Higher Certificate in Science in Horticulture – Part Time

Minimum Entry Requirements
A pass in five subjects (ordinary level) to include Mathematics and English or Irish. Foundation level maths at B2 or higher counts as a subject towards the five passes. Or any full level 5 award.

Overview
Horticulture is an art, craft and a science and this course will introduce the learner
to all three aspects of contemporary horticultural practice. Horticulturalists will use their skills and knowledge to improve the quality of life of individuals and communities. Horticulture can enhance the built environment, provide recreational opportunity and deepen our connection to the natural world. Students will gain an understanding of design considerations for gardens, parks and sports facilities. There are expanding opportunities in improved food production in a global world and in creating public recreational spaces that are more environmentally sensitive.

There is a growing concern among consumers about environmental issues such as the quality of the food we eat, the environmental cost of its production, the level of pollution in our living areas, the impact of climate change and the loss of green space and other amenities. The course will develop the students understanding of these issues and enable them to address these issues in a horticultural context.

Course Aim

The purpose of the proposed Higher Certificate Award in Horticulture is to equip students with the skills and knowledge to embark upon a rewarding career in the Horticulture industry and in the wider Horticulture sector. Successful practice
in this area requires a combination of scientific knowledge, technological knowhow, and creative design skills, all in the context of an understanding of the industry context. This programme aims to provide this combination of skills and knowledge, and in doing so to put it certificate holders in an ideal position to operate effectively within the sector. The intended course objectives are listed in some more detail here.

• Obtain a structured knowledge of the scientific topics key to the study of horticulture, especially plant biology and physiology, pests and diseases, soil science, garden design and construction, plant identification, propagation and turfgrass management.
• Identify and assess the legal and intellectual issues surrounding
• horticulture.
• Can work effectively as individuals, in teams and in multidisciplinary settings by communicating effectively.
• Acquire the interpersonal and professional skills to work within a
• business environment, understanding the requirements of modern
• commercial organisations and have a feel for the challenges posed to the entrepreneur in establishing a business concern.
• The successful graduate should recognise the possibilities and
• limitations of their knowledge, especially in fields such as organic
• production and sustainability issues, where there are serious moral, ethical and legal questions. They should be able to communicate their findings to both technical and nontechnical
• audiences, and contribute to the debate on the role of science
• in general, and Horticulture in particular, in society.

Career Oppurtunities

Careers may include garden and landscape design, establishment and management of green spaces, sports surfaces, horticultural therapy, food crop production, nursery stock and ornamental plant production and garden centre management. There is considerable scope in self-employment as garden maintenance and landscape contractors, specialist growers and florists. There are increasing opportunities in community development where horticulture can be used to assist social cohesion.

Course Content
The course covers aspects of Horticulture including

• Plant Identification and Classification
• Practical Horticultural Skills
• Soil Science
• Plant Biology and Physiology
• Landscape Design
• Landscape Construction
• Horticultural Business
• Horticultural Law
• Turfgrass Management

The course will also give students a good foundation in the use information technology in horticulture, teamwork, research and project development.

Progression

Having successfully completed this programme students will be eligible to progress to level 7 ordinary degree – Bachelor of Science in Horticulture and, later, on to a level 8 honours degree- Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Horticulture.

Source: ITB – Higher Certificate in Science in Horticulture