Established in 1893, the Royal Horticultural Society Level 2 Certificate in Horticulture (formerly the RHS General Certificate in Horticulture) is an internationally recognised qualification providing a broad-based understanding of horticultural techniques and plant biology. It is:
- an ideal first qualification for a career in horticulture
- perfect for leisure gardeners keen to expand their knowledge.
Course outline
The RHS Level 2 Certificate in Horticulture is a one-year, part-time course. Students have three options for study with RBGE:
- Morning classes on Wednesday, 10am - 12.30pm (40 weeks)
- Evening classes on Wednesday, 6.30pm - 9pm (40 weeks)
- Distance learning option: students receive all course notes and presentations on CD-ROM, with tutorial support available by email.
The course begins in August and is mainly theoretical. Each session is a lecture followed by an informal practical activity, walk-round or discussion session designed to appeal to a wide range of learning styles.
The RBGE Certificate in Practical Horticulture is an ideal complement to this theory course. As an introduction to horticulture, the RHS Level 2 Certificate can lead on to advanced degree-level study of our HND/BSc in Horticulture with Plantsmanship.
Assessment
You can take the course for pleasure, or with an aim to passing the exams. The exams are validated by the Royal Horticultural Society and are divided into two papers, one per taught module. Both papers are available to take in February and in June each year.
Course Fees
The taught course costs £500, and includes exam fees and complete course notes. The distance learning option costs £385, and does not include the exam fees (currently £35 per paper, plus booking fee).
Fees are payable on acceptance of a course place, before the start of the course. Application forms must be submitted by the 31 July 2008 for a course beginning the following August.
This course may qualify for an Individual Learning Account (ILA) that provides financial support for adult learning and training. Please see the ILA Scotland website for further details of the scheme, and eligibility.
How to apply
You can download an information leaflet and the Applicant's Handbook from the 'Downloads' box on the right. The Applicants' Handbook 08-09 is now available. The Applicant's Handbook contains further information and an application form. For further details, contact the Education office via our enquiry form (select 'Education') or directly at:
Education Department
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
20A Inverleith Row
Edinburgh
EH3 5LR
Telephone: 0131 248 2937
Sitting the RHS Exams as an External Candidate
RBGE is an RHS registered examination centre. It is possible to sit the Level 2 and Level 3 theory modules at RBGE as an external candidate even if you are not attending our Level 2 course. Please download and print out the External Candidates form at the top of this page and return the right hand side with your booking fee.
External candidates are charged an administration fee of £25 in addition to the exam fees. Please contact the RHS for details of exam dates and paper fees. Please note that we must receive your form at least 2 weeks before the RHS's closing date for entries.
