RHS Level 2 Certificate in Principles of Plant Growth, Propagation & Development

RHS Level 2 Certificate in Principles of Plant Growth, Propagation & Development

The RHS Level 2 Certificate course in Plant Growth, Propagation and Development is an ideal starting point if you are keen on gardening and want to learn more about maintaining plant health and plant propagation. It is also ideal if you are considering a new career in horticulture and want to obtain a widely respected professional qualification.

This RHS gardening course, which leads to a Level 2 certificate, will develop skills and knowledge in advanced gardening practice and plant science, and will support a move into employment, career development and further study.

You'll study the science behind plant growth and gain a thorough knowledge of plant physiology, the life cycle of plants and their specific characteristics.

How plants grow and the way they reproduce will be studied in depth, as will the importance of soil and other growing media. You'll look at the specific qualities and function of various plants, and examine the various causes of disease and ways in which to maintain plant health. You'll also learn the latest in propagation techniques, and the importance of using environmentally sustainable practices.

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

Entry Requirements

You don't need any previous experience or qualifications to enrol in our RHS Principles of Plant Growth 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.

Where will I go from here?

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.

What will I gain?

This Level 2 RHS Certificate is theory based, with a focus on developing the knowledge and understanding of a range of horticultural practices.

On completing this course, you will receive the widely recognised and respected RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth and Propagation. This course can be studied alone, but if you study it in conjunction with RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Garden Planning, Establishment and Maintenance, 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 completed 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.

Assessment

Assessments are a great way of checking your progress. Throughout the RHS Principles of Plant Growth 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.

What will I get?

Content Design

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 Plant Growth, Propagation and Development student, you'll receive the supporting text book, The Principles of Horticulture. 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.

Study Period

9 months

Hours of study

140 hours

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

Support period

9 months

Course code

A75

Course cost

£275.00

Additional fees

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. 

See your course content

Key Topics

Plant Classification, Structure and Function

  • Explore the classification of flowering plants and identify a variety of fruits and seeds. Study reproduction, photosynthesis, respiration, water uptake, and the function of plant cells and tissues. Consider various factors that can affect the development of a plant.

Understanding Plant Propagation

  • Explore the conditions necessary for propagation by seed, and consider the advantages and disadvantages of vegetative and sexual propagation. Discover suitable environments for a range of methods of propagation. Examine the methods of budding and grafting.

Plant Nutrition and the Root Environment

  • Explore soil horizon, soil texture and soil structure. Examine the importance of controlling soil moisture, and discover how to improve soil structure. Consider the functions of lime and study various composts.

Maintaining Plant Health

  • Explore various methods of weed control, as well as methods of controlling various pests, fungal diseases, bacterial diseases and viruses.

You can either pay for your RHS Principles of Plant Growth course in full or opt for a monthly payment plan.

Standard Course fee: £275 (excluding discounts)

Or speak to one of our course advisors now for payment plans.

 

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.