CERTIFICATION
QQI level 5 – Award in Horticulture – Code 5M5028
DURATION
1 Year Full-time

Aim

This award is designed to introduce learners to general horticulture practices with a strong emphasis on organic, sustainable methods. This hands-on course focuses on the importance of the environment and respecting the balance of nature. Our core modules look at understanding the relationship between plants and soils and how to best provide the correct conditions for healthy growth and prevent future horticultural  problems.

Our course centres around a professional maintenance program along with propagation methods providing  our learners with the perfect ingredients for employability. This course is a mixture of practical activities and theory that takes place  in outdoor settings such as within our college grounds, our  allotment along with other private estates that have become our gardening partners for many years.

Entry Requirements          

  • Leaving Certificate or its equivalent is advised
  • Mature students are welcome to apply. Work/life experience will be considered in lieu of formal qualifications.

Modules offered may be subject to change due to resource demands.

Work Placement/Gardening Projects

Work placement takes place on a weekly basis plus a full month working in the industry in Spring. 

Programme of Study

Elective Modules

  • Biological Diversity
  • Sustainable Water Management
  • Ecological Field Methods

Core Modules

  • Communications
  • communications-2
  • Plant Science
  • Soil Science and Growing Media
  • Plant Identification and Use
Modules offered may be subject to change due to resource demands.

Work Experience

Practical experience is an integral part of the course. Participants will be required to undertake 40 days of work placement in a suitable environment, 20 working days during the academic year and a further 20 days during the springtime. The College will assist participants in identifying suitable placements.

Employment opportunities

General employment opportunities in the Horticulture sector

Progression opportunities

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.  Alternatively graduates may be eligible for advanced progression procedures to year 2 of Higher Certificate/Degree programmes in Horticulture through the CAO application process

IT Blanchardstown, BN113 Horticulture

National Botanic Gardens, Horticulture

UCD, DN272 Horticulture, Landscape and Sportsturf Management (LC Ordinary level Maths required)