7°C
Applications are now closed for places on our RHS courses. Last year’s information is available below for reference only – times and prices may change. Details about next year’s RHS classes will be available after April 2024.
RHS Level 2
Level 2 qualifications are suitable for those wanting to work in professional horticulture or for those who would like to increase their general horticulture skills.
Winterbourne Centre for Horticulture will be running opportunities to study the following certificates:
RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth and Development
This theory certificate equips learners with knowledge of the scientific principles underpinning horticultural practice and provides an understanding of what is needed to progress to employment within the sector. Learners will develop a level of plant knowledge deemed essential by horticultural industries.
This certificate will be offered on Thursdays from 23rd September 2023, with lessons running from 10am to 3.15pm. The cost of a place on the qualification – including tuition and examination costs – is £1125.
Further information is available on our information sheet.
RHS Level 2 Certificate in Practical Horticulture
This practical certificate provides learners with horticultural knowledge and skills needed to carry out routine tasks in a variety of contexts. It helps support progression to employment in the horticultural sector and is also designed to meet the needs of the amateur gardener.
This certificate will be offered on Fridays from 22nd September 2023, with lessons running from 10am to 3.15pm. The certificate will also be offered on Saturdays from 23rd September 2023 with lessons running from 10am to 3.15pm. The cost of a place on the qualification – including tuition and assessments – is £1425.
Further information is available on our information sheet.
RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles and Practices of Horticulture
Learners can choose to complete both qualifications and successful completion of all units across both certificates means that the learner can be awarded a Level 2 Certificate in the Principles and Practices of Horticulture. More information can be found at the RHS website.
RHS Level 3
Level 3 qualifications are intended for those with existing Level 2 qualifications looking for further development.
This year we will be offering the new Level 3 Certificate in Practical Horticulture. This course is part of the newly updated suite of level 3 qualifications offered this year by the RHS. It builds on RHS learning at Level 2. It aims to improve existing knowledge of many of the principles unpinning horticultural practices. For those learners who have already completed some certificates at level 3, please make sure you are familiar with the transition pathways to continue your studies with the new syllabus.
This certificate will be offer on Saturdays from 23rd September 2023, with lessons running from 10am to 3.15pm. The cost of a place on the qualification – including tuition and assessments – is £1795.
Further information is available on our information sheet.
Applications
We are now accepting applications for our 2023-2024 year. The application form can be downloaded and returned to the email address on the form. Applications will be processed in order of receipt.
FAQs
Each qualification listed above has a link to further information which you should read before applying. If you have any further questions, please first read our answers to Frequently Asked Questions. You can also find our terms of enrolment available for your reference. Please note that as the level 3 certificate has been updated, it is offered subject to approval from the RHS and there may be further updates before September.
If this does not help with your query, please email the Learning Officer on [email protected]. More information about the updated RHS qualifications in general can be found on their website.
Practical students working in the teaching garden photographed by Maggie Bucknall
Our Tutors
Darren Rudge BSc Hort, Cert Ed
Darren has spent 35 years delivering and managing horticultural and other land-based programmes as well as running a successful garden design consultancy. He was one of the first people in the country to be awarded The City and Guilds medal of excellence for his teaching and training methods. He is a Royal Horticultural Society Professional Associate and the permanent gardening expert for BBC local radio being nominated for the garden media guild awards.
His garden designs have received national magazine exposure, and his enthusiastic approaches to teaching and garden design that are inspirational, and motivating are developed to make learning both enjoyable and progressive.
Helen Wood BSc Hort, PGCE
Helen has 21 years’ experience of designing and developing gardens alongside a teaching career in horticulture and garden design; she holds a BSc in Amenity Horticulture and Garden Design and a PGCE in Post Compulsory Education.
Teaching has helped Helen to share her passion for plants, people and places in Colleges, Botanic Gardens, Prisons, Schools and Therapeutic settings. She is also a national examiner and professional associate working with Royal Horticultural Society Qualifications examinations in Garden Planning.
Helen and Darren work together to design and deliver innovative and inspirational teaching programmes, including Royal Horticultural Society Certificates up to and including degree level study. Their Social Enterprise business, Rudge Wood Horticulture CIC, aims to help individuals and communities grow through safe and accessible outdoor spaces and learning environments and opportunities in horticulture.
Winterbourne Centre for Horticulture is a RHS Qualifications Approved Centre.
RHS Approved Centre
The teaching garden in June, photographed by Maggie Bucknall