Course modules
Year 1
Academic and Vocational Skills
Working in industry will require florists to develop a range of practical and professional skills. This module provides you with first-hand work related experience of a range of practical and technical skills as well as developing your ability to present information in a suitable academic and professional style. You will be encouraged to evaluate and reflect on your own personal development throughout the module. The module will provide the foundation for further development of individual skills through independent study in the ‘Industry Project’ module.
Principles of Design and Photography Technical Skills
This is a very creative and inspiring module where the principles and elements of design are studied along with photographic technical skills. This will provide you with the underpinning knowledge in design and photography which will be applied to all other practical modules on the two year programme. You will explore each of the principles and elements in practical sessions using a variety of media and abstract forms.
Professional Commercial Floristry (Double module)
This module is a largely practical one. You will develop professional commercial skills in the design and construction of a range of commercial floral pieces for different occasions. Native floral design styles, influences and key floral designers will be studied. You will develop a portfolio of the design work completed in the first year of the course. You will also gain experience in demonstrating and communicating your knowledge.
Business Management
This module introduces key areas of management activity such as human resource management, leadership, marketing and finance to allow students to develop further knowledge and skills to improve future employability in land based industries.
Sustainable Floristry and Workroom Management
This module is designed to give the students an understanding of current environmental issues regarding cut flowers/foliage, house plants and new products. Students will learn how to identify products used within the floristry industry and discuss the procedures required when purchasing them. Health and Safety requirements, sustainable practices and current growing trends globally will be discussed. The module will also develop skills in research methodologies to identify local, national and global market sources.
Year 2
Industry Project
You will use the skills developed in earlier modules to identify a suitable industry related project. Through planning, executing and then reporting on the project outcomes, you will be encouraged to use the industry project to develop your own personal skills as well as professional working relationships with industry contacts. Theories and skills of project management will be developed through supporting lectures.
Wedding and Event Floral Design (Double module)
This specialised double module focuses on bridal party flowers, both traditional and contemporary in style. You will create a wide range of practical wedding designs for the bridal party, venues and receptions including large scale event designs, period, modern and experimental pieces. You will also study the underpinning knowledge of wedding consultations and event planning, creating client specifications and costing your work for the commercial market in order to excel as a freelance florist.
International Floral Trends (Double module)
This module builds on the foundations laid in the ‘Principles and Elements of Design’ module from Year 1. You will experiment with all aspects of international floral design to develop your own style and flair. A variety of international designers from a range of design disciplines will be studied for inspiration.
Research Practice
This module will provide you with the opportunity to carry out a research project related to your own interest and passions. This module will critically enhance your skills in the production of a visually rich analytical report appropriate for your design discipline.
Entry requirements & additional information
- Entry requirements
- Learning and assessment
- Progression
- Careers
- Professional accreditations
- Special requirements
Entry requirements
5 GCSE passes at Grade C (4) or above (including Maths and English or equivalent)
Plus 48 UCAS Tariff points from one or more of the following:
- 2 A-levels (A2), at least one at C or above
- BTEC/C&G Level 3
- 2 Scottish Highers at C or above
- 3 Irish Highers at C or above
- International Baccalaureate at 24 points
- NVQ Level 3 in a relevant discipline
- Access to HE Diploma in a relevant discipline
AS levels, BTEC Subsidiary Diploma and Scottish Intermediate 2s may be used to contribute to entry requirements but they are not sufficient for entry on their own. Alternative equivalent qualifications will also be considered positively.
Applicants who believe they may be eligible for Accreditation of Prior Certificated and/or Experiential Learning (APCL/APEL) for certain modules will be considered on an individual basis.
Applicants for whom English is a second language must be able to demonstrate proof of International English Language Testing System (IELTS) at level 6.0 (with no component score lower than 5.5) or equivalent.
All offers may be subject to successful interview
Learning and assessment
Learning Environment:
Learning activities on the course are diverse, including on-line lectures, video seminars, live briefs, peer involvement, study tour, exhibitions and competition work.
Students are expected to undertake extensive independent study and research to support lectures, seminars and assessments. Group work and group presentations form an important part of the course. Students will have access to specialist IT hardware and software, an on-line learning environment and reference facility.
Assessment:
Portfolio design, digital assessments and journaling, practical time constrained exercises, variety of working industry documents, viva, reports, presentations, team work and communication assessments.
Additional Information:
Myerscough College host an Annual Floral Art & Design Exhibition. Students studying the FdA Professional Floristry and Floral Design course exhibit at this as a final year student project.
What work experience can I get?
Students are encouraged to undertake relevant industry experience in a floristry or floral design enterprise. The course is structured to ensure that lectures are built around the peak periods of Christmas, Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day to enable students to gain real life experience at these times. A variety of opportunities are constantly given to students to work as part of the floral events team at Myerscough.
The Academic and Vocational Skills and Industry Project modules will utilise both on and off site working environments to provide the opportunity for students to develop real practical and technical skills and help prepare them for employment in their chosen subject area.
Progression
On successful completion of the course, students may apply for an Honours Degree in related subjects, for instance the BA (Hons) Professional Floristry and Floral Design (Top-up) Full Time, Part Time, Online and Hybrid at Myerscough College.
Careers
The course aims to provide students with the opportunity to work at graduate level in the floral design industries. It promotes an ethos of self development and reflection of practical and technical floristry and enterprise skills. Module content emphasises the importance of career development and planning throughout.
Examples of possible careers include:
• Senior Florist/Shop Manager
• Self-employed with own business
• Freelance Floral Designer
• Exhibition work
• Window dressing
• Demonstration and teaching
• Buyer/designer for multinational stores
Professional accreditations
British Florist Association, City & Guilds, National Association of Flower Arranging Societies.
Special requirements
Extra Costs:
Additional costs for items that are essential for the course include:
· Floral design tools and equipment - £350
Additional costs for opportunities and items that are optional for the course include:
· Camera and tablet - £200