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RHS Theory Qualifications

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  • mollismollis Posts: 151

    Like nutcutlet I did the RHS General Certificate in 2000 - I really enjoyed the college environment and learned much from it (part time in the evenings). You will learn lots from distance learning, but if you could enrol in a college to do a part time course I think you would gain far more.  I was really sad when the course finished. 

  • ReedReed Posts: 42

    As an update I have decided to study both the level 2 principles of horticulture and the level 3 combined qualification. Both through distance learning. Unfortunately due to a rolling shift pattern at work i cant commit to a college course which i appreciate would have been beneficial. Thank you everyone for your help. Wish me luck!

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,113

    Good luck! image


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • Who did you choose to go with in the end? Am tempted with Borders myself as their savings are significant. 

  • Lupin 1Lupin 1 Posts: 8,916

    Good luck Reed enjoy your studies. 

  • I did my Principles of Horticulture Level 2 distance learning with Learning Curve, now Borders Connect. I have to agree with the earlier poster that the tutor was rubbish. The material is OK, but a lot is not relevant to the learning outcomes of the qualification and I found it very difficult to get in touch with my tutor for advice or getting assignments marked. I ended up just using textbooks and got support from the RHS exams study group on Facebook. You have to have a lot of self discipline and motivation as you don't get any from the tutor. 

  • Lindsay, their savings are significant for a reason. If you have the motivation, I would just get the learning outcomes from the RHS website and do it yourself from textbooks

    http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0952591111/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_3?pf_rd_p=569136327&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=0080969577&pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_r=1EJ7QYME7YH5N1H89MFX

    This one is very good and specifically written to the learning outcomes. 

    You can then enter yourself as an external candidate at your nearest exam centre. Which is what you would have to do anyway if you used a distance learning provider.

    The Facebook group is also very good for asking questions and getting support.  

  • Mad MaryMad Mary Posts: 1

    Although the RHS Theory Certificates may be done as a Distance Learning/Correspondence course you have to be aware that the cost does not normally include the exam fees or a centre to take them.  You have to find an Approved centre for this.   This method of learning maybe OK if you are working in the industry and are very motivated, but learning with a bunch of like-minded people has an awful lot more to offer!

    Also for a full Diploma at Levels 2 and 3 you also need the  Practical Certificate which has to be taken at an Approved Centre.  Look on the RHS site for centres which offer the course as a full Diploma - you will get far more out of this than going it alone, as well as a full and worthwhile qualification! 

  • isitabeeisitabee Posts: 2

    Found this quite interesting comment on Amazon re. the Peter Dawson book which quite often seems to be recommended: 

     

    "If you're studying RHS level 2 horticulture (for which this book claims is designed) you would do well to steer clear of this. It is full of mistakes and inaccuracies, too vague about many subjects, missing much of what is on the syllabus, and for the price, nothing short of a complete rip-off. Your RHS 2 course tutors are no doubt very familiar with this book and will most likely be able to highlight errors to you as my tutors did.

    Borrow it from the library if you absolutely must, but please don't use it as your only source of reference for study.

    Save yourself the approx. £38 asking price and get/borrow several other worthwhile books instead such as:

    Botany for Gardeners by Brian Capon
    Principles of Horticulture (level 2) by Adams, Bamford and Early (6th edition or later if there are others)
    RHS Propagating Plants
    RHS Vegetable and Fruit Gardening
    RHS Pests & Diseases or Collins Pests, Diseases and Disorders of Garden Plants

    Other very useful reference books for level 2:
    Water Efficient Gardening by John Marder
    Illustrated Trees of Britain and Europe or Botanica's Pocket Trees and Shrubs
    The Dr DG Hessayon 'Expert' series of books
    RHS Plants for Places and RHS Pruning Plant by Plant or RHS Pruning and Training
    RHS A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants
    RHS Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening"

    Although people seem to be pleased with the Peter Dawson book, I'm going to have a look at some of the other books mentioned as they also look quite good

  • Older GuyOlder Guy Posts: 3

    The Holsworthy Horticultural College as been established since 1930 and my first impressions indicate that they may be very good for a correspondence course to deal with the two theoretical modules. I would have to look elsewhere for the practical unit and with Bicton College no longer offering RHS courses since amalgamation, my only option is likely to be travelling to Duchy College, Rosewarne site - a three hour trip for me to include the return home journey.

    I do not know whether to launch out and go straight in at Level 3 but the Level 3 practical may not run as currently not enough uptake in terms of students. Also, why is Level 3 practical twice the fee of Level 2 at Duchy - Roseland? Fees are £623 for Level 2 and £1246 for Level 3. Small wonder that they cannot find enough takers to ensure that the Sept 2015 course is a certain runner. Not sure how to proceed from here so advice welcome, please!

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