RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture

Founded on qualifications first established in 1893, the Royal Horticultural Society Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture (replacing the RHS Level 2 Certificate in Horticulture) is an internationally recognised qualification providing a broad-based understanding of horticultural techniques and plant biology. This course is:

• an ideal first qualification for a career in horticulture
• perfect for leisure gardeners keen to expand their knowledge

What does the course cover?
The RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture is the most widely regarded entry-level horticulture course. It consists of two Certificates:

• Certificate 1: Principles of Plant Growth, Propagation and Development
  Comprised of 4 units: Plant classification, structure and function, Plant nutrition and the root environment, Maintaining plant health and Understanding plant propagation

• Certificate 2: Principles of Garden Planning, Establishment and Maintenance
  Comprised of 4 units: Understanding garden features, plant selection and planning, Understanding the choice, establishment and maintenance of gardens plants and lawns, Understanding the production of outdoor vegetables and fruit and Understanding protected environments and their use in plant cultivation

The full course delivers a broad-based understanding of horticultural techniques and plant biology, and provides you with a qualification that is recognised internationally by the horticulture industry.

What is the format of the course?
We offer the RHS Level 2 as an Attended or Online course.

Attended Course: A one-year part-time course.

• Daytime classes on a Wednesday from 10.00am until 1.00pm

Online Course: Full course receives 18 months online support. Individual certificates receive 9 months online support.

Do I need any prior knowledge?
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 ‘plants people’ of all ages, who would value the opportunity to study at RBGE and will contribute to the programme.

We do advise that you should have some very basic confidence with computers, as the attended and online courses both make use of PropaGate Learning, our online learning environment. There is further information on this in the handbook.

What support will I get with online learning?
We encourage everyone to make the most of the forums on the course. These provide a way for students to talk to one another and to ask questions to fellow students and tutors. Our PropaGate Learning team are always available so if you ever feel you are stuck with technical problem, they can be contacted via the forums or by email.

What do I need to study online?
You should be competent computer user with a basic understanding of standard computer applications such as using an internet browser, email and word processing. Experience of participating in online forums would also be a benefit, but not essential. Our ‘Digital Skills Check’ to help you to identify any areas of IT you may need to brush up on.

How much does the course cost?

Attended Course: £700, includes examination fees for one sitting of each exam at RBGE, course notes and access to online learning materials for 18 months.

Online Course: £400 for full course, includes 18 months access to our online learning materials, PropaGate Learning and tutor support; or £250 per Certificate, includes 9 months on PropaGate Learning and tutor support.

When can I start?
Attended Course: This course started on Wednesday 14th August 2019. Please email education@rbge.org.uk to be added to the waiting list for the 2020 course.

Online Course: Applications open now and will remain open until 31^st May 2020.

How do I apply?
Attended Course: You must complete the application form in the applicants' handbook and return it to us by 1st August 2019.

Online Course: You can apply online now, please read the applicants' handbook before applying. 

Sitting the RHS Exams as an External Candidate

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) is an approved examination centre for RHS written exams. Registrations for February 2020 are now open.  Please note that due to capacity issues RBGE will only be able to accept external exam candidates from Scotland, Northern Ireland and UK based applicants in and north of Newcastle.

Please download the exam registration form, complete it and return it along with payment to:

Education Administrator (RHS Exams)
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh,
20a Inverleith Row, Edinburgh, EH3 5LR

Please play close attention to the RBGE registration deadline, this will be different from dates published by the RHS and other centres. Forms received after the deadline will be subject to late fees.

Administration Fees

RBGE charges an administration fee of £25 for the first exam registered and £5 for each additional exam. These fees are per registration form.

Examination Fees

These are available to download from the RHS website on the appropriate course pages, together with examination dates and registration deadlines. Applications received after the deadline date will incur late registration fees.

All examinations are held at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, 20a Inverleith Row, Edinburgh, EH3 5LR. You will be sent a confirmation letter with full details of where to come and what to bring on receipt of your registration.