Aim
The Level 5 Horticulture courses are highly recommended for those interested in hands-on, realistic experience in all aspects of gardening. The chore modules prepare learners to work as craft gardeners, with emphasis in sustainable and organic methods that are friendly with the environment. 60% of the course involves working in charity gardens nearby, established private and public parks as well as college garden space. All with the guidance of the tutors. All the skills are demonstrated in the form of workshops and learners develop great confidence by the end of the academic year. Work placement involves 440 hours in total and our partners are well established organisations that many times offer a job position to students at the end.
The Gardening and Landscape Design course focuses on designing and constructing gardens with professional landscapers and garden designers. One garden is designed and built from beginning to end during the academic year preparing students to work as assistants to landscape designers
Entry Requirements
Leaving Certificate or equivalent advised, but mature students with work/life experience are welcome to apply.
Programme of Study
Core Modules
- Communications
- Work Practice
- Plant Science
- Soil Science and Growing Media
- Plant Protection
- Ornamental Horticulture
- Plant Identification and Use
- Garden Design
Work Placement/Gardening Projects
Practical experience is an integral part of the course. The College has established the following practices to enhance learners’ exposure to horticulture:
- Experience with real gardens for practical garden skills. Pruning, planting, general garden maintenance and creating planting plans.
- Working in public parks, private gardens and college grounds
- Regular experience propagating plants in college allotment
- College trips to include Botanic Gardens, Garden Estates, Parks and Private gardens.
- Opportunity to travel: Erasmus Programme with Finland and Spain
- Community support: Collaboration with Airfield Garden Estate, Powerscourt Estate and School’s grounds and other private gardens.
- Practical experiments and hands-on experience.
Career Opportunities
Graduates have a wide range of employment opportunities in the horticulture sector. Some of the potential career paths include:
- Horticulturist: As a horticulturist, you’ll specialise in the maintenance of large green spaces for both the private and public sector specializing in craft gardening, the art of pruning techniques, planting and general garden maintenance.
- Garden designer: As a garden designer, you’ll work with clients to design and create outdoor spaces, gardens and landscapes. You’ll need to have a keen eye for design, an understanding of horticulture, and strong communication skills.
- Garden centre and nursery worker: As a garden centre worker, you’ll work in a retail environment, selling plants, gardening tools, and other products to customers. You’ll need to have a good knowledge of plant propagation and be skilled in customer service.
Progression
Our Gardening and Landscape Design programme has strong progression into higher education institutions depending on the strand chosen by the learner. Progress to the following degree courses:
- DCFE Level 6 Horticulture
- National Botanic Gardens, Horticulture
- UCD, DN272 Horticulture
- UCD DN120 Landscape Contruction
Graduates who achieve the required standard may progress to our two-year part-time programme in Horticulture Supervision or Market Gardening Supervision at level 6 or may be eligible for advanced progression procedures to year 2 of Higher Certificate/Degree programmes in Horticulture through the CAO application process.
