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Adult Learners > Royal Horticultural Society (RHS)

RHS Certificate in Practical Horticulture – Level 3

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Courses Code
QD3HOPHS
Study method
Part Time
Cost
£1500
Location(s)
Rodbaston
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  • Is this course for you?

    This practical-based qualification is designed for learners who want to advance their horticultural skills and progress into supervisory or specialist roles. It builds on Level 2 knowledge and focuses on applying horticultural science to real-world garden and landscape management.

    It is suitable for those progressing within horticultural roles and/or those who have an interest in the supervision and development of gardens and landscapes.

    This is a one‑year, part‑time programme, requiring attendance at college for half a day per week. At Level 3, you will also be expected to carry out some self-directed study and background reading at home to support your work in college.

    Upon successful completion of this course, you will achieve the RHS Level 3 Certificate in Practical Horticulture.

    If you have any questions, you can contact the course tutor directly below:

    Nicola Davies – Horticulture Lecturer

  • Required qualifications

    You should hold a full Level 2 qualification in horticulture (both practical and theory) or have substantial industry experience and be able to demonstrate skills and knowledge of the subject matter.

    Applicants must be aged 19 or over and have a keen interest in gardening and the outdoors.

  • What skills will I develop?

    The qualification consists of the following practical topics:

    • Plant knowledge
    • Creating planted areas
    • Maintaining planted areas
    • Plant health
    • Productive growing
    • Protected growing
    • Ecological and sustainable plantings
    • Landscaping materials

    Students will also advance their transferable skills including problem solving, implementing management plans, leadership, teamwork, and communication skills.

  • Careers

    You may choose to study the RHS Level 3 Theory course alongside this practical qualification, depending on how much time you have available to commit. The practical and theory courses, alongside the RHS Level 3 Award in Horticultural Investigation, enable you to work towards the full RHS Level 3 Diploma in Horticulture.

    Completing Level 3 qualifications will give you the required knowledge and skills to succeed in higher-level roles within the industry, such as head gardener, garden supervisor, team leader, retail manager, community horticulture specialist, production manager, or research technician.

    It could also lead to further study at Higher Education such as the RHS Master of Horticulture (MHort) via RHS Qualifications.

  • Work experience

    Work experience is not a mandatory component of this qualification, but it is strongly advised that you are already working within the industry at Level 3.

  • English and maths

    Although you will not be required to complete English or maths qualifications as part of this course, a good standard of both is essential. These skills are embedded within all units due to their importance within the horticultural sector.

    Examples of embedded English skills:

    • Using advanced horticulture terminology
    • Participating in professional discussions and debates
    • Understanding garden management plans

    Examples of embedded maths skills:

    • Calculating propagation quantities including germination rates, plant spacings, and growing media ratios
    • Interpreting the results of plant trials
    • Calculating materials for planted areas and landscaping

    Learners who wish to improve their English or maths can explore the available GCSE and Functional Skills courses for adults at the college here.

  • Other important information

    Learners will need appropriate footwear, such as safety boots and/or steel‑toe‑cap wellingtons. While a specific uniform is not required, gardening gloves and warm, waterproof clothing for winter sessions are essential. All specialist equipment will be provided by the college.

    Course fees can be paid in full or via a payment plan, which includes a deposit followed by instalments.

  • Is this course for you?

    This practical-based qualification is designed for learners who want to advance their horticultural skills and progress into supervisory or specialist roles. It builds on Level 2 knowledge and focuses on applying horticultural science to real-world garden and landscape management.

    It is suitable for those progressing within horticultural roles and/or those who have an interest in the supervision and development of gardens and landscapes.

    This is a one‑year, part‑time programme, requiring attendance at college for half a day per week. At Level 3, you will also be expected to carry out some self-directed study and background reading at home to support your work in college.

    Upon successful completion of this course, you will achieve the RHS Level 3 Certificate in Practical Horticulture.

    If you have any questions, you can contact the course tutor directly below:

    Nicola Davies – Horticulture Lecturer

  • Required qualifications

    You should hold a full Level 2 qualification in horticulture (both practical and theory) or have substantial industry experience and be able to demonstrate skills and knowledge of the subject matter.

    Applicants must be aged 19 or over and have a keen interest in gardening and the outdoors.

  • What skills will I develop?

    The qualification consists of the following practical topics:

    • Plant knowledge
    • Creating planted areas
    • Maintaining planted areas
    • Plant health
    • Productive growing
    • Protected growing
    • Ecological and sustainable plantings
    • Landscaping materials

    Students will also advance their transferable skills including problem solving, implementing management plans, leadership, teamwork, and communication skills.

  • Careers

    You may choose to study the RHS Level 3 Theory course alongside this practical qualification, depending on how much time you have available to commit. The practical and theory courses, alongside the RHS Level 3 Award in Horticultural Investigation, enable you to work towards the full RHS Level 3 Diploma in Horticulture.

    Completing Level 3 qualifications will give you the required knowledge and skills to succeed in higher-level roles within the industry, such as head gardener, garden supervisor, team leader, retail manager, community horticulture specialist, production manager, or research technician.

    It could also lead to further study at Higher Education such as the RHS Master of Horticulture (MHort) via RHS Qualifications.

  • Work experience

    Work experience is not a mandatory component of this qualification, but it is strongly advised that you are already working within the industry at Level 3.

  • English and maths

    Although you will not be required to complete English or maths qualifications as part of this course, a good standard of both is essential. These skills are embedded within all units due to their importance within the horticultural sector.

    Examples of embedded English skills:

    • Using advanced horticulture terminology
    • Participating in professional discussions and debates
    • Understanding garden management plans

    Examples of embedded maths skills:

    • Calculating propagation quantities including germination rates, plant spacings, and growing media ratios
    • Interpreting the results of plant trials
    • Calculating materials for planted areas and landscaping

    Learners who wish to improve their English or maths can explore the available GCSE and Functional Skills courses for adults at the college here.

  • Other important information

    Learners will need appropriate footwear, such as safety boots and/or steel‑toe‑cap wellingtons. While a specific uniform is not required, gardening gloves and warm, waterproof clothing for winter sessions are essential. All specialist equipment will be provided by the college.

    Course fees can be paid in full or via a payment plan, which includes a deposit followed by instalments.

Testimonials

“Returning to Rodbaston as an adult learner, ten years after completing my Level 2 in Horticulture, has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The course has helped me grow both professionally and personally and learning alongside such a supportive group of like-minded people has been incredibly rewarding. I’ve gained confidence and truly rediscovered my passion for horticulture.”

William Potts

Level 3 RHS Practical Student

Apply for a course

  • RHS Level 3 (FC)

    Rodbaston College

    Start Date: 10th September 2026

    Code: QRD3HOPHS

    Cost: £1500

    Start Time: 13:00 PM

    End Time:16:30 PM

    Part Time: 33 Weeks

    Day(s): Thursday

    Apply
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