Adult Learners > Royal Horticultural Society (RHS)

RHS Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth, Garden Planning and Applied Propagation – Level 3

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Courses Code

QD3HORHST

Study method

Part Time

Cost

£1500

Location(s)

Rodbaston

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Is this course for you?

This qualification is ideal for anyone looking to deepen their horticultural knowledge and progress their skills to a more advanced level. This course is entirely theory‑based, making it perfect for learners who want to build strong scientific and technical understanding.

It’s well suited to:
- Aspiring or current horticulture professionals wanting to enhance their expertise for career development.
- Enthusiasts and committed gardeners who already have a good grounding in horticulture and want to take their knowledge further.
- Learners progressing from Level 2 and ready to explore more advanced concepts in plant science, soil management, pest and disease identification, and garden design principles.
If you’re motivated, enjoy learning the “why” behind horticultural practice, and want a qualification recognised across the industry, this course offers an excellent next step.

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 the Principles of Plant Growth, Garden Planning and Applied Propagation.

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 topics:
- Horticultural Heritage
- Plant Knowledge
- Plant Selection and Cultivation
- Plant Propagation
- Garden Styles and Specialist Areas
- Productive Growing
- Gardens Management
- Gardens, People and Spaces
Careers

You may choose to study the RHS Level 3 Practical course alongside this practical qualification, depending on how much time you have available to commit. The theory and practical 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:
- Understanding horticultural research and applying findings to specific situations
- Understanding scientific principles as applied to horticulture
Examples of embedded maths skills:
- Interpreting scientific data
- Applying calculations within management plans
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 access to a computer, laptop, or tablet, and the internet.

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 qualification is ideal for anyone looking to deepen their horticultural knowledge and progress their skills to a more advanced level. This course is entirely theory‑based, making it perfect for learners who want to build strong scientific and technical understanding.

It’s well suited to:
- Aspiring or current horticulture professionals wanting to enhance their expertise for career development.
- Enthusiasts and committed gardeners who already have a good grounding in horticulture and want to take their knowledge further.
- Learners progressing from Level 2 and ready to explore more advanced concepts in plant science, soil management, pest and disease identification, and garden design principles.
If you’re motivated, enjoy learning the “why” behind horticultural practice, and want a qualification recognised across the industry, this course offers an excellent next step.

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 the Principles of Plant Growth, Garden Planning and Applied Propagation.

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 topics:
- Horticultural Heritage
- Plant Knowledge
- Plant Selection and Cultivation
- Plant Propagation
- Garden Styles and Specialist Areas
- Productive Growing
- Gardens Management
- Gardens, People and Spaces
Careers

You may choose to study the RHS Level 3 Practical course alongside this practical qualification, depending on how much time you have available to commit. The theory and practical 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:
- Understanding horticultural research and applying findings to specific situations
- Understanding scientific principles as applied to horticulture
Examples of embedded maths skills:
- Interpreting scientific data
- Applying calculations within management plans
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 access to a computer, laptop, or tablet, and the internet.

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

Testimonials

“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

Apply for a course

RHS Principles Level 3 (Theory) (FC)

Rodbaston College

Start Date: 3rd September 2026

Code: QRD3HORHST

Cost: £1500

Part Time: 34 Weeks

Apply

RHS Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth, Garden Planning and Applied Propagation – Level 3

Is this course for you?

Required qualifications

What skills will I develop?

Careers

Work experience

English and maths

Other important information

Testimonials

Apply for a course

RHS Principles Level 3 (Theory) (FC)