The Foundation Degree, which is validated by the University of Ulster, is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to work successfully in the horticulture industry.

It is recognised that people already in the industry have a wide breadth of experiences and abilities and the course is tailored to suit their individual needs. Students can study a broad range of modules or can specialise in Landscape, Sportsturf Management or Amenity Horticulture. These part-time courses are aimed at individuals who are currently working in the horticulture and related landscape industries, such as green space managers with local authorities, nursery-stock producers, landscape contractors, garden designers and garden centres. The qualifications are also suitable for those wishing to change their career and enter the horticulture industry.

Course Content

Students undertake core subjects and select optional subjects to suit their interest or business needs. 240 credit points are required to obtain a Foundation Degree.

Core Subjects

All students study the following Level 4 units

• Plant and Soil Science (20)
• Plant Health (10)
• Horticulture Principles and Practices (20)
• Introduction to Business Management (10)
• Soft Landscaping (20)

Optional Subjects

And 40 credits of  Level 4 units

• Turf Mechanisation and Irrigation Management (20)
• Garden and Planting Design (20)
• Construction of sportsturf surfaces for quality performance (20)
• Nursery Stock Production (20)
• Horticulture Technology (10)
• Garden Centre Retailing (10)
• Hard landscape Principles and Practices (10)

And a further 70 credits from

• Development of Gardens through Time (10)
• Development Planning and Design of Sportsturf Facilities (10)
• Principles of Organic Production (10)
• Improving Business Opportunities (20)
• Amenity Tree Management (10)
• Contract Documentation (10)
• Public Event Management (20)
• Urban Landscape Conservation (20)

And or one of the following three

• Design Project (20)
• Production Managment Project (20)
• Sportsturf Management Project (20)

The Course Manager can provide guidance on the sequence in which the modules can be studied to complete the FdSc.

Course delivery

Part-time students generally study on Tuesdays during the first year and normally on  Mondays during the second year of the course. Part-time Foundation Degree programme teaching schedules can be discussed with the Course Manager at interview.

Entry Requirements

'A' Level

100 tariff points, plus four GCSE subjects at Grade C including English, Mathematics and Science.

Irish Leaving Certificate

100 UCAS points equivalent, including two Grade C1s at Higher Level or equivalent and English and Mathematics to at least Grade B at Ordinary Level.

Extended Diploma

An appropriate Extended Diploma in Horticulture at Merit level with industrial experience or Subsidiary Diploma at Distinction Level.

Prior Experiential Learning

Industrial experience and prior qualifications of applicants who have worked for a minimum of three years are taken into account and for some modules it may be possible to apply for Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).

Careers

Part-time study on a Foundation Degree / Certificate in Higher Education course is aimed at developing the business management and technical knowledge and skills of people already working in, or with an interest in, the horticultural industry to assist with career advancement or business development.