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About the course

The course is delivered at University Centre Myerscough and awarded by the University of Central Lancashire. The Foundation Certificate in Horticulture covers key aspects of modern horticulture. The course is suitable for anyone relatively new to horticulture, who wants a career in this challenging and exciting industry or for those currently working in horticulture who wants to expand their knowledge.

The course has three key strands – plant production, plant use and plant science, giving you a broad foundation knowledge. You can build skills in plant identification and interpretation, appreciate the essentials of plant and soil science, undertake plant production and explore plant use within the amenity environment.

The delivery is flexible accommodating the needs of those who wish to study part-time. The development of work related practical skills and experiences is an integral part of the Foundation certificate course at all levels with a dedicated module covering work skills including relevant visits allow the opportunity to engage with professional horticulturalists and gain insight into industry working practices. Throughout the course you will develop academic skills in written and verbal communication.

Learning Environment:

Learning activities on this course include lectures, seminars, workshops and practical sessions. Students will be expected to undertake extensive independent study and research to support taught sessions. Group work and group presentations will form an important part of the course. Students will also have access to data from specialist IT hardware and software. In addition, students will have access to Myerscough College’s virtual learning environment.

Assessment:

Students will face a variety of assessments such as technical reports, literature reviews, written examinations, group and individual presentations, laboratory/practical reports, practical tests (e.g. plant identification), work-based reports, case studies and personal development planner portfolio.

Progression

On successful completion of the course, students may apply for the BSc (Hons) by undertaking one further year of study.

Careers

Students have gained employment in a wide range of situations such as garden centres, commercial nurseries, technical consultants, horticultural research, landscape companies, plant breeding, local authority parks management, and botanical and private gardens.