RHS EXAMINATIONS

The main purpose of the RHS Certificate Examination in Horticulture is to provide a nationally recognised qualification for those wishing to pursue a professional career in horticulture and for those amateur gardeners who wish to have their knowledge and skills formally assessed. The examination is designed to test candidates' basic understanding of scientific principles and their relationship and application to horticultural skills and practices.

The RHS Advanced Certificate in Horticulture in a modular examination involving both theoretical and practical elements. It comprises the first half of the RHS Diploma in Horticulture, and in academic terms equates to two GCE 'A/S' levels or Year One of an Edexcel National Diploma in Horticulture.

The RHS Diploma in Horticulture is a qualification recognised for Associate Membership of the Institute of Horticulture. It is open to junior professionals in horticulture and dedicated amateur gardeners. It is a qualification requiring a high level of knowledge of the principal and practice of horticulture together with practical skills. Candidates will be examined in practical and applied horticultural knowledge and therefore a period of broad horticultural experience would be useful; for those wishing to proceed to the Master of Horticulture (RHS) Award it is essential.

The Master of Horticulture (RHS) Award - MHort (RHS) - recognised for Corporate Membership of the Institute of Horticulture - is the premier qualification for horticultural professionals, unique in attesting the holder's professional horticultural knowledge, understanding and practical skills. It is open to those who have achieved the RHS Diploma in Horticulture, or the NDH Intermediate or Stage I of the MHort (RHS), and have appropriate professional horticultural experience. The examination comprises four written papers: two compulsory papers which test candidates' knowledge of the principles of management and their application to horticulture; and two horticultural technology papers selected by candidates from a range of options and which test candidates' in-depth knowledge of their specialism, including current practice, trends, research and development. Candidates achieving the necessary standard proceed to the Managerial and Technical Competence Assessment; technical skills assessment; management case study and associated oral examination; and dissertation and associated oral examination.

 

UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES OFFERING COURSES IN HORTICULTURE:
RHS EXAMINATIONS

Full details of RHS qualifications can be obtained by writing to the RHS Examinations Office, Royal Horticultural Society's Garden, Wisley, Woking, Surrey GU23 6QB. Please enclose an S.A.E.

Brackenhurst Campus (Nottingham Trent University) horticulture - 1 year course.

Bridgwater College, Cannington Centre for Land-based Studies, Horticulture (certificate, advanced certificate and diploma)