Horticulture Training Courses in London, England

Royal Horticultural Society, London:
Situated in Wisley, Woking, 14 miles south west of London, Surrey, England, the Royal Horticultural Society is the UK's leading gardening charity dedicated to advancing horticulture and promoting good gardening. Our goal is to help people share a passion for plants, to encourage excellence in horticulture and inspire all those with an interest in gardening. We offer programs in Advanced Certificate, Diploma and Master of Horticulture. We also organise walks and talks, practical demonstrations, short courses and workshops giving gardeners of all levels a platform of transferable skills and knowledge. We promote our commitment to gardeners and gardening through inspirational flower shows and events, gardens, advice, research, learning & education, our role in community horticulture and much more. We develop ideas in gardening that meet the needs of gardeners while respecting the environment. Our research yields practical benefits for gardeners at all levels of experience and interest.

We organise a wide array of educational activities including adult learning courses, horticultural training for those wishing to pursue a career in horticulture, a bursary scheme and examinations for professional and amateur gardeners.

The Wisley Diploma in Practical Horticulture:
This is a two year course of paid work experience and academic studies, validated by a practical examination at the end of the programme. Successful candidates will be entitled to use the designation Dip. Hort. (Wisley) after their names, and will be able to sit the written part of the RHS Diploma in Horticulture examination (as an additional qualification) after the course finishes.

The One Year Specialist Option Certificate:
This is a 12-month programme of paid work experience offered in six different disciplines:

* Ornamental Horticulture
* Fruit Cultivation
* Rock & Alpine Gardening
* Orchid Culture & Glasshouse Technique
* Estate Management with Arboriculture
* Plant Centre Management Skills

All of the above programmes start in early September; applications must be made by 31 January in the year of anticipated entry. Applicants will be expected to have completed a foundation course in horticulture, but may also be those seeking post-graduate practical experience.

RHS Qualifications:
RHS Qualifications is a nationally recognised awarding body, offering a range of accredited qualifications for both professional horticulturists and keen gardeners.

There is a progression from the RHS Level 2 Certificate in Horticulture, designed to provide an entry to professional horticulture, through the Level 3 Advanced Certificate and Diploma qualifications, to the Master of Horticulture (RHS) - the Society’s most prestigious qualification.

Anyone who has an interest in plants and gardening can study for an RHS qualification. Although the qualifications are aimed primarily at candidates wishing to acquire the skills and knowledge to pursue a career in horticulture, the Level 2 Certificate is also ideal for anyone who wishes to have their horticultural knowledge assessed.

RHS Level 2 Certificate in Horticulture:
This qualification is split into two units covering a wide range of horticultural subjects from plant propagation to garden planning. No prior knowledge is required, and the qualification is equally suitable as an entry level qualification for those wishing to enter the profession or for keen gardeners. Examinations are offered twice a year in February and June.

RHS Level 3 Advanced Certificate in Horticulture and RHS Level 3 Diploma in Horticulture:
The two Level 3 qualifications are aimed at the more advanced student, and provide a progression from the Level 2 Certificate. They are modular in structure and candidates complete four modules to gain the Advanced Certificate and then a further four modules to complete the Diploma in Horticulture. Both qualifications have written papers and a practical examination. Written examinations are offered twice a year in February and July. Practical examinations are held once a year.

Master of Horticulture (RHS):
The Master of Horticulture is the premier qualification offered to experienced horticultural professionals. The qualification is aimed at those who hold the RHS Level 3 Diploma or an equivalent level horticultural qualification and who have at least three years appropriate experience in the horticulture industry.

This degree level qualification is modular in structure and can be studied over a three-year period.