Royal Horticultural Society Level 3 Certificate
in the Principles of Garden Planning,
Construction and Planting
Applicant’s Handbook 2013-2014
Welcome…
…to the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE), and thank you for
requesting further information on the RHS level 3 Certificate in the Principles
of Garden Planning, Construction and Planting (RHS Level 3 part 2). This is
the second of two theory certificates that go together with a practical
certificate to make the RHS Level 3 Diploma in the Principles and Practices
of Horticulture.
Although the names of these certificates are a bit of a mouthful, we tend to
refer to them as:
• Level 3 part 1 which covers botany, plant health,
• Level 3 part 2 (this qualification)which covers garden planning,
construction and planting
• Level 3 Diploma which also requires you to do a practical component,
although we do not know yet if we will be able to offer this at RBGE.
These certificates are ideal if you have a real passion for plants and gardens
as well as some experience in horticulture behind you, through several years
as an attentive gardener, allotmenteer or, for example, working in a garden
centre. We would generally recommend studying the RHS level 2 Certificate
in Horticulture before taking on this course, but it is not always necessary.
Feel free to get in touch if you are unsure about the level of the course.
RBGE is a fantastic place to be a student – a world renowned centre for
horticultural and botanical training and research. We have some superb
resources, the jewel in the crown being our living collections – over 15,000
species of plants growing across our four Gardens; Edinburgh, Benmore,
Dawyck and Logan. Perhaps even more important for our students though, is
the expertise of our horticultural and botanical staff. The RHS Level 3 course
offers students expert input and tuition from specialists in every branch of
horticulture and botany. The opportunity to study in and behind the scenes
of RBGE is an enjoyable and rewarding one for all of our students.
This handbook introduces you to the RHS Level 3 course. I hope it answers
all your questions, but please don’t hesitate to contact me at the email
address below if you have any further queries. I look forward to receiving
your application!
Gregory Kenicer
Head of Education
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
g.kenicer@rbge.org.uk
Greg Kenicer (August 2013)
2
Contents
1. Introduction to the course
2. Entry requirements
3. Course duration and course dates
4. Course structure and content
5. Examinations
6. Education at RBGE
7. PropaGate – RBGE’s virtual learning environment
8. Practical horticulture courses and workshops at RBGE
9. Financial support
10. Course costs
11. Course application procedure
11. Application Form
Greg Kenicer (August 2013)
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1. Introduction to the course
The RHS Level 3 Certificate in the Principles of Garden Planning, Construction and
Planting replaces a part of the old RHS Advanced Certificate in Horticulture. The course
builds on the current Level 2 certificate and delivers a broad-based understanding of
garden design, construction and planting. If you are based in Scotland, it is equivalent
to something between a higher and an advanced higher, or to an English A-Level.
It provides students with a qualification that is recognised internationally by the
horticulture industry. This broad base makes it the ideal starting point or first
qualification for those wishing to pursue a career in any branch of horticulture or
garden design. It is also perfect for leisure gardeners who would like to expand their
horticultural knowledge, and to have it formally assessed. It is an ideal precursor to
relevant diploma and degree programmes here at RBGE.
The award of the Certificate is based on written examinations that are externally set
and marked by the RHS. The certificate is accredited by Ofqual (The Office of
Qualifications and Examinations Regulation) in England and Wales.
On completion of the course, students can opt to take their studies further by joining
RBGE’s Higher National Certificate or Diploma in Horticulture with Plantsmanship, The
Level 3 is comparable in level to some elements of the first year of the RBGE diploma in
Horticulture with Plantsmanship, or the larger BSc (Hons) degree in horticulture with
Plantsmanship offered by RBGE and the Scottish Agriculture College and awarded by
the University of Glasgow.
2. Entry requirements
Although the RHS Level 3 Certificate does not require any prior qualifications the RHS
level 2 certificate is a valuable starting point. Fundamentally, however, all you need is
an interest in the subject and a willingness to set aside an afternoon a week, plus some
additional hours for home study. Overall we are looking for keen, enthusiastic ‘plants
people’ of all ages, who would value the opportunity to study at RBGE and will
contribute to the programme.
Where there is competition for places we will accept those we feel would most benefit
from attending the course.
3. Course duration & course dates 2013-14
The RHS Level 3 Certificate in the Principles of Garden Planning, Construction and
Planting is a one-year part-time course, leading to exams and the qualification. It runs
as follows:
Day classes on a Monday from 13.30pm until 16.00pm (31 taught and exam weeks).
Additional sessions will be available for self- and group-study at RBGE.
The classes broadly follow the academic year. This year the course dates are:
•
•
•
Term 1: Mondays: 30th September to 9th December
Term 2: Mondays: 13th January to 14th April [Exams Thursday 13th of February]
Term 3: Mondays: 28th April to 9th June [Exams Thursday 26th of June]
Half term and other holidays usually match those for Edinburgh schools, and there
are two additional Monday holidays in May.
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4. Course structure and content
The RHS Level 3 course is aimed towards the examinations set by the RHS, so the
content is predominantly theory. We provide you with a complete set of information
and learning support to help you pass the exams. It is a part of the wider Qualifications,
Credit Framework (QCF), a system that is designed to allow you to study a huge range
of subjects to tailor your learning.
For this course, each of the sessions is typically a well-illustrated lecture and garden
walkround, or discussion session followed by a coffee break where you have a chance
to meet your fellow students, discuss all things horticultural and make fast friends. We
also hope to arrange some practical demonstrations of the techniques discussed in
class.
The course is the second of two theory certificates that are also designed to stand
alone. When combined with the RHS Level 3 certificate in practical horticulture, they
make up the RHS Level 3 Diploma in the Principles and Practices of Horticulture.
We do not expect to offer the RHS practical certificate, as the requirements of
centres to teach it are much more appropriate to further and higher education
colleges.
Principles of Garden Planning, Construction and Planting
Understanding garden survey techniques and design
principles
Understanding the selection and use of landscaping elements
in the garden
Understanding the setting out and construction of
landscaping elements in the garden
Understanding a range of specialist elements in the
establishment of garden and urban plantings
Learning
Hours**
40
QCF
Credits
4
40
4
40
4
30
3
*These are the study hours recommended by the RHS. You will cover about 2/3 of the
study hours in class, with the remainder as guided self- study at home.
You can expect do around 3 hours per week self-study, which can be homework set by
tutors or your own research and revision. Spending time working on your own or other
gardens is a great way to revise your knowledge (as long as you think about what
you're doing!).
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Principles of Garden Planning, Construction and Planting
The aim of garden design is simple enough. It is to organise garden space so that it
meets the aspirations and needs of the users. The process of creating a garden which is
functional and aesthetically pleasing is, however, a complicated endeavour and requires
an understanding of the principles of garden planning, construction and planting. The
aim of this course is to guide candidates through these principles.
The course is covered in four separate units.
Unit 1 is concerned with garden survey techniques and design principles. It explains the
historical development of garden design styles which still have an influence on the
gardens of today. Any good garden design needs to reflect the needs of the garden
users and the capabilities of the site so the crucial information gathering and recording
stages of the process are discussed before dealing with the application of design
principles.
Unit 2, we put physical form to the design by exploring how soft and hard landscaping
features and materials are selected and used in the garden. Important safety issues are
dealt with and we look at the topical subject of using sustainable materials.
Unit 3 moves on to the construction phase. The plans discussed in unit 1 are translated
into physical features and the methods used to construct those features are explained.
Unit 4 covers aspects of planting and maintenance which are specific to amenity,
woodland, wildlife, sensory, prairie, potager and urban gardens. We also look at how
water sustainability can be incorporated into garden design and explain a number of
specialist pruning techniques.
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5. Examinations
Each unit will be assessed by a separate written examination covering all learning
outcomes specified in that unit. The examinations will be offered twice a year, in
February and June. Most students would do papers 1 and 2 in February and papers 3
and 4 in June.
Fees for sitting each unit once only at RBGE are included in the course fees. To re-sit
any unit or if you were absent, you will need to pay the RHS registration fee to take that
unit at a later sitting.
Examination Dates and Registration Fees
The exams for this session are:
•
•
Thursday 12th of February 2014
Thursday 26th of June 2014
We will send out exam registration forms in good time before registration deadlines.
• If you register and then later decide you would like to defer your exam until a later
sitting you must inform RBGE more than 6 weeks before the exam. If you inform us
later than this then the RHS cannot defer you, you will lose your fee and will have to
pay to re-register for that exam.
• If you are absent on the day of the exam, you lose your fee and will have to pay to
re-register for that exam.
• If you have any physical or written access requirements (e.g. if you have dyslexia or
English is not your first language) please contact RBGE when you register for your
exam. In addition, it is very helpful if you can include a doctor's note or similar
information with your exam registration form.
Sitting exams in the future
You will remain an internal RBGE candidate for two years after taking the course with
us. After two years you will be considered as an external candidate and will need to pay
both the RHS registration fee and an RBGE administration fee. Please contact us in
good time for a registration form, so that we can book you with the RHS.
Information provided by the RHS
Further details about RHS qualifications and the exams are available on the RHS
website.
www.rhs.org.uk/Courses/Qualifications
If you provide us with an email address, when you are first registered for an exam with
the RHS you should receive an email with log-in details for the RHS Student Portal. This
gives you access to information for students including exam results when they are
published. Please note that this service is administered entirely by the RHS and any
questions or queries concerning it should be directed to them.
Direct Telephone: 01483 226 500
Greg Kenicer (August 2013)
Email: Qualifications@rhs.org.uk
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6. Education at RBGE
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh has always been an institution devoted to learning
in all its forms. It began life as a physic garden, in which Edinburgh’s aspiring doctors
could learn about the cures they would encounter during their work. Needless to say, a
lot has changed since, but the mission of RBGE remains much the same – ‘To explore
and explain the world of plants’. The education department helps explain the world of
plants to everybody from nursery school children through to adult learners of all ages.
We offer diverse and varied schools programmes, and a huge range of further and
continuing education courses including diplomas, BSc, MSc and the RHS level 2
Certificate course.
Our focus on horticulture and botanical education allows us to devote the expertise of
our staff to supporting students through their studies. No matter what they are coming
here to learn, students always find RBGE a friendly and welcoming place. We also have
the benefit of excellent living collections and a newly developed teaching nursery.
RBGE has three Regional Gardens in addition to the Garden at Edinburgh. All of them
are equally committed to public outreach and education: Benmore Botanic Garden in
Scotland’s temperate west coast rainforest; exotic Logan Botanic Garden, basking in
the Gulf Stream and Dawyck Botanic Garden, nestled in the cool dry climate of the
Border hills.
7. PropaGate – RBGE’s virtual Learning Environment
This course is predominantly a taught course, with some
‘homework’ exercises to guide your study at home. The course is
also supported by PropaGate - RBGE’s virtual learning
environment. As a student on the RHS level 3, you will have access
to this superb resource, which contains a wide range of learning
materials to support your study, including revision aids, study tips
and all of the course teaching resources and assignments made
available online as they are available to you. There are also
discussion forums, a glossary of terms for quick reference and
many other facilities being rolled out through the coming year.
8. Practical Horticulture Courses and Workshops
RBGE offers a series of practical courses and workshops which offer a useful
complement to this course. Please see the RBGE Adult Education & Professional Course
Prospectus
for
details
of
these.
You
can
download
a
copy
at
www.rbge.org.uk/education
(NB: you are given all the information you require for the RHS exams within the
classes/course notes for this course).
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9. Financial support
Individual Learning Accounts are a Scottish Government scheme for people on
low incomes. You can apply for an account of £200 which you can use towards
your course fees on this or other eligible courses. Contact Skills Development
Scotland http://www.myworldofwork.co.uk/section/funding or on 0800 917
8000 for more details.
10. Course costs
The fee for this course is £580, which is payable on acceptance of a place and includes
the following:
•
•
•
•
Lecture Series plus revision sessions and visits
Online access to PropaGate – RBGE’s virtual learning environment
Copies of notes and presentations
Please note, this includes the exam fees.
11. Application procedure
Please complete and return the application form to us by 13th September 2013.
Fees are payable on acceptance of a course place, before the start of the programme.
Please contact the Education Administrator, 0131 248 2937 or education@rbge.org.uk if
you have any questions.
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Royal Horticultural Society Level 3 Certificate in the Principles of Garden
Planning, Construction and Planting
Application Form
As with the Level 2 certificates offered at RBGE, the focus of this RHS course is
the theory behind the science of horticulture rather than the art of gardening. It
is a classroom and lecture-based course, has little practical element and notetaking will be required.
Do not send any money with this form. If you are offered a place payment will
be requested in advance of the start of the course.
Please complete and return this form to us as soon as possible, we will continue
to accept applications until the course is full.
Please send your completed form to:
Education Administrator (RHS)
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
20a Inverleith Row
Edinburgh
EH3 5LR
1. Personal Details
Title Mr / Mrs / Ms / Miss / Dr / Other ___________
Name:
Contact Numbers:
Address:
Daytime:
Evening:
Mobile:
Sex: M / F
(delete as appropriate)
Date of Birth:
(dd/mm/yy)
Email Address:
2. Payment Details (please select your payment option)
Non- ILA
ILA*
Price
£580
£580
ILA
£200
Amount Due
£580
£380
*My Individual Learning Account (ILA) number is __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
My ILA account expires:
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3. Application Form
Existing Qualifications & Experience (in brief)
Professional Background
Reasons for applying for this course?
What do you hope to gain from this course?
Where did you hear about this course?
Do you have any additional support needs? Please give details.
For office use only:
Date application
received
Offered
Yes / No
place
Greg Kenicer (August 2013)
Date:
Reference
Number
Place
Yes / No
accepted
Date:
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