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Royal Horticultural Society (RHS)

Do you want to learn something new and gain a recognised qualification in horticulture? Considering a career change, wanting to upskill or simply have an interest in plants and want to learn more?

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) qualifications are designed for adult learners looking to enter the industry. These part time courses allow you to study around other commitments.

The newly revised RHS Level 2 qualifications are suitable for those wishing to pursue an exciting and varied career in horticulture. It is also relevant to those already working in the horticulture industry who wish to gain the formal recognition of a professional qualification.

The horticulture sector offers a wide variety of roles ranging from production, amenity and landscaping to botany, plant pathology, plant research and everything in between. Horticulturalists are in demand as we strive to close the green skills gap across the country.

Highly valued qualification

Industry recognised standard of knowledge, skills and learning.

Professional standard

Many employers request RHS qualifications as a requirement.

Inspiring place to learn

An ever-evolving site hosting a wide range of plant species.

Promotes mental wellbeing

Your mind is the garden, your thoughts are the seeds!

Key information

Across both courses, you will learn about plant identification from the extensive and ever-increasing range of plant species onsite.

On the RHS practical course you will carry out practical work involving plant establishment and health, propagation principles, the art of pruning, grassed areas and garden features. Assessments consist of two practical competency tests and one online test.

The RHS theory course will give you the underpinning knowledge on a wide range of topics including plant science, plant health and nutrition, planting styles, biodiversity and horticulture within society. Assessments for this course include two written exams here at South Staffs College in February and June.

You can work for elite employers such as The National Trust or English Heritage or you can run your own gardening and landscaping business, the sky is the limit!

Progression routes in the future here at South Staffs will include Level 3 RHS qualifications.

Career Pathways

You can become a:

  • Head Gardener
  • Garden Consultant
  • Nursery worker
  • Garden designer
  • Plant pathologist
  • Educational tutor
  • Horticultural therapist
  • Arborist
  • Plant scientist
  • Garden writer

Take the next step with a career in Horticulture