This course runs online and offers a flexible approach to learning to enable you to pace your studies with support from dedicated expert tutors.
RHS Level 2 Theory Certificate (online)
RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth and Development
Start anytime!
We are pleased to announce that we are now offering the opportunity to start this course anytime, allowing you to begin at a time that suits you, while studying at your own pace. You will be enrolled on the course for two years, giving you ample time to learn the topics and sit the exams. Registrations remained open over the Christmas break and will be processed w/c 5th January 2026.
Welcome to the RHS level 2 at the Botanics
An introduction to the course
| Time | Description |
| 6 sec | [Erica Randall] Hello, I'm Erica Randall and I'm one of the online tutors for the RHS Level two here at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh. [Graham Young] Hello, I'm Graham Young, um, one of your tutors on the RHS Level two horticulture qualification here at the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh. [Matthew Edwards] Hi, I'm Matthew Edwards and I'm a tutor here at the Botanics, teaching on the RHS Level two theory course. [Jane Robertson] I'm Jane Robertson, I'm the learning technology manager here at the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh. I look after the online learning here and lead the learning technology team. |
| 43 sec | [Graham Young] The course covers subjects such as plant science and health, soil and nutrition, along with garden design and maintenance. And we've got an increased focus on the environment biodiversity and the community now too. [Jane Robertson] So there are several advantages of studying the RHS Level two certificate online with us here. You can study at your own pace wherever you are located and at a time that suits you. And from October, this year, 2025, you'll be able to start any time you want. We're gonna be having weekly enrolments, so if you wanna start immediately can or you can plan a time to start that is best for you and works around your life. |
| 1 min 34 sec | [Matthew Edwards] Our team has a wealth of experience developing and delivering online courses. I'm one of three tutors teaching this course who work with the learning technology and student support teams to create a modern and high quality online learning experience for you. [Jane Robertson] So why chose to study your RHS Level two qualification, with us here at the Botanics in Edinburgh. Well, we have over 20 years experience in delivering this qualification, and we are now delivering the updated RHS Level two theory qualification. And we've been running the RHS Theory certificate for 10 years online on our online learning platform, PropaGate [Graham Young] This RHS course is perfect for you if you wish to augment your knowledge, whether you're a home gardener, already working with plants or as a stepping stone to a career in horticulture. |
Frequently asked questions
This course is ideal for you as a first qualification for a career in horticulture but also perfect for you if you are a leisure gardener keen to expand you knowledge.
New and updated topics reflecting best practice in 21st century horticulture based on extensive industry feedback:
- Plant Science
- Plant Health
- Plant Nutrition
- Plant Specification
- Planting styles
- Horticulture and Society
- Biodiversity
As well as the following topics which will be integrated throughout the whole course:
- Health and safety
- Sustainability
- Best practice
- Equality and diversity
Find out more in the course handbook:
The RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth and Development is comprised of 2 units, with an accompanying exam for each.
The course is studied completely on our online learning platform, PropaGate and you will be provided with a complete set of course resources and learning support from tutors to help you pass the exams.
It is important to note that the course is self-directed online study. You can study at your own pace and start at a time that suits you so you can manage your learning around your life. You need to be motivated and willing to engage regularly to get the most out of this course.
The RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles and Practices of Horticulture is divided into two separate certificates which you can study independently or together, these are:
- RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth and Development (you can study this with us)
- RHS Level 2 Certificate in Practical Horticulture*
When both certificates are completed, students are awarded the RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles and Practices of Horticulture. Each course can also be studied independently.
*We do not offer the RHS Level 2 Practical Certificate. If you wish to complete the full level 2 certificate you need to study this part elsewhere.
We do offer our own Certificate in Practical Horticulture course which is independent of the RHS qualification.
Yes - we have shared a full element here: Pollination and Fertilisation (opens in a new tab or window) You will need to enter the password 'Anther24' to gain access.
The RHS Level 2 certificate does not require any existing qualifications or experience. All you need is an interest in the subject and a willingness to set aside several hours a week for study. Overall, we are looking for keen, enthusiastic people of all ages, who would value the opportunity to study with us and are motivated to gain the qualification.
We do advise that you should have some very basic confidence with computers as the course material and tutor support are delivered through PropaGate Learning, our online learning environment. There is further information on this in the handbook.
You will have access to forums where you can contact your tutors, technical support, exam support and other learners.
We encourage everyone to make the most of the course forums. These provide a way for you to collaborate with each other and to ask questions of peers and tutors. Our learning technologists are also always on hand to assist you with any queries and can be contacted via the forums or by email.
We also hold webinars for exam revision support.
You need access to :
- a computer with an up-to-date operating system and browser
- an internet connection/speed suitable for steaming videos
- an e-mail account
You should be a competent computer user with a basic understanding of standard computer applications such as using an internet browser, email, and navigating around web pages. More help can be found on the Help and Support pages (link opens in a new tab) on PropaGate Learning.
This type of course is best suited to highly motivated learners who can work independently.
Registration for the course opens on Wednesday 1st October 2025 when we move to our start any time format.
Please only complete the registration form when you are ready to begin your studies.
The total fee for RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth and Development is £975. This is payable on registration.
The course fee includes:
Access to high quality learning materials
You will have two years' access to the online course materials on PropaGate Learning, our own online learning platform. Course materials include videos, lessons, activities and quizzes, together with progress tracking and badges for topic completion. Check out the sample materials for more detail.
Expert instruction
The resources, all written by our tutors and developed by the online learning team, guide you through each element. Tutor support is available weekdays via the forums/email where you will receive speedy responses to questions to allow you to continue with your learning.
Exam preparation webinars
Live sessions are available before each set of exams to support you and an opportunity to ask us questions. We understand how important it is to feel confident about the exam structure and set-up and to feel fully prepared.
Technology and platform support
Our learning technologists are on hand via the forums/email to help you when you need assistance.
Community and collaboration
You will join a learning community at a world-renowned botanic garden where you can discuss and share ideas, ask questions and receive answers from tutors and fellow learners.
Exam fees
Exam Fees for first attempt of unit 1 and unit 2
Learner Registration Fee
Certification Fee
These fees, totalling £200, are set by the RHS and will be paid to them on your behalf at the start of your course.
Breakdown:
Online course access and materials: £775
RHS fees: £200
Registration for the course opens on Wednesday 1st October 2025 when we move to our start any time format.
Please complete the course registration form when you are ready to begin your studies.
We are no longer able to offer in person exams, therefore students must be willing to sit the exams online. The system requirements for online exams are included in the course handbook.
An experienced course team of tutors, learning technologists and administrators has developed an entire suite of online resources and activities to guide you through all elements of this certificate from registration right through to exams and course completion.
Your tutors will be Matthew Edwards, Erica Randall and Graham Young. You can contact your tutors via the forums and receive prompt answers to your questions. Your learning technology team are Robyn Braham, Gillian Davis and Jane Robertson and again you can contact us easily by forums or email and receive speedy technical help. Support with exams is also available via the forums and email.
Your RHS level 2 course tutors: Erica Randall, Matthew Edwards and Graham Young
Meet the course team
What our students say
"I’d like to say by way of feedback that the course content and delivery has been absolutely outstanding. It has way surpassed my expectations and as someone who hasn’t studied in over 30 years since university, and was a sceptic about online studying I am now a complete convert!!
Student, May 2024 intake
"I have had a ball! This past year has been a wonderful adventure into the world of garden theory....Learning on-line has been an eye opener with respect to how I learn and where I can improve as a learner...The team at RBGE have been a foundation of support in replying to queries and exam preparation on the Teams meetings-the online lessons have been well structured, researched and presented. The extra materials have been useful, and the exercises have embedded knowledge. Its is clear the team’s expertise is infinite. It has been a really good experience...Here and now, I want to say, ‘great job, well done!’ An extra I didn’t see was how into wildlife I would get. My garden has become very wild over the past year, we now have a family of five hedgehogs. Thanks so much."
Student, August 2023 intake
"I have to say a huge Thanks to everyone involved in putting this course together. It is brilliant! and much more than what I expected when I enrolled. As someone that works in conservation I was so pleasantly impressed with the amount of education with a focus on environmental restoration and protection given by the course. Before doing the course, I considered gardening a beautiful hobby but one that was probably not the best for the environment. I leave wanting to set up my business to help people adapt their gardens for improving wildlife and increasing environmental resilience. The PropaGate platform has been the first learning platform that I actually enjoy and love from a few I have used at universities for teaching and learning. Brilliantly put together and administered! I wish I could pay a fee to keep access to it for life!"
Student, May 2024 intake
Useful links
