What is the Master of Horticulture Award?
The Master of Horticulture (MHort) Award is designed for those who wish to grow their career in a flexible way.
A degree-level award studied over three years, the MHort provides an affordable and high-quality study experience, which links candidates to a range of professional networks and provides improved business and managerial skills.
The MHort is recognised by the Education Reform Act 1988. It is a degree level equivalent, and holders of the award may use the designation MHort (RHS) after their name.
This award will appeal to those who are motivated to self-study within a structured research and assessment environment. Interaction for the award is mainly through the RHS MHort Virtual Learning Environment allowing candidates to work within their own time constraints to meet the deadlines required by a varied assessment programme.
What will I study?
By the end of the award, successful candidates have an overview of the horticultural industry within a global context. Alongside this, they will have developed improved research, analytical, communication and decision-making skills that will provide a better understanding of horticultural challenges and appropriate management strategies.
In the first year, candidates broaden their understanding of the horticultural environment and develop appropriate skills to underpin their future study. In subsequent years candidates have the opportunity to select scenarios within the assessment to deepen their knowledge in areas that are of interest to them and are relevant to their careers. The final year provides the opportunity to demonstrate how they would apply their knowledge in a practical setting, and for candidates to carry out research on a topic of their choice, producing an in-depth academic work.
Programme information
See our Master of Horticulture fact sheet (1.4MB pdf) to find out more about the programme.
How will I learn?
Delivery takes place through the RHS MHort Virtual Learning Environment, allowing you to study at a time and place to suit you.
Additionally, at the start of each year, there is a physical two-day workshop at an RHS venue in the UK, at which you will find out more about the units to be studied as well as be guided in academic, communication and assessment skills, and gain face-to-face guidance from the MHort team.
Am I qualified?
For entry into the MHort programme, you must hold the following:
- At least four years of full-time work experience in horticulture, at least one of which should be in a supervisory role or a position of relevant responsibility
- A full Level 3 qualification in horticulture, such as the RHS Level 3 Diploma or a National Diploma
The above allows you to get the most out of the programme by drawing on your own experience and knowledge.
If you are unsure if you meet the entry requirements, please email the MHort team and we will be happy to discuss your individual situation with you.
What are the time requirements?
Study is usually completed over three years. Dates for all submissions are issued in advance.
The amount of time you need to spend studying will depend on your own experience. You should expect to spend time on assessments most weeks and to plan time carefully.
How will I be assessed?
Most assessments are carried out on the Virtual Learning Environment where work is submitted to Unit Assessors and feedback is provided. Most assessments are approximately six weeks in duration allowing you to fit your study around your life and work.
The only time you are required to attend in person is in year three for Unit 7, the Applied Knowledge Assessment, which will be held at one of our RHS Gardens in the UK. As mentioned above, there are also optional two-day workshops which take place at the start of each year.
Do I get any benefits?
MHort candidates have access to all four RHS libraries in the UK, in addition to a bespoke selection of e-books and online academic journals to assist with the study. An online subscription to Horticulture Week magazine is also available.
RHS Student membership is provided for all MHort candidates, giving free access to all RHS Gardens, a subscription to The Garden magazine, discounted rates on RHS Show tickets and access to RHS advisory teams among many other benefits.
Fellow MHort candidates will add to your professional network across the globe. MHort alumni often cite this as one of the most significant benefits of the programme.
Applications for 2020 are now closed
Applications will re-open in spring 2021. If you would like to be notified when applications are open, please email to the MHort team.
Key documents
This information pertains to the 2020 intake, for the programme starting in October 2020.
Ask us a question
If you have any queries regarding your eligibility for the course, or if you’d like further information, please contact the MHort team.
