About the course
These courses run on a Friday
This theory certificate equips learners with knowledge of the scientific principles underpinning horticultural practice and provides an understanding of what is needed to progress to employment within the sector. Learners will develop a level of plant knowledge deemed essential by horticultural industries.
The full qualification syllabus published by the RHS can be found at https://www.rhs.org.uk/education-learning/pdf/qualifications/level-2/level-2-cert-in-the-principles-of-plant-growth.pdf#
Key Information
Location: Warrington Campus
Course length: One Year (35 weeks)
Start date: September 2025
Interested in taking this course? Click here to apply for this course online
Course Modules
Biodiversity
Horticulture and Society
Plant Health
Plant Nutrition
Plant Science I
Plant Science II
Plant Specification
Planting Styles
Entry requirements & additional information
A keen interest in horticulture and enthusiasm for plants is of course essential. There are no formal entry requirements, but we would recommend that anyone wishing to enrol for this course has a minimum of English & Maths at Grade 4 or above. This is a theory based course.
We would recommend that in most cases students complete the RHS Level 2 Practical Course before progressing onto this Principals course. Learners can take both courses in the same year however must be prepared for a large commitment both in lessons and outside of taught sessions. Learning is supported by our Virtual Learning Environment, Canvas.
Learners must be available to commit to attending all sessions and completing the course exams.
Ideally 2 D's/ 3's of equivilent at GCSE or extensice gardening expereince.
You have 2 hours (120 minutes) to complete a Unit 1 or Unit 2 exam. There are 3 sections in each unit exam.
Each exam for Unit 1 and Unit 2 is structured as follows:
Section A: Multiple Choice Style Questions worth 20% of the final mark
Section B; Short Answer Questions worth 50% of the final mark.
Section C: A choice of 2 long answer questions from 4 worth 30% of the final mark.
The qualification will then be graded at Pass, Merit and Distinction.
You will also undertake a series of mock exams to allow you to prepare for your final assessment.
Funding
Please see our adult fees page on the website for more details. Funding is dependent on individual circumstances however this guidance can help you understand what your fees may be. The funding relies on your situation on the first day of the course.
You must live in Lancashire, Cumbria, Liverpool City Region, Greater Manchester or an area of the country that does not have devolved government. This postcode finder can help you identify this if you are unsure. You must live in a postcode area coded 105, 110 or 111. https://skillspostcodecheck.com/
You must be 19+ on or before 31st Aug of your start year.
You must not be completing a government funded course such as an apprenticeship.
You must not be a prisoner or on remand.
To be eligible for full funding you must also:
Earn under �33 958.60 per year (Liverpool and Manchester Residents- Funding code - 111 and 110) OR �25 000 (Lancashire, Cumbria and other 105 coded residents)
OR
Be unemployed and completing this course to support finding paid or voluntary work)
If you meet the general criteria but not the specific fully funded ones, then you will need to pay a subsidised course fee. If you do not meet the general criteria then you will pay full course fees. A list of course fees can be found on the adult courses section of the website.
The Royal Horticultural Society's Advanced Certificate, the entry requirement for which is a pass on the RHS Level 2 Certificate.
The RHS level 2 Certificate in Practical Horticulture
Alternatively, Progress with Myerscough with a huge range of adult courses. Complimentary courses such as NPTC Certificate in Competence in Mowing, Strimmer etc. plus pesticides qualifications will be discussed with groups following course start.
Careers
This course supports progression to employment within areas of the horticultural industries (such as professional gardening, landscaping, plant production and garden retail), as well as supporting learning in entry level roles in the early stages of a horticultural career. It is also designed to meet the needs of the amateur gardener.
Magnifying glass
Geometric graphic stencil
Pruning knife
Waterproof jacket