Diploma in Horticulture – Level 2
The Level 2 Diploma in Horticulture places an emphasis on learning by doing. You will complete practical assignments; learn about plants, their botanic names and growth requirements; and gain skills in both production and amenity horticulture.
Course Summary

Course Information for Students
Who is this course for?
The Level 2 Diploma in Horticulture places an emphasis on learning by doing. You will complete practical assignments; learn about plants, their botanic names and growth requirements; and gain skills in both production and amenity horticulture.
This course includes:
- Hard landscaping (construction and planning)
- Propagation
- Turf care (grass installation and maintenance)
- Planting of shrubs, bedding and trees
- Maintenance of herbaceous beds and shrub areas
It will provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to find employment in the horticultural sector or to progress to a Level 3 course.
Entry Requirements
You need to be highly motivated and demonstrate a keen interest in gardening, landscape or production horticulture. Offers of a place on the course are dependent on your qualifications. You will need:
- A minimum of two GCSEs at grade 3 or above including English and/or Maths
OR
- An Introductory Diploma in a land-based subject
You will have an interview and initial assessment. Parents and carers are welcome to attend the interview but not the initial assessment. You will also need to show an example of some horticultural experience (grass cutting, garden maintenance, seed sowing etc.) at interview.
If you are a mature learner, we may be able to take into consideration your previous experience in horticulture.
It is possible to progress to the Advanced Diploma in Countryside, a Level 3 Landscape and Design College Certificate or an RHS Level 3 course if you achieve a Merit grade or above.
What will you learn?
The course units are:
- Propagation
- Setting out from plans
- Turf care
- Landscape construction
- Horticultural industry
- Plant establishment
- Plant identification
You will also be required to study Maths and English if you have not obtained a minimum grade 4 at GCSE.
How will you learn?
This course will be delivered on-site.
What will you need to bring with you?
You will be required to supply your own:
- Derby College Group coveralls
- Steel toe-capped boots or wellingtons
- Derby College Group uniform
- Writing materials to include a lever arch file and dividers
- Secateurs
How will you be assessed?
You will be assessed continually during practical sessions, on your written assignments, on plant identification and on course work.
Where next?
After this course, you can progress to the Advanced Diploma in Countryside or Arboriculture, a Level 3 Landscape Design and Construction College Certificate, or an RHS Level 3 course if you achieve a Merit grade or above.
Derby College Group offers a range of one-day, weekend and evening courses relating to horticulture as well as a wide range of other land-based topics – please see the Derby College Group Part-time Prospectus for a full list and details.
Who do you contact for more information?
For more information contact Derby College on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk
Course Information for Employers
Information for Employers
Career Information
This course could lead to one of these careers...
Horticultural Trades
£21490
Managers and Proprietors in Agriculture and Horticulture
£35757
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Course Information Last Updated On: October 12, 2021 2:36 pm