Factsheet

Diplomas with the RHS

The RHS Level 3 and Level 4 Diploma is a two year work based qualification, designed to give a broad overview of the theory, practice and management of horticulture. In the first year, RHS Students will study the RHS Level 3 Certificate in Practical Horticulture and Level 3 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth, Garden Planning and Applied Propagation. In the second year the RHS Students who pass both Level 3 certificates will progress to the Level 4 Diploma.

  • Applications open early Spring to start the following September
  • Great starting point to kick-start a successful career
  • Work alongside our garden experts and grow your confidence, skills and knowledge
  • Gain real-life work experience and increase your  chances of securing employment

Year 1 – Level 3

Highly valued by employers, the RHS Level 3 qualification consists of two individual qualifications; a practical-based qualification and a knowledge-based qualification.

Learners will gain an understanding of current horticultural practices and sustainable techniques, whilst deepening knowledge in a range of areas. 
 
Learners will also advance transferable skills such as problem solving, implementing management plans / programmes, leadership, teamwork and communication skills. 
 
Level 3 Certificate in Practical Horticulture
Topics covered include:

  • Plant knowledge
  • Creating planted areas
  • Maintaining planted area
  • Plant health
  • Productive growing 
  • Protected growing
  • Ecological and sustainable plantings 
  • Landscape materials

 
Level 3 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth, Garden Planning and Applied Propagation
Topics covered include: 

  • Horticulture heritage
  • Plant knowledge
  • Plant selection and cultivation
  • Plant propagation
  • Gardening styles and specialist areas
  • Productive growing
  • Gardens management
  • Gardens, people and spaces 

 
Additional skills
Students are trained in a suite of skills including communication, presentation and professionalism, designed to ensure excellent competencies when going out into the workplace (not assessed).

Year 2 – Level 4
Horticultural management
Students can learn the core skills required to successfully manage a garden throughout the year. This module covers business practices, people management, health and safety, the environment and various further skills increasingly necessary for the successful running of a public garden.
Ornamental planting
This looks at different styles of ornamental planting and the issues associated with each. Students will look how to design planting schemes with good plantsmanship in mind, and how to best maintain areas with different planting styles.
Horticultural taxonomy, botany and plantsmanship (part 2)
Providing further knowledge of horticultural taxonomy and botany, it encompassing a more in-depth look at plant families including phenotypes and genetics. The module will also look at the problems of invasive alien species, and the purpose and future of herbariums and seed banks.
Research project
This is an opportunity for student centred learning on an approved subject of personal choice. Critical thought, interpretation and analysis are required.
Plant health (part 2)
Further study on plant health and the current issues facing horticulture will be provided in this module. The component covers biosecurity, risk analysis, integrated pest management, and phytosanitary concerns.
Garden design
A look at garden design and project management. This includes design knowledge and awareness, drawing skills, budgeting and spatial management.
Landscape construction
Concentrating on the skills needed to implement new planting schemes and designs,  students will undertake initial site surveys, as well landscape detailing, hard landscaping knowledge and skills.
Propagation and protected growing environments
Further propagation techniques will be explored, along with a look at growing plants under glass, including technology and specimen management.
Additional skills
Students are trained in a suite of skills including communication, presentation and professionalism, designed to ensure excellent competencies when going out into the workplace (not assessed).
 

Frequently asked questions

Is the Diploma full-time?
Diploma Students are employed by the RHS on a full-time basis (37.5 hours a week on a rota), on a two year (fixed term) contract. The working pattern is 5 days in 7 so your full-time hours will include some weekend working.
Is accommodation available?
Diploma students have shared, self-catering accommodation available in Wisley village. This consists of shared housing of between two to five people. Each student has a single study bedroom and access to a shared lounge and kitchen/dining facilities. The cost of RHS accommodation is deducted from remuneration.
Who can apply?
The RHS is an inclusive employer and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. Anyone can apply
as long as you meet the above entry requirements and have the right to work in the UK. A good working
knowledge of English is essential and evidence will be requested.
What can I do after I have completed the Level 3 and Level 4 Diploma in Horticultural practice?
After achieving the Diploma in Horticultural Practice, you will be equipped with the confidence, skills and theoretical and practical knowledge to further yourself in the industry and within your chosen field.
 
Those completing the Diploma will be able to demonstrate competence, confidence and leadership skills to help them progress to supervisory or management roles.
What does the Diploma programme entail?
Diploma students rotate through a range of departments in the Garden. The course also comprises a detailed lecture and masterclass programme, and students complete various pieces of assessed coursework.
What are the methods of assessment?

Learning takes place within garden placements and through a formal lecture series at RHS Wisley. Tutors are experts in their field and use the garden’s significant resources in hands-on teaching sessions. Assessments are carried out in a variety of ways to allow everyone’s skills to shine. Both practical and academic skills contribute to the Diploma.

Assessments include:

  • Work based report
  • Essays and reports
  • Identification tests
  • Practical Competence Assessments
  • Skills journals
  • Survey and garden design
  • Online Competence Assessment
  • 2 Horticultural theory-based examinations
What are the entry requirements?
Before starting on the course you will need:
  • A completed Level 2 Diploma covering horticultural practice and theory. This should be an accredited Diploma or Apprenticeship Standard or equivalent
  • Six month’s full time practical work experience in a horticultural environment
  • Enthusiasm to learn more about the science and art of horticulture
How do I apply?

Once the Diploma positions are launched you apply through the links on Level 3 & 4 Diploma in Horticultural Practice webpage.
 
The webpage will be updated with an ‘Apply Now’ button. Clicking this will take you to our application portal to create an account.

You will then be asked to upload the following:

  • A copy of your CV as a PDF or Word file. This should include your work history, any gaps in employment, qualifications achieved and any relevant interests, volunteering or hobbies. Please ensure you include the full title of any qualifications achieved and explain any gaps in employment on your CV

  • A supporting statement describing why you are a good choice for the Level 3 and 4 Diploma

Applicants should use practical gardening or horticulture experience, including voluntary work in a garden setting or growing plants at home, as examples of their passion for plants.
 
Please note: If you already hold a Level 3 Diploma (or higher) in Horticulture (or equivalent) or have too much prior experience you will not be eligible to apply for a Diploma in Horticultural Practice.

Get involved

The RHS is the UK’s gardening charity, helping people and plants to grow - nurturing a healthier, happier world, one person and one plant at a time.