BSc (Hons) Horticulture

Key

Optional modules
Students can select 30 credits of optional modules from stage two.

Note
These are the modules that are offered in this academic year; however, modules may be subject to change for the following reasons:

• Staff availability - for example the availability of staff to deliver specialist modules, which cannot be delivered by staff who do not have the relevant specialist expertise.
• In response to feedback and annual review processes to ensure we continually enhance our programmes. Changes in these circumstances will usually be made for the benefit of students.
• Student demand - to ensure there are adequate numbers on a module to support the provision of an excellent Learning & Teaching experience.
• The currency of the relevant module. Some modules are specified at a time when they reflect the issues that are currently topical in the subject area. They may have lost that currency by the time that the student is required to exercise the option. In the circumstances, in order to ensure that students are provided with an appropriate learning experience, those modules will be replaced by those which are relevant to the changing nature of the subject area.

The Writtle University College will endeavour to ensure that any impact on students is limited if such changes occur.

The following information provides the entry requirements for this particular course.

Please note:

An equivalent or higher combination of grades to that indicated above will also be accepted.

GCSEs

All applicants must hold a minimum of four GCSE passes at grade C/4 or above to include English, Maths and Science.

Access course

Writtle University College welcomes applicants studying Access to HE Diploma courses. For more information please contact Admissions.

Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL/APEL)

Information about our Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL/APEL) policy can be found on our Higher Education Regulations and Policies page.

The student learning experience is supported by a combination of lectures and guest speakers, seminars, laboratory practicals, field work, group work, visits and tutorials. Integration of theory with practical learning is a key element of provision, allowing for a strong vocational focus, active participation and student-centred learning. As students progress through their course, they are guided to use relevant information in an appropriate and effective manner with increasing focus given to independent learning. Students are expected to contribute to workshops and participate in class discussions, to work as part of a team as well as on individual tasks.

Personal development planning (PDP) is viewed as an important part of the Horticulture scheme, and central to reflective and life-long learning. This includes undertaking a personal skills audit and action plan as well as developing employability skills.

Opportunities for learning exist outside of the formal teaching time. The James Hearsum Lecture Series is a series of six evening lectures where eminent speakers such as Chris Beardshaw, Beth Chatto, James Wong and Christine Walkden give a lecture at the College which is open to students, staff and local keen gardeners. Two Study Weeks are run each year and aim to enhance students' learning experience. These weeks are cross-curricula bringing together students from both undergraduate and postgraduate schemes in not only Horticulture, but also from other discipline areas such as design or conservation where the opportunity arises. This might be for a study visit workshops or seminars.

It is an exciting time to be entering this wide ranging profession and there is a demand for trained horticulturists; research by LANTRA the Sector Skills Council indicates that over the next few years there will be 3000 vacancies at graduate level in the horticultural industries. Issues such as food security, climate change, relationship between access to green space and the health agenda, developments such as the Olympic Legacy Park means the need for trained landscapers and horticulturists will increase.

A high proportion of graduates in horticulture find full time positions in the industry within six months of graduating. Writtle students have gone on to further study such as post-graduate courses at Writtle and elsewhere or found positions as Local Authority Parks officers, education officers with the Royal Horticultural Society and local authorities, as technical officers in research establishments, as field trial officers, as journalists, undertaken internships with the Historic and Botanic Gardens Bursary Scheme, or as self-employed landscape gardeners.

The University College has good industrial links and encourages students to undertake an industrial summer placement during their course. Such work placements develops practical skills and knowledge along with other skills such as communication, teamwork and to develop confidence. Research undertaken at the University College shows that combining practical training with theoretical knowledge enhances employability opportunities after graduation.