BTEC Higher National Diploma in Horticulture (HND) - qualifications are offered by EDEXCEL and a number of universities.

(This qualification, followed by at least 3 years' post-study experience, is recognised for Corporate Membership of the Institute of Horticulture.)

The courses consist of two years' full-time education at a college/university consisting of 16 course units. The courses equip students for supervisory and, ultimately, managerial posts.

Students should possess four subjects at GCSE Grade C or above (or four GCE "O" level or CSE Grade 1 equivalents), including preferably passes in a science, mathematics and a subject testing knowledge of English. In addition students should have passed GCE "A" level subjects. Alternative entry qualifications such as the BTEC National Certificate, and BTEC National Diploma in appropriate subjects are appropriate as are applications from mature students where entry is based on an interview but not essential. In addition it is desirable for students to have had some relevant practical work experience.

The courses are essentially at technologist level, and are based on the scientific, technical and economic aspects of horticulture. The appropriate commercial horticultural or landscape and environmental technologies are gradually given greater prominence as the courses develop.
Students are assessed by written examinations, tests through projects, assignments and course work throughout the two years. All courses have been modularised with individual units being assessed.

UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES OFFERING COURSES IN HORTICULTURE:
HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMA COURSES

BCA Professional Horticulture, garden design with plantsmanship, sports turf technology

Capel Manor College HND Horticulture (Garden Design); HND Horticulture with options in professional gardening, organic gardening, landscape design & construction. HND Countryside Management with options in arboriculture or urban greenspace

Hadlow College (in conjunction with University of Greenwich) HND in horticulture (commercial) Medicinal Horticulture, Landscape Management, Garden Design

Otley College HND in landscape construction,(in partnership with Writtle College)

Pershore Group of Colleges - Pershore CAMPUS HND in horticulture in association with University College Worcester - 2 year course with options in Amenity and landscape management and crop production. HND conversion to BSc (Hons) - 1 year course

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh HND in Horticulture with Plantsmanship

Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) HND in Horticulture with options in Production Horticulture and Amenity Horticulture, HND in Horticulture with Plantsmanship; HND in Landscape Management; HND in Garden Design (at the end of year 1 students are eligible for the award of the Higher National Certificate).

University of Lincolnshire & Humberside HND in Landscape Ecology

Welsh College of Horticulture Landscape & Garden Design, Landscape Construction & Management, Sustainable Landscape Design & Construction (subject to validation), Floristry, NPTC Advanced Diploma Society of Floristry (ADSF) subject to validation

Wiltshire College HNC Garden Planning and Design; HNC Organic Crop Production; HNC Gardens Management; HNC Plant Science; HNC Floristry

Writtle College HNDs in Garden Design, Floristry with Interior Design, Horticulture (Commercial Crop Production), Horticulture (Landscape & Amenity Management), Horticulture (Landscape Construction), Horticulture (Nursery), Horticulture (Retailing), Horticulture (Sports Turf & Golf Course Management), Horticulture (3D design).Certificate of Higher Education
(in partnership with University of Essex) Continuing Education Certificate in Landscape and garden design