RHS level 2 Online - start anytime

RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth and Development (online course)

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth and Development provides a strong foundation in plant science and horticultural theory - ideal for aspiring professionals and keen home gardeners.

This 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.

Why study this course?

Ideal entry point for a career in horticulture
Perfect for enthusiastic home gardeners
Learn at a time, place and pace that suits you
Access to our own expert tutors for guidance and support
Join a learning community at a world-renowned botanic garden

Full course details

New: Start anytime from October 2025

We are pleased to announce that, starting from 1 October 2025, we will offer weekly start dates for this course, 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 (there are three opportunities a year to sit RHS exams).

Garden: Online course

Dates: Wednesday 1st October 2025 - Friday 1st October 2027

Start Time:

End Time:

Next date

Saturday 18th October 2025

Welcome to the RHS level 2 at the Botanics

An introduction to the course

Read video transcript

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.

RHS level 2 Online - start anytime

Why study this course?

Welcome to the RHS level 2 at the Botanics

Botanics Recommends

Explore our range of unique gifts and more. Every purchase supports the Garden.

Explore our unique venues, suitable for every occasion

Discover a range of books inspired by the RBGE's work and collections

Cultivate your curiosity with our programme of courses for all ages and interests.

Search website

Popular searches

RHS level 2 Online - start anytime

Why study this course?

Welcome to the RHS level 2 at the Botanics

Botanics Recommends

Explore our range of unique gifts and more. Every purchase supports the Garden.

Explore our unique venues, suitable for every occasion

Discover a range of books inspired by the RBGE's work and collections

Cultivate your curiosity with our programme of courses for all ages and interests.

Sign-up to our newsletter

Search website

Popular searches