Royal Horticultural Society Level 2 Certificate
in the Principles of Horticulture (RHS)
Applicant’s Handbook 2013-14
Welcome…
…to the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE), and thank you for requesting
further information on the RHS level 2 (Royal Horticultural Society Level 2
Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture). This course replaced the old Level 2
Certificate in Horticulture in 2010.
We’re delighted that you are considering joining the course here at RBGE. We
offer this nationally accredited course in a format designed to fit in with your
life. Our daytime course allows you to study in the mornings, the evening course
is ideally suited to those who are working full time, and the distance learning
option offers the most flexibility. All courses will provide you with everything
you need to know to pass.
This 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 2 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 2 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 PhD
Lecturer
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
g.kenicer@rbge.org.uk
Tel: 0131 248 2858
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Contents
1. Introduction to the course
4
2. Entry requirements
4
3. Course duration and course dates
4
4. Course structure and content
5
4.1 Principles of Plant Growth, Propagation and Development
6
4.2 Principles of Garden Planning, Establishment and Maintenance
7
5. Examinations
8
6. Education at RBGE
10
7. Practical horticulture courses and workshops at RBGE
10
8. Financial support
10
9. Taught courses costs
11
10. Taught courses application procedure
11
Taught courses application form
13
11. Further information on distance learning
14
Distance learning application from
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3
1. Introduction to the course
The RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture replaced the RHS Level 2
Certificate in Horticulture in September 2010. The course delivers a broad-based
understanding of horticultural techniques and plant biology. 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.
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
the RBGE’s Higher National Certificate or Diploma in Horticulture with Plantsmanship.
2. Entry requirements
The RHS Level 2 Certificate does not require any prior qualifications or experience. All
you need is an interest in the subject and a willingness to set aside a few hours a week
for 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.
We also offer a distance learning course option for those who cannot attend the RBGE
regularly.
3. Course duration & course dates 2013-14
The RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture is a one-year part-time
course. It is possible to study for the external exams in three different ways with RBGE:
1) Day classes on a Wednesday from 10am until 12.30pm (40 weeks).
2) Evening classes on a Wednesday from 6.30pm until 9pm (40 weeks).
3) Distance learning option learning at your own pace (see page 14).
The Wednesday day and evening classes broadly follow the academic year. This year
the course dates are:
•
•
•
•
Term 1: Wednesdays 14th August - 11th December 2013
Term 2: Wednesdays 8th January – 16th April 2014
Term 3: Wednesdays 30th April – 14th June 2014
[24th June 2014 is a Tuesday but is likely to be the exam date]
Half term holiday dates - to be confirmed
The morning and evening sessions run in parallel. Full course timetables will be given to
students on the first session of the course.
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4. Course structure and content
The RHS Level 2 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.
For the taught course, each of the sessions is typically a well illustrated lecture followed
by a 30 minute coffee break where you have a chance to meet your fellow students,
discuss all things horticultural and make fast friends. The lectures are supported by a
complete series of notes.
The second half of most sessions is an hour-long mini-workshop, garden walkround,
discussion forum or quiz. These sessions all support the theory lectures, building on the
core knowledge and skills you need. They are also an ideal opportunity to broaden your
experience of horticulture and learn new skills. Course tutors are RBGE staff and other
experienced horticulturists and botanists.
The course is broken down into two separate certificates that are designed to stand
alone. When combined, they make up the RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of
Horticulture.
Principles of Plant Growth, Propagation and Development
1.
2.
3.
4.
Plant classification, structure and function
Plant nutrition and the root environment
Maintaining plant health
Understanding plant propagation
Principles of Garden Planning, Establishment and Maintenance
5. Understanding garden features, plant selection and planning
6. Understanding the choice, establishment and maintenance of gardens
plants and lawns
7. Understanding the production of outdoor vegetables and fruit
8. Understanding protected environments and their use in plant cultivation
Study
Hours**
50
30
30
30
Study
Hours**
50
30
30
30
If you take the taught course, you can expect do around 4½ 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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4.1
Principles of Plant Growth, Propagation and Development
A certificate focusing on many of the processes that go on 'behind the scenes' in a
plant. These are the fundamentals that help everything else make sense in plants when
you are working with them in the garden.
Unit 1: Plant classification, structure and function
This unit provides a solid grounding in basic botany. Considerable time is devoted to
understanding the structures and processes that allow plants to survive – from the
cellular level right through to the myriad variety of leaves, flowers and fruits that make
horticultural plants so interesting. Whilst there is a considerable amount of technical
botanical information in this unit, it is geared towards real-life situations, making it easy
to understand and apply in gardening and wider horticultural contexts.
Unit 2: Plant nutrition and the root environment
One of the keys to maintaining healthy plants is, of course, an understanding of plant
nutrition. This unit works through plant nutrition from first principles. We cover soil
structure and properties – both mineral and organic, as well as looking at the fauna and
microflora that the soil harbours and the ways in which these organisms interact with
each other, the soil, and the plants growing there. Soil management is an important part
of this unit, so we also look at how to use the right compost, fertilizer or mulch for the
job.
Unit 3: Maintaining plant health
This unit discusses weeds, pests and diseases and their control. As well as this, we
cover plant physiological problems – such as the effects of nutrient deficiencies,
drought, overwatering and excessive sun and shade.
Unit 4: Understanding plant propagation
Successful, safe propagation is one of the fundamental skills for the horticulturist and
gardener. This unit covers propagation, both from seed and using vegetative methods.
We discuss the relative merits and disadvantages of each type of propagation and
which is the most appropriate for each plant or group of plants. Vegetative propagation
includes learning about techniques such as cuttings, layering and grafting, as well as
care and safe use of the tools and equipment needed to do the job.
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4.2
Principles of Garden Planning, Establishment and Maintenance
A certificate focused on gardens and the huge diversity of plants and other materials
available to the gardener. Emphasis is placed on the selection and maintenance of
plants, with a great deal of information from the first certificate feeding in to support
this one.
Unit 5: Understanding garden features, plant selection and maintenance
This unit is an introduction to the principles of garden design, from site analysis and
identification of purpose and potential, through surveying, to putting together the
actual designs. Garden styles, materials and the initial processes of bed layouts are
discussed. Soft landscaping and the selection of plants is then introduced with an
opportunity to learn about a huge range of horticulturally significant plants – something
for every situation - and this theme continues into the next unit.
Unit 6: Understanding the choice, establishment and maintenance of garden plants
and lawns
Continuing on from the previous unit we look at how to select specimens for whatever
job you have in mind. Everyone will be able to bring some of their own knowledge to
this unit as we cover the following topics:1. Annuals and herbaceous perennials appropriate for bedding, borders and baskets.
We also look at the different ways in which to organise these planting schemes for
any garden situation.
2. Woody plants are a very large group, encompassing ornamental trees, shrubs,
climbers, hedging plants and ground cover.
3. Lawns and turfing, including choice of plants, establishment of lawns, and annual
care.
4. Alpine and rock garden plants and choosing and growing these specialised plants.
5. Planting and maintaining a garden pool.
Unit 7: Understanding the production of outdoor vegetables and fruit
Whether you are cultivating fruit, vegetables, or both, food crops are one of the most
rewarding groups of plants to grow. This unit provides an overview of the most
common food garden and smallholding plants grown in the UK and similar climates.
Groups include tree, bush and cane fruits such as apples, currants and raspberries, soft
fruits (e.g. strawberries) and a wide range of vegetables such as peas, brassicas,
lettuces and carrots. Cultivation strategies and timing, as well as pest control are
important elements of this unit. We also discuss the broader theory behind site
selection, crop rotation, making beds and soil cultivation.
Unit 8: Understanding protected environments and their use in plant cultivation
Protected cultivation covers a diverse range of techniques used to cultivate plants in a
protected environment. This unit covers the whole spectrum, from simple container
grown plants through to cultivation of plants in glasshouses, conservatories and
indoors. We look at the ways in which these forms of protected cultivation differ from
each other and from the outdoor environment.
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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. The exams are a good challenge, and the qualification is one of the
reasons many people join the course. However, the course is designed to be great fun
and a valuable learning experience even if you do not do the exams, so there is no
obligation to sit them.
Taught Course
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.
Distance Learning
You can register to take the exams at RBGE or at your nearest examination centre. You
will need to pay the RHS registration fee, but as an internal student, you will not need to
pay the RBGE administration fee if you take the exams here in Edinburgh.
Examination Dates and Registration Fees
Qualifications and Credit Framework
February 2014
Level 2 Certificate in Plant Growth, Propagation and Development
Monday 10 February 2014
• R2101 Plant classification, structure and function
• R2102 Plant nutrition and the root environment
• R2103 Maintaining plant health
• R2104 Understanding plant propagation
60 minutes 09:30 – 10:30
40 minutes 11:00 – 11:40
40 minutes 13:30 – 14:10
40 minutes 14:30 – 15:10
Level 2 Certificate in Garden Planning, Establishment and Maintenance
Tuesday 11 February 2014
• R2111 Understanding garden features, plant selection and planning 60 minutes 09:30
– 10:30
• R2112 Understanding the choice, establishment and maintenance of garden plants
and lawns 40 minutes 11:00 – 11:40
• R2113 Understanding the production of outdoor vegetables and fruit 40 minutes
13:30 – 14:10
• R2114 Understanding protected environments and their use in plant cultivation 40
minutes 14:30 – 15:10
Closing date for Entries: Friday 22 November 2013 (RHS Exam Fees are £14 per unit)
•
•
•
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.
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February 2014
Level 2 Certificate in Plant Growth, Propagation and Development
Monday 23 June 2014
• R2101 Plant classification, structure and function
• R2102 Plant nutrition and the root environment
• R2103 Maintaining plant health
• R2104 Understanding plant propagation
60 minutes 09:30 – 10:30
40 minutes 11:00 – 11:40
40 minutes 13:30 – 14:10
40 minutes 14:30 – 15:10
Level 2 Certificate in Garden Planning, Establishment and Maintenance
Tuesday 24 June 2014
• R2111 Understanding garden features, plant selection and planning 60 minutes 09:30
– 10:30
• R2112 Understanding the choice, establishment and maintenance of garden plants
and lawns 40 minutes 11:00 – 11:40
• R2113 Understanding the production of outdoor vegetables and fruit 40 minutes
13:30 – 14:10
• R2114 Understanding protected environments and their use in plant cultivation 40
minutes 14:30 – 15:10
Closing date for Entries: Friday 2 May 2014 (RHS Exam Fees are £14 per unit)
•
•
•
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
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Email: Qualifications@rhs.org.uk
9
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 for a better future’. 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 HND, 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. 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).
8. 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.
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9. Taught Course Costs
The fee for both the morning and evening one year taught courses is £580, which is
payable on acceptance of a place and includes the following:
•
•
•
•
Lecture Series for 40 weeks
Full set of course notes
Copies of all additional visual presentations
Exam registration fees for one sitting of each paper
10. Application procedure for taught courses
Please complete and return the Taught course application form to us as soon as
possible. The application deadline is Friday 19th July 2013. Places are limited and will be
accepted on a first come first served basis.
Fees are payable on acceptance of a course place, prior to the commencement of the
programme.
If you wish to use an Individual Learning Account to pay some of your fees (see point
8), please include your ILA number on your form.
Please contact the Education Administrator, 0131 248 2937 or education@rbge.org.uk if
you have any questions.
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Taught Course Application Form
RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture (RHS)
Candidates will be selected on the basis of the answers given to the questions below.
Applicants are asked to note that the focus of this course is on the theory behind the
science of horticulture and not on the art of gardening. It is a classroom and lecture
based course, has a minimum practical element and some note taking may be required.
Please complete and return the Taught course application form to us as by Friday 19th
July 2013.
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. Application Details (please tick any boxes that apply)
Taught Course: £580
First Choice
Mornings, 10.00am – 12.30pm (A)
Evenings, 6.30pm – 9.30pm (B)


Second Choice (if applicable)
Mornings, 10.00am – 12.30pm (A)
Evenings, 6.30pm – 9.30pm (B)


3. 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 __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
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.
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4. 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
RBGE 2013
Date:
Reference
Number
Place
Yes / No
accepted
Date:
14
Distance Learning Option
11. Further information on Distance Learning
The content of the distance learning course is the same as for the taught courses.
You must have access to an internet-ready computer and e-mail account for the
distance learning course, and it is invaluable for students on the taught courses too.
This allows you onto PropaGate Learning – we’ll provide you with a login and
password at the start of the course.
If you prefer, we can also provide hardcopy (paper) notes for a fee to cover printing
and postage.
As well as the discussion forums and messaging on PropaGate Learning, we use e-mail
to provide tutorial support, so you can contact us with any questions you have about
course content, interpretation of the notes, or exam techniques.
As well as allowing us to answer these course queries quickly, e-mail is convenient for
us to contact you with information about exams or other course-related news.
However, we will be able to accept a small amount of correspondence by post for those
who have no chance to access e-mail, and might be able to provide some course
content on CD Rom if you do not have a computer with internet access. If this is the
case, please contact the education office.
The course consists of 2 smaller certificates, which together make up the RHS Level 2
Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture. The certificates are:
Certificate 1: Principles of Plant Growth, Propagation and Development
•
•
•
•
Plant classification, structure and function
Plant nutrition and the root environment
Maintaining plant health
Understanding plant propagation
Certificate 2: Principles of Garden Planning, Establishment and Maintenance
•
•
•
•
Understanding garden features, plant selection and planning
Understanding the choice, establishment and maintenance of gardens plants
and lawns
Understanding the production of outdoor vegetables and fruit
Understanding protected environments and their use in plant cultivation
For distance learners only, there is the option to study these individually as a standalone certificate.
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12. Distance Learning Dates and Timing
The distance learning option allows students a really flexible way to study and take the
exams - you can take as long as you wish to study.
Our mail out dates give you at least 20 weeks of study before each set of exams,
although we recommend this due to work or other commitments many students would
rather study for the full course over 18 months or two years.
The course has been accredited a credit value of 28 by Ofqual i.e. it is considered to
require 280 learning hours to complete to the required standard. If you wished to
complete the course within nine months i.e. by June 2014, that would equate to c. 7½
hours of self-study a week. Our students’ experience of the course in 2010-11 suggests
between 5 and 10 hours a week on average. We provide e-mail tutorial support for a
period of up to 18 months from registration date.
The start dates for the Distance Learning options are:
Option
1. Full Course
2. Certificate 1
3. Certificate 2
Start Date A
2 September 2013
2nd September 2013
2nd September 2013
nd
or
Start Date B
4th March 2014
4th March 2014
4th March 2014
13. Distance learning course costs and resources
The fee for the full course is £400 and £250 for the individual certificates, this is
payable on application and includes:
•
•
•
Access to notes and a huge variety of material on PropaGate Learning, including
lecture slides, quizzes, self-tests and revision sessions
Discussion forums
E-mail tutorial support - you can contact the course tutor with any horticultural
study questions, and we will reply weekly. This is available for up to 18 months from
your registration date (1 year for individual certificates.). We can extend this
registration for an annual fee of £50.
You can register to take the exams at RBGE or your nearest examination centre. (RHS
Approved Centres can be found on the RHS website:
www.rhs.org.uk/Courses/Qualifications).
If you take the exams here at RBGE, you will need to pay the RHS registration fee for
the exams, but as an RBGE student, you will not need to pay the RBGE administration
fee. Exam registration forms for sitting the exams at RBGE will be sent out to our
students in good time before registration deadlines.
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14. Distance learning application procedure
Please complete the Distance learning application form on the following pages of this
handbook and return it to us along with payment. Your Tutor support period will start
from the date your PropaGate Learning account is activated.
If you are using an Individual Learning Account to pay some of your fees (see point 8),
please include your ILA number on your form, and the appropriate course fees minus
the ILA amount.
Please contact the Education Administrator, 0131 248 2937 or education@rbge.org.uk if
you have any questions.
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Distance Learning Application Form
RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture (RHS)
Please send your completed to:
Education Administrator (RHSD)
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. Application Details (please select your learning option)
Distance Learning: £400 for the Full Course / £250 per certificate
I would like to study:
The Full Course

Certificate 1

Certificate 2

Notes
Add hardcopy notes*
Notes for certificate 1:  (+£25)
certificate 2 (+£25)
*All written notes are available on PropaGate, but you may prefer to have hardcopies sent out. If
you choose this option, it is quite a large parcel, so you may need to pick these up from your
post office if you are unavailable to collect them.
** There will be an additional cost for international shipping. Please contact us to get a quote for
postage.
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3. Payment Details
I am using my Individual Learning Account.
My ILA number is: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
My ILA account expires on: _ _ / _ _ / _ _
Payment by Card
I wish to pay for the course by Credit / Debit Card. The total I need to pay is £
Name as it appears on the Card
   
Start Date /
Expiry Date /
Card Number
Security Number

Payment by Bank Transfer
It is possible to pay for this course via bank transfer. Please provide an email address so
that we can send you the details on how to do so.
Email Address (please print clearly)
4. 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?
For office use only:
Date application
received
Offered
Yes / No
place
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Date:
Reference
Number
Place
accepted
Yes / No
Date:
20