RHS Level 2 Diploma in the Principles and Practices of Horticulture
This qualification provides a route to employment in professional horticulture by assessing knowledge of the principles underpinning horticultural practices, and a range of essential practical skills in horticulture.
It supports career development for those already working in professional horticulture by assessing knowledge of the principles underpinning horticultural practices and a range of essential practical skills in horticulture. It provides a foundation for further learning or training in the field of horticulture.
Download Level 2 Diploma in the Principles of and Practices Horticulture (678kB pdf)
Course content
Learners who successfully complete all the necessary units for the following level 2 qualifications listed below, will gain the Level 2 Diploma in the Principles and Practices of Horticulture
- RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth, Propagation and Development
- RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Garden Planning, Establishment and Maintenance
- RHS Level 2 Certificate in Practical Horticulture
The qualification has a credit value of 43. This equates to 430 learning hours. Learning time is defined as the time taken by learners at the level of the qualification, on average, to complete the learning outcomes of the units to the standard determined by the assessment criteria.
Where a candidate receives credit with commendation in all eight theory mandatory units, and a pass in all the practical units the qualification will be awarded with commendation.
Core
- Plant classification, structure, and function (5 credits)
- Plant nutrition and the root environment (3 credits)
- Maintaining plant health (3 credits)
- Understanding plant propagation (3 credits)
- Understanding garden features, plant selection and planning (5 credits)
- Understanding the choice, establishment and maintenance of garden plants and lawns (3 credits)
- Understanding the production of outdoor vegetables and fruit (3 credits)
- Understanding protected environments and their use in plant cultivation (3 credits)
- Soil testing (1 credit)
- Sowing seeds and vegetative propagation techniques (2 credits)
- Practical skills in ground preparation for seeding and planting (2 credits)
- Practical skills in establishing seeds and plants in soil (2 credits)
- Care and pruning of plants (3 credits)
- Identification of a range of common garden plants, weeds, pests, diseases and disorders and beneficial organisms (3 credits).
Optional units (choose 1):
- Sustainable garden practice (2 credits) or
- Safe operation of powered garden machinery (2 credits).
- Entry Requirements
- There are no pre-requisites for entry to the qualification
Assessment
Each theory-based unit will be assessed by a separate written examination covering all learning outcomes specified in the unit. Examinations will be offered twice a year in February and June.
Each practical unit will be assessed by means of a range of practical activities timetabled and assessed within the approved centre. Contact your approved centre for details.
Enquiries about results (post-results services)
If candidates have any concerns or are disappointed with their results they should speak to their tutor or centre examinations officer in the first instance. Tutors are able to explain what was achieved and if the results are as expected. The exams officer will be able to make an enquiry about results if the candidate or tutor wishes to take the query further.
This will involve a re-mark by an independent marker and the production of a feedback report. If a re-mark results in an upgrade of the grade from a fail to pass or pass to pass with commendation the fee paid will be refunded.
The enquiry about results service is available once the results have been released on the RHS Web portal. This service will be available for 28 days following the date that the results were released. Requests received after the closing dates will not be accepted.
The fee for the enquiry about results service can be found on the RHS Qualifications and Credit Framework Fees Notice.
Please note this service is available for theory qualifications only.
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