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RHS Level 2: Principles of Plant Growth and Development
We offer the RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth and Development course. It is ideal for those looking to pursue a career in horticulture or stretch and challenge skills for personal interest.
If you would like to discuss the course with a member of our team before enrolling, please email rhs-info@edenproject.com.
Course overview
Course information
The RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth and Development is a standalone qualification providing learners with a solid theoretical grounding.
It can be combined with the RHS Level 2 Certificate in Practical Horticulture (a practical-based qualification) to form the RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles and Practices of Horticulture, highly valued by employers.
The well-rounded learner, in particular those seeking employment, will achieve both elements to demonstrate the vital skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the modern day workplace.
Our Therapy Garden offers the RHS Level 1 Certificate in Practical Horticulture for those looking to hone their practical skills.
Entry requirements
There are no pre-requisites for entry to this qualification level. The RHS state that Level 2 is equivalent to GCSE grades 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4 or grades A*, A, B, C or an intermediate apprenticeship.
Enrol now
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Being a mature student, with a job and family, it is really refreshing to find a course that works around your life commitments. The encouragement and support from the tutors is always at hand and really appreciated.
What you'll learn
The course is completely distance learning based and will be taught using a combination of different resources and activities via our online Moodle site.
Some of the topics covered include Plant Science, Plant Nutrition, Plant Health, Plant Specification, Planting Styles, Biodiversity, Horticulture & Society. You will also cover Sustainability, Health & Safety, Equality & Diversity and Horticultural Best Practice, these are vital aspects of the course.
You will gain an understanding of the science of plants, such as how they function, nutrition, health, adaptations and various planting styles. You'll develop an understanding of the horticultural industry and current best practices and the vital role plants play in enhancing biodiversity.
How the course is delivered
The course is designed to be studied on a part-time basis allowing you to learn alongside other commitments. You can start at any point of the year, moving through the structured content at your own pace.
It takes about 180 hours to complete the course and you should aim to do this within a year. Each topic can be covered over 1-2 months, or 3.5 hours per week. This will prepare you for two exams throughout the course.
The course is delivered through an online platform, using a variety of tools - interactive presentations, videos, quizzes, discussions and further reading.
Testimonial
The knowledge I have gained throughout the course has enabled me to think differently about my own garden including choosing the right plants, how to support biodiversity and the best way to complete maintenance tasks.
How you'll be assessed
In order to achieve this qualification, you must complete two examinations. These exams are offered online and are available in February, June and October each year.
You should expect to be ready to sit the two hour exams 4-8 months after starting each unit. To pass, you need to achieve at least 50%, but will receive a Merit for 65-75% and a Distinction for 80% or over.
RHS Level 2 Qualifications are assessed externally by the RHS, but the results and certification will be issued by The Eden project Horticulture Learning Team. Exam dates and times are set by the RHS and can not be changed.
How much it costs
The full course of two units, each containing four topics, is £995. Eden Project Members receive a 5% discount off course fees.
Please note that new Eden Project Members need to wait up to 24 hours after joining, in order for the 5% discount to be applied automatically when booking this course.
Some extra fees apply to the course for those registering late, wishing to extend their studies beyond the initial 2-year registration period, or retake exams. You can purchase these below.
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I encourage anyone interested in expanding their horticultural knowledge, either for personal enhancement or career opportunities, to do this course.
Meet the tutors
"My career in horticulture started at the Eden Project, where I completed a 1 year apprenticeship with the living landscapes team. I then returned to Eden after my foundation degree to be part of the outdoor garden team.
I have been developing my horticultural knowledge here at Eden for the last 10 years.
I’m really passionate about sustainable gardening, pollinator friendly gardens and getting young people into horticulture."
"I was a career changer 20 years ago when I joined Eden and my passion for plants became my vocation. The diversity of temperate plants in the Outdoor Garden means there is always something interesting to work with and at Eden there are often unexpected opportunities and experiences.
My main areas of interest are hardy, temperate perennials, bulbs and woodland plants."
“I worked in IT and Project Management for over 20 years and was lucky to spend much of that time in Africa and the Caribbean, where the experience of seeing flora and fauna in their wild habitats was amazing. Thinking I’d retired, I followed my love of nature and my garden and started volunteering at Eden, which then led to me working part-time first in the Mediterranean Biome and now in the Rainforest Biome. I admit to being a fair-weather gardener!
Over my 10+ years at Eden my knowledge has developed through study and hands-on experience, boosted by work experience including in the south-west cape of South Africa and at Tresco Abbey Garden. I find the science so fascinating and fundamental to understanding propagation and plant care.
I also love the artistic aspects of horticulture and particularly enjoyed designing and installing an informal path, beds and planting, featuring lowland fynbos plants and succulents in the Mediterranean Biome South Africa wild area.”
"I have worked as a horticulturist at the Eden Project for 18 years. I started in the Mediterranean Biome as I specialise in that range of plants. My interest in this range developed after doing a scholarship at Tresco Abbey Gardens, on the Isles of Scilly, where many Mediterranean climate plants flourish in their mild climate. I moved to the outdoor gardens to further my knowledge of temperate plants and really enjoy the range of different plants in the garden.
I enjoy being able to work with plants from all over the world, displayed in a mixture of cultivated and wild landscapes. I am especially passionate about South African plants and have a developed a new exhibit called the South African Veld where we are showcasing the beauty and diversity of the South African flora whilst also high lightening it’s fragility and need to protect its biodiversity.
My enthusiasm for growing crops has really grown since taking on our Global Gardens allotments, I am particularly interested in how the food we grow will change with climate change."
Enrol and purchase course extras
Enrol and purchase course extras
RHS Level 2: Principles of Plant Growth and Development
Course registration fee
£995
Exam resit fee
Exam resit fee
£90
Late entry fee
Late entry fee
£30
RHS course extension
RHS course extension fee
£300
FAQs
A full set of FAQs are available through the RHS website.
