Level 3 in Horticulture
Horticulture > Level 3 in Horticulture
Course Duration
Full-time: 2 years
Full-time: 2 yearsFull-time: 2 years
Course Location
Greenmount Campus
Level 3 in Horticulture
This comprehensive Level 3 City & Guilds Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Horticulture course is taught full-time over two academic years. It offers students the opportunity to develop the knowledge and practical skills required for a wide range of careers. Student develop a knowledge of plant science and technology, garden design and landscape construction, edible and ornamental plant production, heritage gardening and conservation, estate skills and garden retailing.
There are no tuition fees and a means tested maintenance grant is available to students studying this programme to help with living expenses. Further details can be found in the Financial Support section.
On campus accommodation is available, with separate facilities for under-18s and over-18s. Applications open in June each year, and early submission is recommended. The campus also offers free car parking for students travelling to Greenmount Campus. Additionally, public transport is available from Antrim bus and rail centre with Translink/Ulsterbus.
Course content
Main areas of study are:
- Business management
- Garden design
- Garden retail
- Health and safety
- Horticultural machinery operations
- Horticultural science
- Landscape construction
- Machinery and estate skills
- Nursery stock management
- Plant and soil science
- Plant health
- Plant identification and planting
- Plant propagation
- Protected crops
- Turf maintenance
- Tree and shrub maintenance
In addition to the Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma qualification, students may have the opportunity to undertake PA1 and PA6 training and assessment, and to make great industry contacts through industry visits, study tours, competitions and college events.
Work placement
The course also includes an industry work placement over the summer months between the first and second year of the course. Students are provided with career planning guidance in preparation for industry experience in a sector of their choice. CAFRE also organise a Horticulture Careers event for all students in February each year offering the opportunity to meet potential employers.
Typical placements include working for council parks departments, golf clubs, nurseries, garden centres, private and public gardens/estates and landscape contractors. Placements may be undertaken in Ireland, the UK or further afield.
Course Progression
On completion of the Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Horticulture, students can choose to go directly into employment or to progress to Foundation Degree and Degree in Horticulture programmes.
Students can follow careers within garden centres, nurseries, golf courses, landscape companies and local councils in a wide range of jobs. Other options include horticulture therapy, education and training or self-employment.
Course Entry Requirements
Normally four GCSE passes at Grade C or above including English Language and Mathematics.
OR
Level 2 Diploma in Practical Horticulture Skills at Merit level or above and Grade C in English Language and Mathematics or equivalent.
Applicants who are still at school are encouraged to undertake school work experience with a horticultural business.
Leaving Certificate Applied and Leaving Certificate Foundation Level are not considered as meeting entry requirements for CAFRE programmes. If you require guidance on entry qualifications please email the Key Contact for this course.
Greenmount Campus
Greenmount Campus is the centre of all things green – that’s agricultural, horticultural and environmental providing an idyllic rural setting for your land-based studies.
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Course validated by:
Kyle Ross
Student
“On visiting Greenmount Campus I was surprised by the huge range of career possibilities which can be accessed through studying for a horticulture qualification. From production and sales to landscaping and sports turf there are plenty of career paths to follow.”
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