Course Aim

This is a two-year full time course incorporating a three-month industry placement. This course offers students both the practical experience and the theory required for a wide variety of careers in horticulture.

Course Content

As some students may not  have worked with live plant material before the start of the course it is important that practical plant-orientated exercises and skills training commence at the beginning of the course to allow students time to practice the skills needed for the practical assessments.

Practical plant establishment and growth will include preparation of soil and planting of seeds, transplanting or pricking-out, weeding and protecting from pests and diseases until maturity and/or satisfactory establishment.  Learners can develop team working skills as they provide constructive support and feedback to each other during practical plant growing and landscaping practicals.

Some of the units you will study are Landscape design and construction, plant propagation and production, plant and soil science, business management, plant use and knowledge, decorative horticulture, turf production and maintenance. During the summer between year 1 and 2 you will have the opportunity to complete your industry experience unit with an employer of your choice, the course team will support you in this as you develop new skills in preparation for working life.

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 being 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.