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