Higher National Diploma (HND)
The HND Horticulture (Plantsmanship) is a two year course (the first two years of the BSc course) that equips you with the core horticultural competencies, fundamental scientific knowledge, and transferable professional skills needed for a wide variety of horticultural roles. You can enter the course in year one, or if you have studied HNC Horticulture elsewhere you can enter directly into second year, though we would recommend starting in year one if possible.
Many of our HND graduates continue to study the BSc in Horticulture (Plantsmanship) while others take up roles as botanic horticulturists, conservation horticulturists, head gardeners, nursery growers, or self-employed gardeners.
Previous graduates have taken up specialist traineeships, delved into ecology and habitat restoration, run social and community gardens, and worked for nationally recognised organisations, such as National Trust for Scotland, or Historic Environment Scotland.
Bachelor of Science (BSc)
The BSc (Hons) Horticulture (Plantsmanship) is a four year course that prepares you for an enormous range of careers and professional pathways by equipping you with the comprehensive repertoire of professional skills, scientific competencies, and management abilities needed to become a modern leader in the horticulture sector. You can enter in year one, or if you have studied HNC horticulture elsewhere you can enter year two, or if you have done your HND Horticulture elsewhere you can enter directly into third year.
Many graduates continue their studies through postgraduate programmes, including the MSc Biodiversity and Taxonomy of Plants offered by RBGE, while others take up positions as senior horticulturists, scientists, production managers, head gardeners, researchers, teachers & lecturers, consultants, and advisors.
The evidence-based science and underpinning botanic foundation of this programme are designed to produce the sector leaders of today, and tomorrow.
