RBGE offers a unique opportunity to study 'Plantsmanship' at Higher National Diploma (HND) and Batchelor of Science (BSc Hons) levels.
The degree is taught in conjunction with the Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) and awarded by The University of Glasgow.
About the course
'Plantsmanship' is an expertise in plant diversity and cultivation, but on our courses you will also gain a good understanding of other aspects of horticulture and applied plant science. This is achieved by integrating the practical experience of plant cultivation and management with advanced knowledge of plant distribution, classification, diversity, structure and identification. The course enables students to gain in-depth knowledge of a wide range of ornamental plants from around the world and makes full use of our superb botanical collections.
This HND/BSc is perfect for those wishing to develop a career in any area of horticulture that requires a good knowledge of plants. This would include botanic and private gardens, nurseries, retail outlets and garden design.
Although it is possible to study to a similar level at other gardens, RBGE is the only botanic garden in the UK at which you can gain an internationally recognised higher education qualification.
Aim of the course
The HND/BSc aims to "educate students in the specialism of Plantsmanship, within a botanic garden environment, and to raise the overall standard and status of Plantsmanship within the horticultural industry".
Course outline
The overall HND/BSc programme is four years long, but students can enter and exit the programme at the start of years one, two and three:
Year and Exit Qualification:
- Year 1 - Higher National Certificate (HNC)*
- Year 2 - Higher National Diploma (HND)
- Year 3 - BSc
- Year 4 - BSc (Hons)
*Applications are NOT accepted for the HNC, but a HNC may be awarded if a student leaves the programme at the end of year one with all modules completed.
Entry requirements
The minimum entry requirements for the HND can be any of the following:
- Two Highers (BCC) or one A-level (CC) pass, preferably including a science.
- or a National Diploma in a related topic
- or an NVQ/SVQ at Level 3 in a related topic
Students over 21 years of age (i.e. ‘mature students') will be considered without formal qualifications.
The minimum entry requirements for the BSc can be any of the following:
- Three Highers (BCC) or two A-levels (CC) pass, preferably including two science subjects.
* Applicants with a relevant HNC are encouraged to apply for year two of the HND/BSc and applicants with a relevant HND to apply for year three of the BSc.
Further information and application
For full details on the programme and all the modules within each year, please download the Applicant's Handbook.
Applications for full-time study on the HND and BSc must be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
Course to be applied for and UCAS code
- HND: entry into year 1 or 2 - code SAC S01 454D Z HND/PHort
- BSc: entry into year 1, 2, 3 or 4 - code SAC S01 D4K7 Z BSc/HWP
- Telephone +44 (0)870 1122211, Mon-Fri, 08.30am - 5.30pm (UK Time)
- Address: UCAS Enquiries, Rosehill, New Barn Lane, Cheltenham. GL52 3LZ. UK.
- When applying, please also send a copy of your completed UCAS application form to: HND/BSc Applications, School of Professional Horticulture, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, 20A Inverleith Row, Edinburgh. EH3 5LR.
You can download an information leaflet and the Applicant's Handbook from the 'Downloads' box on the right. The Applicant's Handbook contains further information on the course. If you have any questions, please contact the Head of Education, Leigh Morris, via our enquiry form (select 'Education') or direct at:
Education Department
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
20A Inverleith Row
Edinburgh
EH3 5LR
Telephone: 0131 248 2937
The teaching nursery is a superb place to learn throughout the year
