Horticulture, FdSc

Core studies focus on understanding and interpreting the landscape, as well as exploration of horticultural production. You will learn to recognise the range of readily available plants, how to manage them and manipulate their natural environment to improve performance and become proficient in using AutoCAD. 100% of our graduates are in employment or embarking on further study within six months of graduation. Why choose this course?

• You will benefit from the modern glasshouse complex situated on campus, alongside historic gardens and the country estate.
• Guest speakers will also hold workshops and activities to showcase the career opportunities available to you.
• You will have the opportunity to become proficient in surveying a site for development, and plotting data both by hand and using AutoCAD (Computer Aided Design).
• A brand new 1,000 square metre, £2.5 million campus library is due to open in Autumn 2013.
• The course can provide progression onto the one year BSc (Hons) Environment Design and Management top up.

Did you know?

• NTU won a Gold Award at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show Centenary in 2013 - read about it.
• Students from this course achieved a Silver Gilt garden design award at the Harrogate Flower Show.
• We are one of the largest providers of land-based courses in the UK, with Brackenhurst having over 60 years' experience in the sector.

Want to know more?

• Book your place on an open day.
• Check out our Flickr photostream!
• Find out more about Glasshouse Complex.

How many places are available on the course?

There are approximately 20 places.

When does the course start?

Please see the academic calendar for term dates.

What will I study? Modules

Year One

• Professional Development involves career development and the acquisition of transferable skills that are essential for working in the horticultural and landscape sector. You will be introduced to a range of horticultural equipment and machinery.
• Plants and Soil Science provides an understanding of how plants function in relation to their environment. Aspects include photosynthesis, respiration, and plant propagation. You will also learn about plant taxonomy and morphology and gain the basic plant and soil science principles required for the course.
• Garden Design in Practice introduces the basic design skills, knowledge and principles required for garden design. It also incorporates the principles of historic garden design and how they relate to design today.
• Survey Planning and Construction develops basic site surveying techniques, transference of recorded data into plans and introduction of the concept of hard landscaping, including basic brick-laying, block paving, fencing and patio construction
• Plant Knowledge provides an introduction to a range and use of ornamental plants commonly available to the landscaping industry. You will learn about ground preparation, planting and maintenance strategies.

Year Two

You will have the chance to work on your own project. For example, you could do plant growth trial or research a particular area of the horticultural industry such as the renovation of an historic garden.

• Industry Placement requires you to undertake a short industrial placement within the horticultural or landscape sector. The module is complemented by a series of external speakers from industry, giving insight into both career and business opportunities.
• Soft Landscape Design helps students to increase knowledge of the range of ornamental plants and to devise planting plans to cover the range of soft landscape types, both in a commercial and private context.
• Horticultural Practices helps students to combine and apply knowledge acquired on their course in relation to fruit, vegetable and flower production whether by organic or inorganic methods. Practical skills training forms a valuable and enjoyable part of the second year of this course.
• Research Project provides an opportunity to develop expertise in a field of personal interest, through carrying out independent research, under supervision, in an area of horticultural production, landscape management or heritage horticulture.
• Greenspace Management involves an understanding of the objectives, components and organisation of the management of green spaces, both public and private.
• Crop Production develops students' practical skills and knowledge of propagating and producing crop to a marketable standard.
• Planning and Recreation develops knowledge of the principles of Town and Country Planning legislation ad its application to the planning of settlements, transport and recreational facilities in rural areas.

Where will I study?

Brackenhurst campus has been delivering high standards of horticultural education since 1955 and offers a friendly study environment with excellent specialist facilities set in 200 hectares of parkland. New facilities include:

• teaching, laboratory, design and Computer Aided Design (CAD) studios
• ultra-modern glasshouses
• covered practical areas
• a historic and enclosed garden.

Contact hours

You will have 14 hours of scheduled contact time per week, of which approximately four hours will be practical work.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed using a variety of methods including the following.

Coursework 67%

• Assignments – 17%
• Portfolio - 50%

Practical skills - 17%

Exams - 16%

What do the course fees cover?

The annual fee for your undergraduate degree course includes a number of items in addition to your tuition. Below is an indication of those items that are covered within the fee.

• You will have a pre-paid printing allowance of £20 (which currently equates to up to 400 sides of A4 black and white printing) for use in NTU Print Shops.
• We will supply you with laboratory equipment, coats and safety equipment, where required.
• You will not pay tuition fees for your Year Abroad/Sandwich year when it is part of a course.
• Your tuition fees will cover any additional administration fees for international exchange.
• You will be given two tickets to the Graduation Ceremony (any additional tickets will incur a fee).

What is not included in the fee?

You will need to budget for the following:

• general printing of coursework in addition to the printing allowance
• books and texts
• accommodation and travel costs
• travel and accommodation costs involved in year abroad, sandwich year or any placements you take
• graduation social events
• additional field trip or field work costs where not borne by the School.

Language classes are available via the University Language Programme at a very reasonable additional fee, alongside your chosen course. These do not bear credit towards your course.

Are you an international student?

Find out more about entry requirements, fees and accommodation.

View the full course specification
Please note that course specifications may be subject to change

Brackenhurst has been delivering high standards of horticultural education since 1955 and offers a friendly study environment with excellent specialist facilities set in 200 hectares of parkland.

Facilities include:

• teaching, laboratory, design and Computer Aided Design studios
• ultra-modern glasshouses, covered practical areas
• a historic and enclosed garden.