Course summary
This HNC in Horticulture has been designed by subject specialists to provide you with comprehensive introduction to the horticulture sector. Throughout the course, you will develop the skills, knowledge, professional behaviours and values that are required to enter the horticulture sector or progress to further academic study. This course is delivered by skilled horticulturalists, garden designers and plant scientists to enhance the learning experience. The course structure is centred around authenticity, allowing you to gain real-world experiences that enhance your learner journey. You will study a broad range of specialisms to give you a better understanding of the exciting range of career opportunities that exist within the horticulture sector. The units that you will study are project-based and aim to develop your planning, initiative and practical skill. The course integrates self-management, social intelligence and innovation meta skills at its core which complement the vocational and technical elements of the course, developing your personal skills which you can employ and adapt in future for further study or in your career.
Modules
This HNC in Horticulture has 6 mandatory units. Production Horticulture – this unit develops knowledge and skills in the production of ornamental, cut flower and edible crops. You will gain knowledge of production planning, and the practical skills required to propagate and produce a variety of crop plants. Maintaining gardens and greenspaces – this unit provides you with the knowledge and skills for the maintenance of gardens and greenspaces, and introduces you to seasonal tasks, equipment, protection and maintenance of plants, planted areas, and hard landscape features. Design and creation of gardens and greenspaces – this project-based unit provides you with the knowledge and skills to design and implement a garden. It introduces you to design principles, planting design, and planting skills. Social and community horticulture – this unit focusses on the social and community aspects of horticulture. It introduces you to current practice and future developments in sustainable horticulture and net zero carbon emissions, and will raise your awareness of the benefits of therapeutic horticulture. Ecology and environment for horticulture – this unit will provide you with a broad introduction to the ecological and environmental issues that you need to bear in mind for the design, creation, and maintenance of commercial gardens or greenspaces. You will learn how to conduct ecological surveys, write policy recommendations and discuss important environmental issues facing the horticulture sector. Plant biology – this unit provides you with an introduction to plant taxonomy, an understanding of the main structures that develop in the plant life cycle, and plant physiological processes. Learning through application, you will conduct plant trials to introduce you to the world of plant science.
Assessment method
This HNC in Horticulture is assessed primarily through portfolio and project-based assessments. All assessments within the course are designed to be authentic; incorporating realistic objectives that are reflective of industry activities. The authenticity of the assessments will foster innovation and creativity skills. Personalised learner journeys are championed by providing opportunities for students to select from a range of topics for an assessment, or by providing different methods of completing assessments such as by incorporating different media types into a portfolio of evidence.
How to apply
29Jan
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
Please select a course option – you will then see the application code you need to use to apply for the course.
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
A level - DE
Scottish Higher - CC
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H4, H4
GCSE/National 4/National 5
English language requirements
Applicants whose native language is not English and who have not been educated previously in the English language must provide evidence of their English language ability to ensure they can cope with the demands of a course taught and assessed in English. Further information about the English Language tests that we currently accept as proof of English Language ability can be viewed on our website. English language tests should be no more than two years old on the start date of your chosen course.
Guidance on English Language requirements
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £7000 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £7000 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £7000 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £7000 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £7000 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £1285 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Scottish students can apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to have tuition fees paid by the Scottish government. Students from the rest of the UK can apply for financial assistance, including a loan to cover the full cost of the tuition fees, from the Student Loan Company.
Provider information
SRUC Scotland's Rural College
SRUC Edinburgh
West Mains Road
Edinburgh
EH9 3JG