Writtle University College has launched the UK’s first three-year degree in floristry.
The BA (Hons) Professional Floristry and Floral Design degree gives students the professional and artistic skills to set themselves apart in the increasingly competitive and diverse industry.
But it will also progress their understanding of leadership and business, opening up wider career opportunities in teaching, postharvest research and art & design.
One highlight of the new course will be a demonstration from international floral designer Carles Fontanillas. He will be travelling from Barcelona to Writtle to show his design skills and preview his new book at the event on 9 November.
Course Manager Julia Ryde, a UK national floristry judge, contributor to the Professional Florists’ Manual and Academic Fellow of the Institute of Professional Florists, said: “Today the floral industry is a multi-billion pound industry that is fascinating yet extremely challenging. Florists need to be multi-faceted in order to cope with the demands faced on a daily basis but there are now more opportunities than ever before.
“Writtle University College is well-respected in the industry with more than 25 years of delivering floristry courses at a range of levels. The next step for us - in the light of being awarded University College status - was to deliver a course that responds to the diversity and demands within the industry.”
The course focuses on developing artistic and creative skills to the highest professional standards. Students will be given the opportunity to exhibit their work in the Writtle University College Design Show as well as national competitions, which requires a high-level of skill both at an artistic and presentational level.
The Institute of Professional Florists accreditation is embedded in the degree, giving students a nationally-recognised professional qualification. An introduction to teaching is also offered at Level 6, with the aim of preparing students with an alternative career option which they can build upon with further teaching qualifications.
The result is a degree that reflects and responds to the varied and demanding industry, offering creative, design-led careers in the commercial world of retail, self-employment or the management of teams creating designs for private clients, hotels, weddings and events. There is also the opportunity to excel in postharvest research, logistics, wholesaling, and product development, plus teaching, training, demonstrating and further study at Masters level.
To find out more about the BA (Hons) Professional Floristry and Floral Design, visit
writtle.ac.uk/BA-(Hons)-Professional-Floristry-and-Floral-Design
Carles Fontanillas - International Floral Designer Demonstration
9 November 2017 6.30pm to 9.30pm
Writtle University College
Tickets cost £25 (plus a £1.87 booking fee)
Book through Eventbrite: