This course runs online and offers a flexible approach to learning to enable you to pace your studies.
RHS Level 2 Theory Certificate (online)
RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth and Development
Start anytime!
We offer the opportunity to begin this course 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 subject and sit the exams.
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
If you are looking for a first qualification in horticulture or you are simply a gardener keen to expand your knowledge, this course is for you. No existing qualifications are required. It is for learners aged 16 and over.
RHS Qualifications, the awarding organisation of the Royal Horticultural Society.
The course covers a range of topics relevant to 21st century horticulture based on extensive industry feedback, recently revised and updated. Check out the qualification specification on the RHS Level 2 Qualifications page for more information (both links open in a new window on the RHS website).
The RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth and Development is comprised of two units, with an accompanying exam for each. You can start this course anytime.
Access
The course is delivered on our online learning platform, PropaGate Learning (Moodle) and you will be provided with a complete set of course resources and learning support from tutors to help you pass the exams. You will have access for two years, giving you ample time to study for, and sit the exams.
Format
Most of the course is delivered via asynchronous distance learning, meaning you can study the materials at a time that suits you. You are not required to log in at specific times and there are no deadlines for submission of work. Exam preparation webinars are offered before each exam sitting, however there are no live classes. We recommend you come along to the exam webinars if you can.
The course itself consists of lessons, activities, discussions, quizzes, practice exam questions and additional resources such as videos and links to useful sources of further information.
Take a look
A sample element called Pollination and fertilisation (opens in a new window) is available for you to review online so you can review the types of resources that will be offered. Enter the key 'Anther24' to gain access.
This course is assessed by two online exams, one for each unit. Exams are provided online by the RHS (currently in February and June). You can register for an exam when you feel ready and we will guide you through this process.
You will need access to:
- a desktop or laptop computer with an up-to-date operating system and browser along with an internet connection/speed suitable for streaming videos.
- an email account.
- a webcam and screen resolution of at least 1280x800 for the online exams.
Prior to the exam you will also be asked to install invigilation software which is an extension to your browser. Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge browsers are currently required for this. Instructions on how to set this up will be provided.
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.
The total fee for RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth and Development is £995. This is payable on registration.
Breakdown:
Online course access and materials: £795
RHS fees: £200
The course fee includes RHS fees (Exam Fees for first attempt of unit one and unit two, Learner Registration Fee and 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.
If you later decide not to sit the exams, these fees will not be refundable.
Extending access
There will be the option to pay and register for extended access to the online materials for a year should you need it, to help you complete your exams. The fee for the extension is £200.
If you need to resit, the RHS has additional fees of £85 per exam.
You can register anytime and you will have access to the course within four days. Please complete the course registration form when you are ready to begin your studies.
We have been delivering the RHS Level 2 theory course online for 12 years. It has been developed by experienced tutors and learning technologists here at the Botanics.
Here at the Botanics we have a wealth of experience to draw upon from across the whole garden, allowing us to share our skills and knowledge with you.
Specifically, we offer:
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.
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 which is a Moodle site. Our course materials have been written and developed by our online learning team and include videos, lessons, activities and quizzes, together with progress tracking and badges for topic completion. Check out the sample materials for more detail.
Exam preparation webinars
Live sessions are available before each set of exams with an opportunity to ask questions. We understand how important it is to feel confident about the exam structure and set-up and to feel fully prepared.
Student support
We pride ourselves on the support we offer.
Tutors are available weekdays via the forums/email where you will receive speedy responses to questions. We respond to all posts within three days, but normally much sooner.
Our learning technologists are on hand via the forums/email to help you when you need assistance - you will receive a reply by the next working day.
Support with general enquiries and exam registration is also available from our administration team via the forums and email.
Your RHS level 2 course tutors: Erica Randall, Matthew Edwards and Graham Young
We have shared a full element here: Pollination and Fertilisation (opens in a new window). You will need to enter the password 'Anther24' to gain access.
Yes this course is part of the RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles and Practices of Horticulture. This 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 (this course)
- 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 which is independent of the RHS qualification.
Refunds
Please refer to our refund policy
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) reserves the right to cancel this course. The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh cannot be liable for additional costs incurred in the event of cancellation.
If the course does not go ahead, any money paid to the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh would be refunded in full.
Fees will not be refundable should you not complete or pass the course.
Pausing your studies
You can apply to pause your studies in exceptional circumstances e.g. if you are unwell and provide a medical letter from a doctor. A £50 admin fee will be chargeable.
Resits
If you need to re-sit either of the units, the RHS has additional resit fees which will be charged.
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
