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Horticulture with Plantsmanship

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Why Study Horticulture with Plantsmanship ?

If you are keen about botanic gardens horticulture, plant collections, conservation and botany, this is the programme for you.  Horticulture with Plantsmanship courses develop specialist knowledge and skills in ‘plantsmanship’ – the study of the diversity of plants and their cultivation - along with practical skills in horticulture. They are well suited to those seeking to pursue a science-based qualification within a vocational context. 

The Horticulture with Plantsmanship programme integrates the management of plant collections with knowledge of plant distribution, classification, diversity, structure, identification, recognition and cultivation.  You will also gain a good understanding of other aspects of horticulture, plant science and technology.

The HND and BSc Horticulture with Plantsmanship are delivered in partnership with the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) with classes and practical work based at both RBGE and SAC’s Edinburgh campus – as a student on this course you will benefit from the considerable resources and expertise of both organisations.

 

About The Course

Further detail can be found in the attached course leaflet.

The Horticulture with Plantsmanship course ensures development of relevant practical skills with laboratory as well as plant propagation and plant culture classes making up a major component of the programme. Visits to leading commercial horticultural enterprises as well as significant plant collections throughout the UK are an integral part of the programme. The gardens of the Royal Botanic Garden are a major resource of which the fullest use is made.

Year one of the course follows the content of the HNC in Horticulture and provides foundation knowledge including horticultural practices, plant recognition, plant biology, and plant protection.

In year two, you will study specialist topics such as plant and habitat conservation, plant classification, and the design and management of plant collections. The course ensures knowledge is gained in a practical way, and will be applicable to the workplace in the structuring, establishment, organisation, and management of plant collections.

As an individual, you will have your own plot in year 1 and undertake a specialist project in an area of particular interest to you in year 2.  Work experience in a range of sections of the gardens at RBGE is undertaken in year 1.

Years three and four of the degree programme both broaden studies by taking a global and historical perspective of plant collections, whilst further developing the scientific understanding of taxonomy, biodiversity and physiology.  Coursework involves group work and individual project work on a range of topics including experiments relating to physiology and taxonomy, production of a management plan for a historic garden, and business case studies.  In Year 4, the Honours Project and Dissertation gives you an opportunity to carry out research in an area of special interest to you.

Throughout the course there are opportunities for additional work placements in the UK and abroad. 

Awards Available

Click on a course title for further details

BSc/BSc (Hons) Horticulture with Plantsmanship

Study In Edinburgh: SAC S01 D4D7 Z BSc/HWP

Length Of Course

The general degree takes 3 years, the honours degree 4 years of full-time study. Part-time study is also available.

Validating University

The BSc/BSc (Hons) Horticulture with Plantsmanship degree is awarded by the University of Glasgow.

Minimum Entry Requirements

3 Highers (BCC) or 2 A-Levels (CC). Normally to include a science subject.

Applicants without the minimum entry requirements for entry to the degree in year 1 are encouraged to pursue an application via the HND route.

Progression Routes

Applicants with a relevant HND are encouraged to apply for entry into year 3. Applicants with a HNC are encouraged to apply for entry into year 2.

HND Horticulture with Plantsmanship

Study In Edinburgh: SAC S01 454D Z HND/PHort

Length Of Course

The HND course takes 2 years of full-time study. Part-time study is also available.

Minimum Entry Requirements

2 Highers (CC) or 1 A-Level pass. Normally to include a science subject.

A wide range of other qualifications are considered for entry purposes e.g. NC Horticulture, SGA Land and Environment, SVQ/NVQ Horticulture.

Motivation, determination and relevant previous experience are recognised as alternatives to formal qualifications. A strong interest in learning more about the diversity of plants which are of horticultural importance is required.

Progression Routes

Applicants with a HNC in Horticulture are encouraged to apply for entry into year 2.

Those successfully complating the HND are able to apply to join Year 3 of SAC's Horticulture or Horticulture with Plantsmanship degree courses.

Course Content

Further information is available in SAC's undergraduate prospectus, and in our course leaflet which can be downloaded from this page. Please contact us for further information.

Year one of the course follows the content of the HNC in Horticulture and provides foundation knowledge including horticultural practices, plant recognition, plant biology, and plant protection.

In year two, you will study specialist topics such as plant and habitat conservation, plant classification, and the design and management of plant collections. The course ensures knowledge is gained in a practical way, and will be applicable to the workplace in the structuring, establishment, organisation, and management of plant collections.

Years three and four of the degree, both broaden studies by taking a global and historical perspective of plant collections, whilst further developing the scientific understanding of taxonomy, biodiversity and the sustainable use of plants and their products.

Career Opportunities

Former students have gained employment in botanic gardens, heritage gardens, journalism, nurseries, and education.

 

 

Course Contacts

Edinburgh Course Contact

Dr Margaret Norton
Programme Leader in Horticulture
SAC (Scottish Agricultural College) Work SAC, King's Buildings, West Mains Road,
Edinburgh
EH9 3JG
TelWork 0131 5354079

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Edinburgh Campus General Contact

Miss Claire Morrison
Student Recruitment Officer
SAC (Scottish Agricultural College) Work King's Buildings, West Mains Road
Edinburgh
EH9 3JG
TelWork 0131 535 4391

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Student Experiences

Edward Miles is a mature fourth-year student, studying for a BSc (Hons) in Horticulture with Plantsmanship.

Ed joined SAC with a background in both amenity and production horticulture having worked for the Royal Horticultural Society at Harlow Carr Gardens and as a Supervisor at Northop Organics, an Organic commercial unit at the Welsh College of Horticulture

“I chose to study this degree due to its breadth of core modules and the ability to choose elective modules, enabling you to tailor the degree to your particular area of interest. My interests stretch across the industry. On the course I am with students who have specific areas of interest, yet despite our different focus, we are nurtured in an equally beneficial way by the course and our tutors.

The partnership between SAC and the RBGE in delivering this degree has helped create an excellent course, and one that a student from any background can benefit from. Studying in an environment where research and practical work is taking place all around, the degree provides me with an excellent opportunity to become a well-rounded horticulturalist and plantsman. Enthusiastic tutors are keen to pass on their knowledge and experience, and are always willing to assist in guiding you towards developing your own areas of interest.

The vast range and high level of knowledge, skills and experiences on offer through studying Horticulture with Plantsmanship at SAC, provide a magnificent programme for anyone wishing to take their professional academic study of plants, and their cultivation, to degree level”.

Ed spent the summer of 2007 carrying out field work with RBGE in Belize. His effort and enthusiasm for horticulture have also won him the prestigious Martin McLaren Horticultural Scholarship to study in the United States for a year on a MSc course, when he finishes at SAC.