911±¬ÁÏ

Diploma in Horticultural Practice

Learn everything you need to know about horticulture as you rotate through 10 departments at 911±¬ÁÏ Garden Wisley

Diploma students

About the diploma

The diploma is made up of two levels (known as Level 3 and Level 4) and can only be studied at 911±¬ÁÏ Garden Wisley. As part of this two-year course, Level 3 is studied in year one, and Level 4 in year two.

Download​ the factsheet (909kB)

Applications are now closed

Applications for the 911±¬ÁÏ Level 3 & 4 Diploma are now closed. 
 


Want to know more?

Hear first-hand from our current Diploma students about what’s involved in the two-year programme.
 


Missed our free virtual event?

If you are a student, graduate, or horticulturist looking to further your horticultural knowledge and career, and you missed our free Virtual 911±¬ÁÏ Diploma in Horticultural Practice event, you can now watch a recording of the virtual event, to discover more about the work-based 911±¬ÁÏ Diploma and how to apply.

What you will learn and when

911±¬ÁÏ Level 3 & 4 Diploma in Horticultural Practice

We teach our 911±¬ÁÏ Diploma in Horticultural Practice as a two-year course at 911±¬ÁÏ Garden Wisley.

Year 1 – Level 3 

You will learn about the following areas of horticulture:
  • Horticultural operations
  • Plant care
  • Establishment and maintenance
  • Horticultural taxonomy
  • Botany and plantsmanship
  • Horticultural history
  • Philosophy and design
  • Productive growing propagation
  • Soils and growing media

You will have the opportunity to design and tend your own allotment and visit the 911±¬ÁÏ Chelsea Flower Show.

Year 2 – Level 4

You will study:
Diploma student in the garden

Programme of work

Diploma students rotate through 10 departments in the Garden. The course also comprises a detailed lecture and masterclass programme, and students complete various pieces of assessed coursework.

Additional qualifications

Diploma students also complete a number of short practical-based national qualifications, which include:

  • FEPA PA1 & PA6aw (pesticides)
  • Tractor driving
  • Strimming and brush cutting
  • Using a hedge trimmer
  • Tree assessment course
  • Manual handling course 

Applications and entry requirements

At application applicants are expected, as a minimum, to hold a Level 2 horticultural theory qualification. This could be a National Certificate in Horticulture, Horticultural Operative Apprenticeship Standard, a Level 2 Diploma in Horticulture such as a City & Guilds 911±¬ÁÏ Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture or 911±¬ÁÏ Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth and Development.  (See our Level 2 qualifications.)

Applicants should have

  • GCSE qualifications in English and maths (or equivalents)
  • Completed at least six months of practical work experience in a professional horticultural environment
  • Experience using basic horticultural machinery, equipment and/or tools
  • Enjoy working on own initiative as well as part of a team
  • An openness to working with new individuals across the garden on a regular basis
  • Experience of working with customers/visitors in a professional environment, and of giving good customer service
  • A flexible approach to working (e.g. weekend work will be required on a regular basis, and evening work will be required from time-to-time)

Please note: You must have the right to work in the UK to apply. The 911±¬ÁÏ is unable to sponsor any visa applications. A good working knowledge of the English language is essential and evidence to that effect will be requested.

Applications are now closed

Applications for the 911±¬ÁÏ Level 3 & 4 Diploma are now closed.


Learner life at 911±¬ÁÏ Gardens

Training away from home can be daunting but we’re here to help you. We can support you with:
  • Getting free access to our amazing libraries
  • Accommodation – single en-suite rooms with shared kitchen and lounge facilities, available at 911±¬ÁÏ Garden Wisley (for a deduction in your gross salary)
  • Connecting you with like-minded individuals who are passionate about plants and horticulture
Find out more

Apprentice gardeners working in the gardens

Got a question?

Email our dedicated team and they’ll help you get your learning under way.

Email the team

You might also be interested in...

Learners working in the gardenSchool of Horticulture Ceremony911±¬ÁÏ Learner
  • Learner stories: See what our current and past learners have to say about their training at the 911±¬ÁÏ – read the stories
  • Supporters: Our work-based training programmes are only possible with funding from our supporters – find out about our supporters
  • Careers in horticulture: If you’re looking to change careers or just starting out, the world of horticulture has dozens of roles – explore more careers

Application dates

Application dates:

Applications are now open for:
  • Apprenticeships at all 5 911±¬ÁÏ Gardens
  • Professional Work Placements (PWPs) at all 5 911±¬ÁÏ Gardens
Applications are now closed for:
  • 911±¬ÁÏ Level 3 & 4 Diploma at 911±¬ÁÏ Garden Wisley
911±¬ÁÏ opportunities

Carrying hellebores in the gardenJoin one of the largest industries in the UK – working in horticulture is a great way of life and has opportunities for everyone.

911±¬ÁÏ Careers

Courses & workshops

Learn a new skill or brush up on old ones with a workshop or short course with the 911±¬ÁÏ.

Find a course

911±¬ÁÏ

911±¬ÁÏ is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.