RHS Level 3 Diploma in the Principles & 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 3 Diploma in the Principles and Practices of Horticulture (410kB pdf)
Course Content
Learners who successfully complete all the necessary units for the following level 3 qualifications listed below, will gain the Level 3 Diploma in the Principles and Practices of Horticulture
- RHS Level 3 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth, Health and Applied Propagation (15 Credits)
- RHS Level 3 Certificate in the Principles of Garden Planning, Construction and Planting (15 Credits)
- RHS Level 3 Certificate in Practical Horticulture (15 Credits)
The qualification has a credit value of 45. This equates to 450 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 taxonomy, structure, and function (5 credits)
- The root environment, plant nutrition and growing systems (5 credits)
- The management of plant health (3 Credits)
- Understanding applied plant propagation (2 credits)
- Understanding garden survey techniques and design principles (4 credits)
- Understanding the selection and use of landscaping elements in the garden (4 credits)
- Understanding the setting out and construction of landscaping elements in the garden (4 credits)
- Understanding a range of specialist elements in the establishment of garden and urban plantings (3 credits)
- Collecting and testing soil samples and specifying adjustments for horticulture (2 credits)
- Collecting, preparing and propagating from seed (3 credits)
- Establishing and maintaining a range of plant types and forms (4 credits)
- Identification of a range of common garden plants, weeds, pests, diseases and disorders (3 credits).
Optional units (choose 1)
- Planning, collecting, preparing and establishing propagation material (3 credits) or
- Management of green spaces, landscaped areas, and ornamental gardens (3 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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