Course description
Study horticulture at Writtle College and develop specialist skills in garden design, plant care and estate management. Gain hands-on experience in college, and on placement.
We’re one of the leading land-based institutions in the UK, based on 150-hectare campus with temperature-controlled glasshouse, gardens and a large collection of trees and plants.
As a student at Writtle College, you’ll gain experience of planting, growing and caring for plants, shrubs and trees – including fruits and vegetables.
You’ll also learn about garden design and history, landscape construction, plant and soil science, plant production and identification, and estate management.
This extended diploma offers a range of optional study units in Year 2, and is ideal if you want to explore specific areas of horticulture.
Upcoming start dates
Suitability - Who should attend?
- 5 GCSEs at Grade 9-4 or A*-C; must include English and Maths.
- A work placement of 5 days in a related industry is desirable.
- Satisfactory references from most recent school, college or employer.
- Alternative qualifications or experience will be considered on application.
Important additional notes
Our published entry requirements are a guide only and our decision will be based on your overall suitability for the course as well as whether you meet the minimum entry requirements.
Training Course Content
Mandatory units
- Principles of Health and Safety
- Undertake and Review Work-related Experience in the Land-based Industries
- Identification, Selection and Planting of Plants
- Maintain Turf in Parks and Gardens
- Land-based Industry Machinery Operations
- Principles of Plant Health and Protection
- Tree and Shrub Maintenance
- Plant and Soil Science
- Undertake Estate Skills
- Business Management in the Land-based Sector
- Undertake a Specialist Project in the Land-based Sector
- Construct Horizontal Landscape Surfaces
Optional specialist units
- Principles of Advanced Horticultural Science
- Identification and Use of Ornamental Plants
- Sustainable Development
- Manage Plant Propagation Activities
- Establish and Manage Exterior Plant Displays
- Principles and Practice of Garden Design
- Construct and Maintain Timber Landscape Features
- Horticultural Production Techniques - Protected Environments
- Horticultural Production Techniques - Outdoors
- Construct and Restore Walls
- Construct and Maintain Decorative Landscape Features
- Site Surveying, Levelling and Setting Out
- Historical Influences on the Development of Gardens
- Computer-aided Design in Horticulture
- Prepare Landscape and Garden Design Briefs
- Specification, Programming and Monitoring of Landscape Projects
- Establish and Manage Interior Plant Displays
- Manage Advanced Nursery Stock Production
- Principles of Organic Crop Production
- Customer Care and Retail Merchandising
- Water Management
Course delivery details
This course includes both mandatory and optional units. You’ll complete all mandatory units and study seven optional units, as determined by your Course Leader, from the list below.
Why choose Writtle University College
Ranked Top University-Sector Institution in East Anglia for overall student satisfaction!
*Based on NSS 2022 Based on Taught Data
Beautiful rural campus situated close to the city of Chelmsford, 40 minutes from London and the coast.
Expenses
Fee: £5,678 Students over 19 starting 2023/24 (per year)
Continuing Studies
Careers and educational progression
Level 3 qualifications can provide a route into the horticultural profession, support career development if you’re already working in horticulture, or be a foundation for further learning or training.
After completing this course you’ll be ready to move into employment, with possible job roles including:
- Production manager
- Commercial manager
- Landscape site manager
- Gardener/grounds maintenance manager.
Or you might progress to university study. Writtle College is part of Anglia Ruskin University, and options at Writtle include ourBSc (Hons) Horticulture (Certificate of Higher Education ad Diploma of Higher Education study options available).
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Welcome to Writtle College! Writtle College, a further education provider, now part of ARU, is located at the ARU Writtle campus on the outskirts of Chelmsford, Essex. We offer a wide range of exciting courses in land-based, creative and sports...