Course summary

This HNC in Horticulture is designed as a two-year part time course to support individuals entering or already working within the horticulture industry to develop higher level industry skills for career enhancement and progression. It builds on core knowledge in the subject alongside wider skills for industry such as business acumen, project management, and other specialisms. The course will cover the following core topics: Principles of Botany- Consider the structure, function and physiology of plants including the global distribution of plants and the relationships between plants and humans. Business and the Business Environment-Explore organisational structures strengths and weaknesses using contemporary examples and analysis. Plant Identification and Classification_ improve and develop personal identification skills whilst assessing and managing the legislative requirements of plant identification. Plant and Soil Science- Using the KMC estate and local areas consider soil management principles and practises required for plant growth and development. Managing a Successful Project- An opportunity to develop the project management skills required to implement and execute a specific business project. Management Accounting- Understand the fundamentals of management accounting to aid planning decisions and monitor and control the financial position of organisations both large and small Teaching a Specialist Subject-Develop the confidence required in a range of mentoring or training situations. This unit provides opportunity to practice the skills required to work within a training organisation- eg therapeutic horticulture or to help colleagues and new employees within commercial organisations. Marketing Essentials- Reflect on the principles of marketing and how these can be applied to your own work setting or business. The Objectives of the BTEC HNC in Horticulture are as follows: ● To equip students with Horticultural skills, knowledge and the understanding necessary to achieve high performance in the global horticultural environment. ● To provide education and training for a range of careers in Horticulture, including Garden Design, Public Grounds Management, Sports Turf Management and Arboriculture. ● To provide insight and understanding into the diversity of roles within Horticulture recognising the importance of collaboration at all levels. ● To provide opportunities for students to enter or progress in employment in Horticulture, or progress to higher education qualifications such as an Honours degree in Horticulture, Horticultural Production, Protective Crop Management, Sports Turf Management, Horticultural Management or a related area. ● To provide opportunities for students to develop the skills, techniques and personal attributes essential for successful working lives. ● To support students to understand the local, regional and global context of Horticulture and, for those students with a global outlook, to aspire to an international career. ● To provide students with opportunities to address contemporary issues facing the industry, and society at large; with particular emphasis on sustainability and the environment, recognising the role that Horticulture plays in addressing these issues. ● To provide opportunities for students to achieve a nationally-recognised professional qualification within their chosen area of specialisation. ● To provide opportunities for students to achieve certifications. ● To offer students the chance of career progression in their chosen field, with particular emphasis on achieving management-level positions, professional recognition and beyond. ● To provide students with the context in which to consider professional ethics andtheir relation to personal, professional and statutory responsibilities within the industry.