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Level 3 RHS Certificate in Principle of Plant Growth, Garden Planning and Applied Propagation

  • BERKSHIRE COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE
  • LEVEL 3
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Student pruning branches

Course Overview

This theory-based qualification improves your existing knowledge of the principles underpinning horticultural practices – allowing you to enter, or progress within, a horticultural profession. It also provides a foundation for further learning in the field of horticulture.

Career changers looking to work in professional horticulture for the first time and already have a Level 2 understanding.

Professional horticulturists already working in horticulture and wanting to develop knowledge further.

Casual learners wanting to develop personal interest and progress to further horticultural study at level 4.

Busy people in need a flexible learning style? Our qualifications are designed to be studied part-time.

Your place on this course won’t be secure until you have completed and submitted an application form and made payment over the phone with our admissions team.

Course Code

XP3BRHS5B0

Course Fee
£1260.00
Start Time

13:30

End Time

16:30

End Date

Thu, 03 Jul 2025

Entry Requirements

No formal entry requirements.

However, it is strongly recommended that students who have obtained the RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles ...

Course information

This is an evening course that builds on the knowledge gained from the Level 2 Theory course.

Although there are no formal prerequisites for entry to the qualification it is strongly recommended that students have studied the content covered by the Level 2 Certificate or an equivalent Level 2 qualification in horticulture.

Each module is assessed by an RHS set examination in February and June. To achieve the qualification both unit exams must be completed and achieved.

Unit 1 Topics:

Horticultural Heritage
Plant Knowledge
Plant Selection & Cultivation
Plant Propagation

Unit 2 Topics:

Garden Styles & Specialist Areas
Productive Growing
Gardens Management
Gardens People and Spaces

36 weeks

Face to face in the classroom

Each unit will be assessed by a separate written examination covering all learning outcomes specified in the unit. Examinations are held in February and June.

Examinations must be taken at BCA.

Examinations must be conducted in accordance with the RHS Regulations for the Conduct of Examinations. Examinations will be offered twice a year in February and June.

Exam Dates for 2024-2025 have not yet been published by the RHS. All resits will be at an additional cost.

On successful completion of the course you will have obtained an RHS Level 3 in the Principles of Plant Growth, Garden Planning and Applied Propagation

You will have gained a range of horticultural knowledge relevant to employment in various roles in commercial plant production and the horticultural sector, such as a head gardener or supervisor in private, public, or botanic gardens or parks and urban green spaces.

Level 3

Full details of the course contents are available on the RHS website.