Plumpton College
UCAS Code: P800 | Foundation Degree in Science - FdSc
About this course
**Immersive education for a changing world**
Technology is progressing rapidly and will change the skills needed by the workforce across the horticulture and agricultural sector over the next decade.
Adapting to climate change, improving biodiversity and resource use will require new approaches and strategies for management of horticultural sites.
Horticulture is a vast and diverse sector which covers areas such as production horticulture, fruit and vegetable- both protected and outdoors, ornamental and amenity flower and plant production, grass maintenance for amenity, sports and golf courses, landscaping and garden maintenance, public, historic and botanical gardens and garden retail.
This two-year full time foundation degree will enable you to develop skills, knowledge and understanding of the theoretical aspects of the subject areas as well as the current and future proofed skills needed to progress to a career in the diverse horticulture industry. The course was co-developed with industry stakeholders which included the Royal Horticultural Society and the West Sussex Growers Association to ensure it equips students with the current skills needed within the sector.
**The course highlights include**
- Study the foundations of plant health and development
- Learn how to grow plants in a sustainable way
- Learn how to manage a thriving business
- Analyse technological innovations and evaluate sustainable practices
**Progression opportunities and furthering your career**
The horticultural industry is a well-established one, yet the industry is in much need of newly trained horticulturalist graduates. There are many opportunities to progress into including working in greenhouse management, groundcare, in a nursery, garden centre and national parks. Jobs range from hands-on management to head gardener or consulting for local authorities.
Modules
You will study a range of modules over the duration of the couse (2 years full time or 4 years part time).
**Year 1**
In the first year, you will study a suite of compulsory modules including -
• Introduction to Business Management (15 credits)
• Understanding Soils and Plants for Effective Management (30 credits)
• Data Driven Decision Making (15 credits)
• Industry Investigation (15 credits)
• Management of Practical Horticultural Operations (30 credits)
• Study and Research Skills (15 credits)
**Year 2**
The final year of study, includes modules as below -
• Growing Systems (15 credits)
• Natural Resource Management (15 credits)
• Technological Integration in Horticulture (15 credits)
• Horticultural Site Management (15 credits)
• Work Placement (30 credits)
• Applied Business and Marketing (15 credits)
• Independent Enquiry (15 credits)
You can find out more about the course content by visiting our website or speaking to the Course Leader at our online or on campus open events.
Assessment methods
Students are assessed through a combination of assessment methods depending on the modules. Assessments for this course is mainly via coursework such as report writing, case study analysis, presentations and a small-scale research project (independent enquiry) in the final year of study. We offer a range of reasonable adjustments to support students to complete assessments.
Tuition fees
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Horticulture
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