RHS Level 2 Certificate in Principles of Garden Planning

You don't need any previous experience or qualifications to enrol in our RHS Principles of Garden Planning course. That's because we believe in making home study - and a rewarding future - as accessible as possible. However, you do need to be aged 16 or over.

RHS Level 2 Certificates are the ideal choice for learners with little or no prior experience to gain a highly respected professional qualification. Potential employers will value this qualification as a strong introductory foundation to horticulture, and it will also act as the basis for any future learning in this subject area. For those already working within the horticultural industry, this qualification will serve as a support for further career development.

On completing this course and RHS exams, you will receive the widely recognised and respected RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Garden Planning, Establishment and Maintenance. This course can be studied alone, but if you study it in conjunction with RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth and Propagation, you will receive the full RHS Level 2 Principles of Horticulture qualification. A discount will be applied for purchasing the two courses together.

This course sits on the new Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF), offering greater flexibility to learners. Each course unit successfully competed will award credits which can be combined with units from other QCF qualifications, allowing for a more learner tailored learning journey. Awarding Body

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

RHS Qualifications is dedicated to advancing horticulture and promoting good gardening through education. Although RHS professional qualifications are aimed at those wishing to acquire the skills and knowledge to pursue a career in horticulture, they are also ideal for the keen amateur gardener wanting to develop their horticultural knowledge and skills.

Assessments are a great way of checking your progress. Throughout the RHS course, you'll complete four ICS tutor-marked assessments, one for each unit of study.

These formative assessments are designed to prepare you for your RHS certified exams, and it is recommended that you complete your course including all test papers, before registering for these. Your tutor will give feedback on each of these assessments, enhancing the learning process.

You will need to liaise directly with the Royal Horticultural Society to arrange sitting your final exams, which can be taken at your nearest authorised testing centre. You can find a list of RHS-approved exam centres on the RHS website, and exams can be taken twice each year - in February and June.

Each of the four units of study in this course is assessed by a separate written RHS examination, covering all of the learning outcomes specified in the unit.

Please note that the RHS exam fee is not included in the course fee, and you can expect to pay between £10 and £15 per unit assessed.

Your course has been authored and verified by subject matter experts, to ensure that it is up-to-date and aligns with industry standards. It has been written to exact RHS specifications and specifically for distance learning delivery. Activities, progress checks and test papers test your knowledge of key concepts and prepare you for your final RHS exams. Content is reviewed and updated on a regular basis to ensure it remains current and learner-focused.

As an RHS Principles of Garden Planning student, you'll receive the supporting text book, The Encyclopaedia of Gardening. Support Services

We place the learner at the heart of everything we do therefore support services are designed around you, to ensure you are fully equipped for your learning journey. We also know that it can be hard to remain focused and motivated while studying, especially when studying at home, therefore we provide a full range of support services, including personal tutoring via email or phone, tutor-marked assessments, constructive feedback and high quality customer care.

Our teaching and support professionals are carefully recruited to ensure that you get the most out of your learning experience. Student Community

When you enrol and become an ICS student, you will also have access to the ICS Online Student Community which you can use to share ideas with and learn from your peers.

9 months

140 hours

That's equivalent to a little over 3 ½ hours of study a week over the nine-month support period.

9 months

A74

£275.00

Please note that examination fees are additional to course fees and you will need to contact RHS directly to arrange your exams and register with your nearest RHS approved testing centre.

You will need to sit four exams, one for each module, to achieve this qualification.

Exam fees vary between £10 & £15, depending on the unit.

Additionally, you may be expected to pay a nominal fee to your exam centre of choice. This varies from centre to centre and is outwith the control of ICS.