RHS level3 Diploma in horticulture

This Diploma is highly regarded worldwide and is awarded by the world's largest and most prestigeous horticultural organisation upon successful completion of theory and practical examinations (conducted twice yearly). Aimed at the more advanced student, the Diploma in Horticulture builds upon the work of the Advanced Certificate, which forms the first stage of the qualification.

Theory exams may be undertaken across the world, but the two practical exams may at this stage only be completed in the UK.

Prerequisites: those enrolling in this Diploma must first have completed either: The RHS General Certificate in Horticulture; or an equivalent certificate such as the GDA / ACS Certificate in Horticulture.

Those who wish to be awarded the RHS Diploma will need to sit a number of examinations and these can be arranged in most regiions around the world. Those who want only to study the subject without sitting an exam are free to do so.

Working with Colin Elliott, an experienced professional horticulturist and garden designer, this CD-based course is your route to this highly respected and widely recognised qualification. The course provides some 1500 hours of study in a total of 17 modules and assignments.

Course Structure

The RHS Diploma is has two parts to it:

Stage 1: Eight Modules

These eight modules form the RHS Advanced Certificate in Horticulture. If you simply complete these eight modules and go no further you may attain an Advanced Certificate.

Each module takes approximately 100 hours to complete, so the estimated duration for the eight modules is 800 hrs (minimum).

Stage 2: Seven Modules

Once again, each module takes approximately 100 hours to complete, so the estimated total duration of the seven modules is 700 hours (minimum).

Diploma Award Options

This course of study can lead to two different awards. You may elect to undertake one or both awards.

You can undertake an GDA/ACS Associate Diploma; an RHS Awarded Diploma; or both.

In order to obtain an GDA/ACS Associate Diploma in Horticulture, you need to:

• Show proof of a prerequisite certificate (eg. Submit a photocopy of an acceptable certificate obtained prior to these studies);
• Satisfactorily complete all set assignments;
• Successfully complete exams with ACS in all of the 15 modules;
• or successfully complete exams with the RHS in corresponding theory modules;
• and two (2) practical exams with RHS.

In order to obtain the RHS Diploma in Horticulture, you need to:

• Successfully complete all of the 15 modules; or
• Successfully complete six (6) theory exams, and two (2) practical exams with the RHS.

The RHS theory exams can be undertaken anywhere in the world, in the presence of an acceptable exam supervisor. The RHS will accept ACS staff as supervisors.

The two RHS practical exams may ONLY be undertaken in the UK, at set times of the year. If you wish to be awarded the RHS Diploma in Horticulture (or the RHS Advanced Certificate in Horticulture), you will need to travel to the UK at the end of your studies to undertake one and a half days of practical testing.

If you cannot travel to the UK, you may still obtain an Associate Diploma from ACS, by undertaking two shorter 2 hour practical exams in your own locality. If at some stage in the future you then visit the UK, you may be able to complete the practical examinations with the RHS and additionally, obtain the RHS Diploma in Horticulture.

RHS ADVANCED CERTIFICATE IN HORTICULTURE (This is Part 1 of the Diploma in Horticulture)

IF YOU HAVE ALREADY COMPLETED THE ADVANCED CERTIFICATE YOUR FEE IS SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED, AND THE MODULES IN PART 1 ARE NOT REQUIRED

To complete this you must under take all of the modules listed below. The Practical Horticulture module may be studied online from anywhere in the world; but the RHS Exam for this can only be taken in the UK.

If you want to achieve an GDA/ACS Advanced Certificate, you can simply complete the modules listed below and undertake an ACS practical examination in your home locality. This is an alternative for students who cannot readily attend the RHS practical exams in the UK. Note that this does lead to the RHS Advanced Certificate – it is a different qualification.

RHS Module	Corresponding  GDA Modules
Module A	Plant Propagation I Soil Management (Horticulture)
Module B	Botany I Horticulture II
Module C	Practical Horticulture I
Module I	Planning Layout and Construction of Ornamental Gardens Restoring Established Ornamental Gardens
Module J	Turf Care Plant Selection and Establishment Wholesale Nursery Management

See Advanced Certificate Outline for more details

Examinations for the GDA/ACS Advanced Certificate

• Three written exams; each 2 hours duration
• One 3.5 hour practical exam

Note: Exam fees are additional.  To obtain official passes and the award from the RHS, you must apply directly to the RHS in England, and sit exams with them.  GDA will accept a pass with the RHS as passes for GDA exams.

 

RHS DIPLOMA IN HORTICULTURE

The RHS Advanced Certificate is considered by the RHS as being the first half of this Diploma; and as such you are expected to have studied everything in that course before commencing the subjects below.

To complete this you must under take all modules listed below.  The  Practical Horticulture module may be studied with us from anywhere in the world; but the RHS Exam for this can only be taken in the UK.

An alternative option is to undertake the appropriate exams with GDA and be awarded an GDA/ACS Associate Diploma.  This is a valid option for students who are unable to attend the RHS practical exams in the UK.  To gain the RHS Diploma or GDA/ACS Associate Diploma, you must first complete the Advanced Certificate, and then the following additional modules.

To see more details click on the modules listed below

RHS Module	Corresponding ACS Modules
Module F	Plant Ecology, Resource Management
Module G	Plant Breeding, Botany II
Module H	Practical Horticulture II
Module D	Outdoor Plant Production (Crops1), Protected Plant Production

 

Examinations 

• Three written exams; each 2 hours duration
• One full day practical exam

Note: Exam fees are additional. To obtain official passes and the award from the RHS, you must apply directly to the RHS in England, and sit exams with them. ACS will accept a pass with the RHS as passes for ACS exams.

 

Course cost: £ 5,100 (single payment)

OR 3 payments of £ 1,850

OR 6 payments of £ 990

Payment Method

Single payment £5,100.00 First of three payments £1,850.00 First of six payments £990.00