Distance Learning Course – Principles of Organic Horticulture

This is an assessed Foundation Degree (FdSc) Unit validated by the University of Ulster, and delivered totally through on-line learning and assessment.

The unit is aimed at people who want to:

  • Understand the concepts of organic production
  • Learn about organic growing methods
  • Grow more sustainably
  • Understand the organic sector and organic certification

NOTE: Because this unit uses practical exercises and requires application of local knowledge, applicants should live in a place where the climate is similar to that in the UK or Ireland.

Delivery Method and Requirements

As the unit is being delivered totally on-line students will require access to a computer with internet access and email, plus software to work with Microsoft Word documents and to read PDF files.

The unit will be:

  • Delivered from September 2011 to January 2013
  • Interactive
  • Accessed using CAFRE’s ‘Blackboard’ virtual learning environment.

There is no timetable, though the course will maintain a weekly routine with practical activities and assessments to be completed or submitted to a schedule.

The unit content includes:

  • Organic production in the UK
  • Consumers’ interests in organic food production
  • Organic standards, certification and conversion
  • Integrated, soil-based systems approach
  • Soil management and fertility
  • Plant nutrition and plant protection methods
  • Sustainability and environmental protection
  • Adoption of appropriate technology

Closing date for applications

Applications are accepted throughout the year

Note:

There are a limited number of places availiable for the unit, and these will be allocated on a first-come first-served basis. A reserve list will be retained in case of cancelations

Full guidance will be given on application on how to access the course and register.


Downloadable application forms in Word or PDF format are available from claire.woods@dardni.gov.uk


on-line distance learning

Claire Woods course tutor, (left) discusses the on-line Organic Horticulture module with Adrian Saunders and past students Taino Suonio and Alison Piggott
Fact File

Entry Requirements:

100 UCAS tariff points equivalent to; an ‘A’ level pass or a National Diploma or an Advanced GNVQ or Advanced VCE.

Plus 4 GCSE subjects at grade C or above including English.

Should you not meet these requirements please contact us to discuss options.

Cost:

The cost of the Unit will be £150

Course Manager:

Claire Woods

Contact details

claire.woods@dardni.gov.uk

Telephone:

028 9442 6665