FdSc Horticulture Degree

Course information

Horticulture is a modern, professional vocation that influences our environment, how we eat, how we relax, our health, life expectancy and well-being. This programme is offered at the world renowned Eden Project in Cornwall and has been designed specifically to allow you to explore many aspects of horticulture including applied science, sustainability and design. It provides opportunities to gain and reflect on practical experience in two distinct work placements. The programme will also provide you with the skills and experience to prepare for an interesting, exciting and rewarding career which embraces tradition, technology and innovation.

Both the programme of study and student experience are greatly enhanced through the collaboration between Cornwall College and the Eden Project. The range of resources including Eden’s own plant collections, growing environments, nursery and dedicated teaching facilities, coupled with the nationally renowned micro-propagation research facility, provide a world-class platform from which this exciting and stimulating programme will be delivered.

You will quickly become integrated within the Eden Project and, in addition to attending the carefully designed taught modules, will have the opportunity to apply and develop a wide range of practical skills by participating in activities in the tropical and Mediterranean biomes, the outdoor garden and nursery crop production facility. As well as benefiting from working alongside Eden’s skilled and specialist horticulturalists, you will also undertake a work placement within another commercial enterprise.

In the final year of your study you will undertake a piece of novel research, for which it is encouraged to make full use of the available facilities to explore industry-related issues, that will enhance your CV on successful completion of the course.

Cornwall College University Centre at the Eden Project offers a diverse range of higher education courses linked to the natural environment, including Horticulture, Plant Science, Soil Science, Ecology, and Garden and Landscape Design. With expert instruction and degrees awarded by the University of Plymouth, our programmes provide the perfect opportunity to gain both academic knowledge and practical skills.

As part of your studies, you’ll benefit from access to the Eden Project’s unique biomes, where you can apply your learning in tropical and Mediterranean environments, as well as outdoor garden settings. You’ll also work alongside Eden’s specialist horticulturists and gain hands-on experience. In your final year, you'll have the opportunity to conduct original research using these exceptional facilities, exploring industry-relevant topics to enhance your CV.

Want to learn more? Join us at our next open event!

Download FdSc Horticulture Programme Specification (2024-25) at https://www.cornwall.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/FdSc-Horticulture-Programme-Specification-2024-25.pdf  

What You Will Learn

Indicative Module Year 1:
• Personal & Employability Skills Development
• Research Skills
• Introduction to Soil Science & Plant Nutrition
• Introduction to Botany
• Plant Use in the Landscape
• Horticulture in Practice 1 (including work placement)

Options:
• Garden & Landscape Design 1: Foundation - Space, Place & User
• Classification & Taxonomy


Indicative Module Year 2:
• Research Project
• Plant Growth & Development
• Plant Ecology
• Horticulture in Practice 2 (including work placement)

Options:
• Garden & Landscape Design 2: Planning & People
• Garden Landscape Histories: Theories & Contexts
• Plant Pathology
• Ethnobotany

Entry Requirements

48 UCAS points from AS and A-Levels (at least 32 points must be at A2-level) or relevant level 3 qualification, ie BTEC National Diploma / BTEC Extended Diploma - PPP Grades required (specific unit grades may be requested). Access to HE Diplomas in a relevant subject - 45 credits at level 3 (specific unit grades may be requested). Plus GCSEs at grade C/grade 4 or above in English Language, Science and Mathematics: alternatives at Level 2 may be considered.

Mature applicants with relevant experience but without the stated qualifications will be considered individually and are encouraged to apply.

We accept a variety of qualifications to include equivalent international qualifications.

All applicants are subject to wider entry requirements.

Data Sharing Agreement

As part of our interview process, it is essential that we obtain your formal permission to share aspects of your data with trusted work placement providers in order that reasonable adjustments can be made.

Criminal Convictions

You are not required to complete a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check or provide a Certificate of Good Conduct to study this course.

If you are currently subject to any license condition or monitoring restriction that could affect your ability to successfully complete your studies, you will be required to disclose your criminal record. Conditions include, but are not limited to:

• Access to laboratory facilities including chemicals
• Access to computers or devices that can store images
• Use of internet and communication tools/devices
• Curfews
• Freedom of movement
• Contact with people related to University Centre Eden or The Cornwall College Group

Progression

Possible Progression (subject to availability):
• BSc (Hons) Horticulture (Plant Science)* final year at the Eden Project
• BSc (Hons) Horticulture (Garden & Landscape Design)* final year at the Eden Project

* Note that entry to these programmes is by accredited prior learning and may require bridging work

Possible Careers:
• Commercial Crop Producer
• Researcher
• Estate Garden Worker
• Garden and Landscape Design Technician
• Landscaper
• Propagator
• Horticultural Retailer
• Glasshouse Technician
• Municipal Parks and Gardens Worker
• Nursery Stock Producer
• Community Project Worker

Cornwall College University Centre at the Eden Project

Cornwall College University Centre at the Eden Project

In partnership with the Eden Project, we’ve created a unique suite of university-level programmes that align with Eden’s mission to make the world a better place. Delivered by expert trainers from Cornwall College, these programmes are taught within Eden’s unique learning environment, offering students not only an academic education but also practical, hands-on experience at this globally renowned visitor attraction and garden. Our degrees, awarded by the University of Plymouth, provide an unparalleled blend of theory and real-world application. Discover more at our upcoming Open Day!

Find out more about studying with us

Events

Open Event

Duchy College Rosewarne

Open Event at Duchy College Rosewarne

• 18 Jan 25
• 15 May 25

Open Event

Bicton College

Open Event at Bicton College

• 18 Jan 25
• 26 Apr 25