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Horticulture

BSc (Hons)

Location	Start Date	Day	Time	Fees	Duration
Pershore	Sep-2013	Various	TBA	TBA Fees Full: TBA Concessionary: TBA	3 Year(s)

What will I study?

Horticulture is a highly rewarding industry and this course offers fascinating opportunities for the study of disciplines ranging from landscape design to pest biology, garden history to crop mechanisation or leisure management to food production.

Both experienced horticulturists and those new to the discipline are welcome to apply. You will be introduced to the scientific, technological and managerial principles upon which the complex pattern of modern horticulture is founded. You will then continue to examine horticultural issues and focus your studies on one of three specialist options:

Amenity Horitculture & Landscape Design
Horticultural Crop Production
Organic & Sustainable Horticulture.

This course is validated by the University of Worcester but taught mostly at Pershore College, using its excellent practical facilities.

What modules are covered?

YEAR 1

Core Modules

Professional and Academic Development - The module aims to provide learners with the essential study and PDP skills to succeed on a higher education course.
Mechanisation and Finance - This module introduces students to the use of mechanisation, safety and legislation, and financing and budgeting.
Plant Use and Knowledge 1 - Students will be able to identify a range of plant material, and make informed choices about plant use in various situations.
Plant Propagation - This module introduces students to a range of methods of plant propagation from both theoretical and practical points of view.
Introduction to Garden Design - Students will learn about the principles of visual design and apply these to create effective garden designs.
Hardy Nursery Stock and Nursery Management - This module introduces students to planning a nursery for maximum efficiency, and establishment, maintenance and harvesting of hardy ornamental nursery stock.
Plant and Weed Biology - This module is designed to develop in students an understanding of the various facets of plant biology.
Soils and Plant Nutrition - Students will learn underlying principles of soil science and how the soil can best be managed to ensure optimum plant growth.

YEAR 2

Core Modules

Applied Horticultural Science (Pests and Diseases) - By completing this module students will appreciate key aspects of the biology and control of pests and pathogens.
Business Environment and Marketing - This module allows students to develop an understanding of the strategic management principles of a land-based industry from a marketing perspective.
Research and Statistics - This module provides students with the opportunity to develop their research skills and culminates in an independent research project.
Plant Growth, Development and Ecology - In this module students will develop their understanding of the physiology of plant growth and development, and will be made aware of the structure and function of ecosystems and the dynamic processes taking place within.

Amenity Horticulture and Landscape Design Modules

Advanced Garden Design and Graphics - This module aims to develop students design and drafting skills to an advanced level.
Landscape Contract and Project Management - The aim of the module is to give students a working knowledge of the processes and practices of project management.
Historical and Contemporary Influences in Garden Design - This module will examine the range of historical garden styles that has influenced the development of the ‘English’ garden.
Plant Use and Knowledge 2 - This module will allow students to investigate the role of plants in the landscape and to create functional and visually pleasing planting designs.

Horticultural Crop Production Modules

Crop Production Mechanisation - For students with a specialist interest in crop production, this module focuses on the equipment used principally in production horticulture.
Outdoor Edible Crop Production - This module focuses on the planning and control of crop production in an edible crops production unit.
Protected Cropping - Students will learn about the background of the Protected Crops Industry and the different structures, materials and equipment available.
Sustainable Horticulture and Water Management - A wide variety of sustainability issues will be investigated in this module, including the management of water resources.

Organic & Sustainable Horticulture Modules

Crop Production Mechanisation - For students with a specialist interest in crop production, this module focuses on the equipment used principally in production horticulture.
Organic Crop Production (double module) - This module is designed to give students a broad range of experience in the growing of organic crops.
Sustainable Horticulture and Water Management - A wide variety of sustainability issues will be investigated in this module, including the management of water resources.

YEAR 3

Core Modules

Independent Study (double module) - This study provides the means by which students can apply their own knowledge and understanding of the methods and material of the subject to an independently executed piece of research.
Integrative Assignments - This module is designed to encourage students to fully integrate aspects of the first two years of the course.
Business and Personnel Management - This module will provide the students with the necessary skills to motivate and develop staff within a supervisory and management role.
Plant Strategies and Environmental Issues - This module examines environmental issues which are of concern on a global scale and also to horticulture in the UK. The module also examines the survival strategies employed by plants and plant communities.

Amenity Horticulture & Landscape Design Modules

Advanced Landscape Design, Graphics and Visualisation - This final year module further develops learners’ garden and landscape design skills by encouraging them to explore new and innovative approaches to design.
Contemporary Issues in Landscape Design - The module is designed to develop students' knowledge and understanding of contemporary issues in landscape design.
Landscape Planning - This module provides the underpinning knowledge of the principles used in the English planning system.

Horticultural Crop Production Modules

Crop Protection - By completing this module students will develop and apply their knowledge of pest, disease and weed control and appreciate the role of the crop protection industry in horticulture.

Plant Breeding and Gene Technology - This module will explore the relationship between pollinators and plants and how this has been exploited in the horticulture industry.

Retail Horticulture - This module aims to support the development of students’ knowledge in aspects of retail horticulture.

Organic and Sustainable Horticulture Modules

Post-harvest Management - This is a module that aims to develop a knowledge of the biological processes that can affect post-harvest quality and shelf-life.
The Organic Future - This is a module which will develop the students knowledge of current issues faced by the organic horticulturist.
Habitat Creation and Management - The aim of this module is to equip students with the skills to recognise and create/manage important habitats.

What qualifications will I get?

BSc (Hons) Horticulture

How will I be assessed?

A combination of: practical projects; plant identification tests; pest, disease and weed identification tests; class presentations; design projects; written assignments; individual research projects; laboratory reports; exams.

What is the entry process?

Applications should be made through UCAS using the institution code for University of Worcester and the course code shown below:

Institution Code: W80

Course Code: D410

This will be followed by an invitation to attend an interview at Pershore College to discuss pathway options and career goals.

What are the entry requirements?

Minimum qualifications: Full level 3

Normally, applicants will be expected to have 4 GCSEs (grade C or above) including English and Maths and at least 160 UCAS points, from qualifications such as:

two six-unit A levels at grade A to D (one at grade C); or

BTEC National Diploma / BTEC or C&G Diploma or Extended Diploma; or

Access to Higher Education.

The College welcomes applications from individuals with relevant work experience who do not have full formal academic qualifications. Accreditation of Prior Learning will be considered.

What else do I need to know?

The course is validated by University of Worcester (UW) and operates under UW Academic Regulations. Some UW staff teach parts of the course and make use of facilities at the UW campus but most of the course is delivered at Pershore.

Tuition fees are payable to the University of Worcester. For current tuition fees and details of available bursaries, applicants should see the University website: www.worcester.ac.uk or call 01905 855501.

‘Horticulture’ covers a wide range of activities and involves the undertaking of practical tasks. There is an expectation that learners will have a reasonable level of fitness. If a learner is in any doubt about the course details, they should discuss their concerns with the course tutor before they enrol.

Practical tools and equipment will be provided but you will require steel toe-capped footwear, overalls and waterproof clothing, a range of which is sold by the College Plant Centre.

There may be opportunities to take additional qualifications, which may include Certificates of Competence, for which there may be a charge.

Pershore College and Moreton Morrell have high quality residential accommodation for students – for more information please see the accommodation section of the College website.

Transport routes run to the College from throughout the region – to check on routes from where you live, please see the transport section of the College website.

What can I do after this course?

Successful students typically gain employment in garden management, garden centre management/retail, amenity horticulture, commercial crop production, research, the horticultural media and commercial sales. Some previosu students have taken up internships at botanical gardens.

Successful students can also progress to Masters or PhD programmes.

Got a question about this course?

Telephone: 0300 45 600 49
Email: courses@warkscol.ac.uk

UCAS code

D410

Fees

We make every effort to ensure that these course details are accurate. Warwickshire College reserves the right to make alterations. Fees may be indicative at the time of publishing.