NPTC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Horticulture (Amenity Horticulture)

Course Aim

The BTEC National Award in Horticulture provides education and training in the fundamental skills and techniques used in horticulture and garden design. The qualification will help you explore careers in these sectors, or progress in your current job if you are already employed.

The course is designed to be adaptable to your needs and abilities, and consists of one core unit plus at least 5 specialist units (which totals 360 guided learning hours).

The structure of the course allows you to focus on particular areas of horticulture which interest you,

The BTEC National Award is especially suitable for more mature

Learners, who wish to follow a shorter programme of study directly related to their work experience or to an area of employment that they wish to move into.

It’s a firm favorite with “career changers”

Course content

Year 1

Principles of Plant and Soil Science

Plant Use and Protection  

Industry experience

Year 2

Investigative Project in Horticultural Industries (Core unit)

Horticulture Design Principles

Landscape Construction

Career destinations

There are many sectors within the horticulture industry and students get jobs in a wide range of areas in Northern Ireland and further afield. Currently about 11,000 people are employed in horticulture in Northern Ireland, with over 5,000 of these full-time in the amenity sector.

Students can follow careers in garden centres, nurseries, golf courses, landscape companies and local authorities in a wide range of jobs.

Other options include horticulture therapy, education and training or self-employment.

Student profile: Kevin Ireland

Kevin Ireland
Originally from Australia, Kevin has changed career and is currently working as a landscape gardener.

"The variety within the course is brilliant, I attend two days a week and it’s not just about plants, I'm doing the science unit now and it’s fascinating. There's a real mix of students on the course, we all support each other."

What Next?
Fact File

Course Location:

Greenmount Campus

Course Duration:

National Award:
Two years part-time (one day per week), or one year part-time (two days per week).

National Certificate:
Four years part-time (one day per week), or two years part-time (two days per week).

Entry requirements

Normally four GCSE passes at Grade C or above including English and Mathematics.

Applicants must also demonstrate that they have a minimum of 40 hours of work experience in horticulture, which can be acquired prior to leaving school. Normally applicants must be working in horticulture for a minimum of one day a week.

or

Level 2 Diploma in Horticulture at Merit level or above, or an equivalent qualification and normally Grade C in English and Mathematics or equivalent.

or

Applicants who can demonstrate significant relevant industry experience will also be considered. These applicants may be required to submit work-based evidence and undertake written assessments and/or practical competence tests as part of the assessment.

Course Manager:

Caroline Mathers

Contact Details:

caroline.mathers@dardni.gov.uk
enquiries@cafre.ac.uk

Telephone:

028 9442 6677

Text Phone:

028 9052 4420

Progression opportunities:

Students may progress to the Certificate of Higher Education in Horticulture