About Horticulture, BTEC - at Nottingham Trent University (NTU)

The Extended Diploma and Diploma in Horticulture will help you unlock the wide range of career opportunities available in the horticultural sector. The course will provide you with the practical and theoretical training needed for the vast areas of landscaping, horticulture and floristry through exciting, engaging and challenging projects. It also offers opportunities to specialise in arboricultural practices, crop production, or garden and landscape management.

Modules cover areas such as:

• The Identification and Use of Plants

Focus on plant identification and the selection and use of plants in gardens and landscapes.

• Soil Science

Gain knowledge on the formation of soils along with the physical and chemical characteristics of a range of soil types through theory and laboratory sessions. This knowledge will then be applied to soil management and crop
production.

• Plant Science

Study botany, plant anatomy, morphology and physiology through a series of theory and laboratory sessions. You will also investigate how plant science is applied in a variety of horticultural industries.

• Establish and Manage Exterior Plant Displays

This module covers planning, development and management of herbaceous perennials, annuals, bedding plants, container growing and roses. Practical sessions will back up the theoretical knowledge.

• Horticultural Production Techniques and Protected Crops

Explore the principles and practices of glasshouse production and compare crop production in a range of protected environments. You will also study propagation, crop planning and glasshouse technology.

Please visit www.ntu.ac.uk/horticulture for a full list of modules and course content.

The Extended Diploma also covers modules such as:

• Machinery Operations
• Advanced Plant Science
• Plant Health and Protection
• Tree Pests and Diseases
• Organic Production

How will I learn?

You’ll learn through a variety of engaging and informative methods such as lectures, project work and case studies and there will be a strong emphasis on practical, hands-on learning. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit gardens, nurseries, arboretums, horticultural businesses and external events.

A work placement during your course will also enable you to gain real life experience in the industry – you will have the opportunity to work in a sector related area to enhance your knowledge and skills.

How will I be assessed?

You’ll be assessed through written assignments, practical demonstrations, planting designs, project work, survey work, plant identification and class tests.

What’s next?

After successful completion of the course you could progress onto a Higher Education course at NTU such as our FdSc Horticulture or FdSc Horticulture: Garden Design degrees.

You could also pursue a career in areas such as:

• amenity horticulture (working for local authorities and parks)
• Historic and Heritage Gardens such as The National Trust, English Heritage and private estates
• garden centres and nurseries
• botanic gardens
• ornamental production
• market gardening
• restaurant kitchen gardens
• social and therapeutic horticulture
• design and landscaping
• tree officer
• education
• start your own business

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Entry requirements for this course

Contact Nottingham Trent University (NTU) to find course entry requirements.

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