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 wanting to learn more?
Our horticulture courses at Rodbaston College are accredited by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and are designed for adult learners looking to enter the industry. They are part-time courses which allow you to study around other commitments.
Rodbaston College is an RHS Approved Centre which means it is authorised by the Royal Horticultural Society to deliver, assess, and examine RHS gardening qualifications.
The estate is home to purpose-built horticultural facilities including extensive glasshouse systems, a polytunnel, onsite gardens including allotment plots, formal garden areas, propagation areas, a walled garden, a rose garden, and an orchard, as well as a wide range of plant specimens to learn about.
There is also a range of additional habitats such as woodland, lakes, wildflower areas, and an arboretum.
Build skills that today’s horticultural industry truly needs.
Turn your love of plants into recognised RHS qualifications.
An evolving landscape filled with a wide variety of plant species.
Your mind is a garden – let positive thoughts grow.
“I joined Rodbaston to study the RHS Level 2 courses and continued onto Level 3. Having a qualification opened many doors, and I now work for a local nursery. The courses taught me theoretical and practical knowledge, allowing me to go out and apply those skills. If you are questioning studying the course, don't, just apply! If not for career goals, then to be surrounded by like-minded people!”
Jessica Young
Plant Production Supervisor at Brookside Nursery
“I am passionate about helping students learn, grow, and gain the valuable skills our horticultural industry urgently needs. Employers are looking for knowledgeable, confident horticulturists, and it’s a privilege to help develop the next generation of professionals. Our commitment to high teaching standards, hands‑on learning, and strong student support has made us a centre of choice.”
Nicola Davies MCI Hort
Horticulture Lecturer
The horticulture industry is one of the UK’s most diverse, creative, and environmentally significant sectors. It brings together science, technology, craft, and sustainable land management to shape the green spaces we rely on every day: from public parks and nature reserves to private gardens, sports turf, and commercial plant production. As the world responds to climate change, biodiversity loss, and the need for greener urban living, horticulture professionals are more vital than ever.
The sector plays a vital role in addressing some of society’s biggest challenges including climate change and sustainability, biodiversity and conservation, food security, and health and wellbeing.
RHS qualifications match industry needs as they are industry‑recognised, built by sector experts, and respected by employers across horticulture, landscaping, and plant production sectors.
These courses equip learners with the scientific, practical, and sustainability‑focused competencies that industry employers need.
Our students welcome experts from the industry to Rodbaston such as David Austin Roses for a hands-on masterclass in rose care and pruning.
They also get to go on trips into the industry and have visited Biddulph Grange Garden as well as completed work on the Trentham Estate.
Our Level 3 RHS Practical group has been accepted as exhibitors at the Beautiful Borders competition at BBC Gardeners’ World Live.
At South Staffordshire College our students come first, and everything we do is aimed at helping you to realise your full potential. We are about careers not courses and our expert staff will make sure you have the skills and knowledge needed to give you that competitive edge for when you start your career within your chosen industry.
As a school leaver, you will be treated as an adult, within a friendly and supportive environment. You’ll enjoy more freedom and independence, and you’ll make many new friends, all with the same passion and journey ahead as you. As an adult, we understand you may feel uneasy about returning to education, but there is no need to be. We have smaller class sizes and supportive tutors to make you feel very welcome.
Get the Skills with us!
Make an enquiry about your chosen career.
