RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture

Course code: OSC1338

Learn all you need to know about the principles of horticulture from the comfort of your own home!

Gain the scientific knowledge of plant classifications, structures and functions.
Learn about how to maintain plant health and how to reduce problems with weeds, pests and diseases.
Learn more about choosing, establishing and maintaining plants and lawns.
Develop your knowledge how to select a suitable site and grow vegetables and fruit outdoors.

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Whether you’re a keen amateur gardener, thinking of a career change, or want to go further with your gardening business, you can now gain the knowledge in horticulture you need to succeed.

Our experienced and friendly tutors will help you every step of the way.

Important information: The current RHS qualifications at level 2 were due to change in September 2021. However, with the ongoing challenges and uncertainty of the pandemic, it has been agreed that this will be delayed until 2022. Students who enrol on the current level 2 courses with us will not be disadvantaged by this change and we will share the transition steps with all affected students once the new courses are launched.

Course Duration

Up to two years.

Study Hours

Approximately 315 hours.

Course Outcome

You will receive an RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture.

Entry Requirements

There are no specific entry requirements for this course.

Assessment

Eight exams.

Unit 1

Plant Classification, Structure and Function (R2101)

Plant groups and their relevance to horticulture
Plant names and growth stages
Horticultural and botanical terms
Structure and functions of plant cells and components
Structure and functions of flower fruits and seeds
Photosynthesis, respiration, movement of water and their importance

Unit 2

Plant Nutrition and the Root Environment (R2102)

Soil and its physical and chemical elements
Organic matter in soil and its importance
The nutrition plants receive from soil and other media
Growing media, its importance and uses

Unit 3

Maintaining Plant Health (R2103)

Safety and environmental sustainability practices for plant health
Problems of weeds and reducing them
Problems of pests and reducing them
Problems of diseases and reducing them
Problems of plant disorders and reducing them

Unit 4

Understanding Plant Propagation (R2104)

The role seeds play in plant propagation
Propagation methods from seeds and spores
Vegetative reproduction and its role in plant propagation
Vegetative propagation methods

Unit 5

Understanding Garden Features, Plant Selection and Planning (R2111)

Recording and carrying out garden surveys
Carrying out site appraisals and recording data
Principles of garden planning and what contributes to a good design
Characteristics of garden design styles
Hard landscaping materials and their effective uses
Soft landscaping materials and their effective uses
Key elements and incorporating them into a design
Safe and environmentally sensitive/sustainable development of garden sites and its importance

Unit 6

Understanding the Choice, Establishment and Maintenance of Garden Plants and Lawns (R2112)

Choosing, establishing and maintenance of plants for seasonal display
Choosing and growing herbaceous perennial plants and ‘bulbs’ for display
Choosing, establishing and maintaining woody plants for display
Choosing and growing alpine and rock garden plants
Planting and maintenance of a garden pool
The establishment and maintenance of lawns

Unit 7

Understanding the Production of Outdoor Vegetables and Fruit (R2113)

Selecting sites for outdoor food production in a garden or allotment
Cultural operations used in producing outdoor food crops
Vegetable crop production and its principles
Top and soft fruit production in a garden or allotment

Unit 8

Understanding Protected Environments and their Use in Plant Cultivation (R2114)

Protected structure in growing plants and their uses
Environments provided by protected structures
Structural and cladding materials used for protected structures
Environmental control in protected structures
Container and growing media types uses for production and display in protected environments
The protected environment and its horticultural uses
Care of plants in interior situations

Assessment

This course is assessed through a series of examinations. In order to achieve an RHS Certification, you will need to sit an examination for each module within the course. These exams will need to be sat at an alternative RHS Examination centre. A list of approved exam centres can be found here.

Examinations are offered twice a year and take place in February and June.
For this course, you will need to sit eight exams. There is a fee for each exam, which you will be responsible for paying.

Course Duration

The total guided learning hours for this qualification is 196, and the total qualification time is 315.
You will have two years to complete this course. This is more than enough time to complete your studies, so you will be able to study in your own time and at your own pace.

Study Method

This course is designed for distance learning at home or at work. Students will receive a course pack containing all study materials, as well as full tutor support by email.

Course Outcome

On successful completion of this course and exams, you will receive an RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture. The qualification is recognised by the Chartered Institute of Horticulture. RHS stands for the Royal Horticultural Society and is the UK’s leading gardening charity.

** The current RHS qualifications at level 2 are due to change in September 2021. Students who enrol onto the current Level 2 courses with Open Study College will not be disadvantaged by this change and we will share the transition steps with all affected students once the new courses are launched.

What skills are needed to enrol onto this course?

You do not need any previous knowledge to enrol onto this course.

What is included in the cost of my course?

Comprehensive study notes
Dedicated personal tutor support
Dedicated student support
Assignment marking and feedback
Pen and highlighter*
Student study planner*
Student notebook*
Document wallet*
FREE XO Student Discounts card
FREE CV critique service
FREE employability guide to help you impress future employers

* Only available with the study pack option

Do I need to sit an exam?

Yes, you will need to sit an exam for each module within this course.

Examinations are offered twice a year and take place in February and June.

For this course, you will need to sit eight exams. There is a fee for each exam, which you will be responsible for paying.

Are there any additional costs?

Everything you need to study will be provided. However, you will need to pay additional fees to sit your necessary examinations.

How do I get my work assessed?

Once we receive your work, we will mark it and return it to you. On successful completion of the course and exams you will be awarded your RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture.

What happens if I lose my course pack?

It's not a problem. We offer a course replacement service, so if you get into trouble and your course pack is lost or damaged, our Student Support Team can provide you with a new set of materials for a one-time additional fee.

What if I still have questions?

That's not a problem. We want to make sure you’re 100% confident about enrolling on the course and starting your study. So, just give our Student Adviser Team a call on 03300 563 100 and they’ll do their best to help.