HORTICULTURE SKILLS CITY AND GUILDS 0078 LEVEL 2 (PART TIME)
What is the Course About?
Department: Construction
Faculty: Environment and Sustainability
Gain the knowledge and skills you need to work with plants - from maintaining turf as a groundskeeper, to caring for plants as a gardener, to designing gardens and parks as a landscape artist. You will learn at College and gain practical experience that will give you an edge in the world of work.
What subjects/units/modules* will I study?
The course is broken down into units and includes but not restricted to:
•Work experience
•Cut hedges using a petrol hedge trimmer
•Identification and Control of Plant Problems in the Land-Based Sector
•Soil Science
•Propagate plants by stem cuttings
•Carry out a site survey in two dimensions
•Maintaining Turf
You will also have the opportunity to undertake NPTC assessments as part of the course in:
•Safe use of Hand mowers
•Safe use of Brushcutters and Trimmers
•Safe use of Pesticides PA1
•Safe Application of Pesticides using Pedestrian Hand Held Equipment
Will I need a DBS check for this course?
You will not need a DBS check for this course
How can I find out more about the course?
If you apply for this course, you will be invited to an Information Sharing Appointment (ISA) when you will be given more detailed information about the course and when you’ll be able to ask any questions you may have.
Will I need any specialist uniform and/or kit?
You will need safety boots and gloves. As there is an element of outdoor learning you will need appropriate clothing for the weather.
When will I get a timetable?
You will be given your timetable during induction in September.
Useful links
A course specific handbook can be found on the City & Guilds Website:
What happens once I have applied?
We will send you an email to let you know we have received your application. If you are new to the course area you Portal.
Popular Courses
Sometimes we get a high volume of applications for particular courses. If your first choice course is popular, we’ll let you know have applied for, you will be invited to an Information Sharing Appointment (ISA) along with all other applicants to the course.
Please note: applicants are invited to ISAs depending on the date the application was received (there is limited capacity for each ISA so you may not be invited to the same one as other applicants who have applied for the same course). You will receive your invitation via email, to the email address you used when setting up your UCM Learner and ask if you would like us to process your second choice course as well. This doesn’t mean you won’t be considered for your first choice it just provides you with a back-up plan.
International/UK Applicants
If you are an international/UK applicant someone from UCM will contact you remotely. It is essential that you have uploaded copies of your results/ certificates and relevant translations of grades/ certificates. Please note, if you are an international applicant and your application is received later than the end of May (i.e. three months before the start of the academic year) we will not be able to process it as the immigration processes would exceed the timescale required to start in September.
What do I need to know about Information Sharing Appointments (ISAs)?
Do I have to attend an ISA?
If you are invited to an ISA, you must attend!
What happens if I can’t attend the ISA I’m invited to?
Please let us know and we will make sure you are invited to an ISA on a different date.
What happens if I don’t attend an ISA?
If you fail to attend two ISAs without letting us know why, we will assume you don’t want us to continue with your application.
How long will the ISA take?
The ISA will start at 4:30 p.m.
(If parents/carers bring you to the ISA, they can wait in the College’s refectory; there are vending machines available.)
What can I expect at the ISA?
You will be welcomed to the department and given a presentation about the course by one of the course lecturers. This will include information about the course that you have applied for and the construction sector. You will be shown around the department and the relevant classrooms and workshops. There will be an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have. Finally, the next steps will be explained to you as to what happens after the ISA and what else you may be required to do.
What should I wear?
The ISA will mostly be classroom so casual clothing will suffice. There will be a tour of the horticulture facilities that are outside so appropriate clothing will be needed.
What will I need to bring?
You will not need to bring anything along with you the ISA
Who do I contact if I have mobility or additional educational needs that I would like to discuss before the ISA?
Please email applications@ucm.ac.im
What happens once I’ve attended an ISA?
We will contact you within 5 working days of the ISA to either:
•make you an unconditional offer (i.e. a definite place on the course);
•make you a conditional offer (i.e. a place on the course IF you get the results required in the summer exams);
•suggest you apply for another course because the one you have applied for is not suitable for you (if this is the case it is likely we will have discussed this with you during the ISA).
What happens if I get an unconditional offer?
You will be invited in to enrol, which is when you are given your student card. This may happen in the summer, if not you will be enrolled at the start of your course.
What happens if I get a conditional offer?
If you have applied for an FE course, you will need to upload your results to your UCM Learner Portal, once you get them (e.g. GCSE, BTEC). We will then check to see you have got what is needed for the course and, if you have, we will convert your offer to unconditional, which means you definitely have a place on the course. You will be enrolled at the start of your course (that’s when you get your student card).
If you are unlucky and don’t get what you need for the course you applied for, you will be invited in to find out what else is available to you at UCM.
What are my progression and career options?
A Diploma in Horticulture is designed to help you find work in roles such as:
• Groundskeeper
• Gardener
• Garden centre worker
Once you've completed the Level 2 qualification and if you have a current job, you might be interested in a Level 3 qualification in Work-based Horticulture.
How will I be assessed?
The course commences in September. Each unit is split into practical and theory elements. Self-study is part of the course and you will be set written assignments that will require some research and time management. Most units are practically based.
Entry requirements
• You will need to be employed in the Horticulture or turf care industry.
• You will need to have a minimum of 1 GCSE grades D (or above), or level 1 Horticulture or equivalent.
• Mature entrants (over 18) may be allowed entry if they can demonstrate that they have experience equivalent to the academic criteria.
• You are encouraged to make an application to UCM as soon as practicable. Please include a copy of your GCSE results/expected grades where possible.