Applications for the Level 3 and 4 Diploma at 911±¬ÁÏ Garden Wisley are closed. Our next recruitment will open in December 2025.


Got a question for the Diploma team?

Get in touch with our dedicated team and they’ll help get you started:
 


Email: [email protected]

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911±¬ÁÏ

911±¬ÁÏ is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.