The Foundation Degree (FdSc) in Horticulture is validated by the University of Ulster and has three pathways which students can follow. The first semester is common for all students, after which they can specialise in Sportsturf Management, Landscape Management or Amenity Management.

Course Content

This course is delivered over two years, including a five month period of work placement. Students gain an understanding of the prinicples of horticulture and business whilst developing their skills in garden design and maintenance.

Content - Horticulture - Landscape Management

This course is delivered over two years, including a five-month period of work placement. Students complete 240 credits.

Year 1  

• Garden and Planting Design Principles (20)
• Hard Landscape Principles and Practices (10)
• Horticulture Principles and Practices (20)
• Horticulture Technology (10) or Garden Centre Retailing and Customer Service (10)
• Introduction to Business Management (10)
• Plant and Soil Science (20)
• Soft Landscaping (20)
• Plant Health (10)

Year 2

• Design Project (20)
• Improving Business Opportunities (20)
• Work based learning (40)
• Human Resource Management (10)
• Development of Gardens Through Time (10)

Plus options  from: *

• Amenity Tree Management (10)
• Contract Documentation (10)
• Public Event Management (20)
• Urban Landscape Conservation (20)

*  (subject to sufficient demand)

Placement

The industrial work placement allows students to develop technical and commercial expertise. The placement can be carried out locally or internationally. Students can work with landscapers, garden designers or local authorities in their design departments. During placement students will undertake a work related project usually on a garden design, develop their human resource experience and complete a unit on garden history.

Students are encouraged to develop practical and managerial skills and avail of opportunities to demonstrate transferable skills in ICT, problem solving and communication.

Entry Requirements

'A' Level

• 100 UCAS points Noramlly 2 'A' Levels

Plus 4 GCSE subjects at Grade C including and English and preferably Mathematics and double award Science. An equivalent Level 2 pass in essential skills will be considered equivalent to a GCSE Grade C in English.

Irish Leaving Certificate

• 2100 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 at Merit.

Additional Qualifications

During the course students may have the opportunity to achieve additional, nationally recognised qualifications to compliment their Foundation Degree, which can give a competitive advantage in employment or career progression.

These qualifications include:

• Food and Environmental Protection Act - Spraying Certificate
• Construction Skills Register card
• Emergency First Aid
• Manual Handling.

Bursaries

Students studying the Foundation Degree in Horticulture course can compete for bursaries worth £1,000 each

Careers

There is a wide range of careers open to graduates working in garden centres, landscape companies and local authorities or self-employment in the design and built landscape sector.