RHS courses: 2025-26
Thinking of starting a new career in horticulture? Already working as a gardener, but want to get qualified? Or maybe you just want to learn more about your garden, allotment or plants? Our RHS Level 2 courses could be for you!
We will not be offering RHS Level 3 courses in 2024 but intend to in future years.
We do not yet have course dates and fees information for 2025-25, but they will be similar to 2024-25 (information below). If you would like to join our enquiry list for courses starting in autumn 2025, please enter your email below.
RHS Level 2 courses: 2024-25
This information for 2024-25 courses is provided for guidance only. Course dates and fees may be different for 2025-26.
The Theory and Practical courses attract a wide range of learners with varied motivations, and backgrounds (most years we have an age range of late teens to mid-70s!). Both the Theory and Practical courses include classroom learning, delivered through a blend of lectures, tutor-led discussion, plant specimen handling, group activities and Garden tours/observation activities. Around 50% of the Practical course takes place outside on our student plots.
We will be offering RHS Level 2 Theory and Practical courses in Autumn 2024. Our Theory courses are open for booking, but the Practical is fully booked and currently waiting list only.
RHS Level 2 Theory
In 2024/25 we will be running three separate RHS Level 2 theory courses leading to the RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth and Development:
- Tuesday evening (6:30pm – 9:30pm) – commencing Tuesday 27th August 2024
Book Tuesday evening here - Monday daytime (9.30am – 3.00pm) – commencing Monday 16th September 2024
Book Monday daytime here - Wednesday daytime (9.30am – 3.00pm) – commencing Wednesday 18th September 2024
Book Wednesday daytime here
Each of the three theory courses prepare students for the RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth and Development exams. The daytime courses have more tutor-led hours overall and involve more group discussion than the evening courses. There are some additional topics of interest included in the daytime courses which are not part of the syllabus but enhance the learning experience.
The daytime courses have a week’s break at half term while the evening courses do not have half term breaks. All courses break for Christmas and Easter. The courses run until the end of June 2025. Theory exams take place on Monday 10th February 2025 (Unit 1) and Tuesday 24th June 2025 (Unit 2) 09:30am-11:30am. These dates are set nationally by the RHS.
RHS Level 2 Practical
There are three separate Level 2 practical courses leading to the RHS Level 2 Certificate in Practical Horticulture:
- Tuesday daytime (6 hours per day, 10am to 4pm) – commencing Tuesday 17th September 2024 (FULLY BOOKED – waiting list only)
- Friday daytime (6 hours per day, 10am to 4pm) – commencing Friday 20th September 2024 (FULLY BOOKED – waiting list only)
- Saturday daytime (6 hours per day, 10am to 4pm) – commencing Saturday 21st September 2024 (FULLY BOOKED – waiting list only)
All practical courses for autumn 2024 are now fully booked. Please email botanic-gardens@bristol.ac.uk if you would like to join the waiting list
Practical courses will start mid-September 2024 and run for 28 weeks to the end of June 2025. Practical courses are delivered via a mix of classroom-based theory learning and outdoor practical activities. There is around a 50/50 split between classroom and practical activities. There will be an online assessment on Friday 20th June 2025 and 2 practical assessments days during the course.
Practical assessment dates are usually around Feb/Mar and May/June. Exact dates have not yet been set by the RHS, so we advise not booking holidays until they are known – this is usually late September.
For further information on the content of each Level 2 course, including the full syllabus, please visit the RHS website.
Study Requirements
- There are no prerequisites for joining the RHS Level 2 courses in terms of previous study.
- Both the theory and practical courses require around 60 hours self-study time over the course of the year, in addition to classroom time.
- You will need stationery for notetaking, access to the internet and a PC, laptop or tablet. This is essential for accessing the course notes which are uploaded to our online learning platform after each class. If you prefer to print your notes, you will also need access to a printer.
- For the practical course, you will need: steel-toe capped boots or shoes, protective gardening gloves, and weather-appropriate clothing.
- All classes take place in person, onsite at the Botanic Garden.
Pricing
Course fees include RHS registration and assessment fees (additional fees apply for re-sits). A non-refundable deposit is required to secure a place on the course. Pricing reflects the number of guided learning hours/equipment and facilities required. Course fees can be paid in one full payment, or by instalments as indicated below.
Course Fees/Booking Information 2024/25
Daytime theory course (£1,885):
£685 deposit to secure your place (please note this includes non-refundable admin and RHS registration fees)
First instalment £600 due 1st September 2024 (An alternative payment due d is available for students registering after 1st September.)
Second instalment £600 due 1st December 2024
Booking Links:
Monday Daytime | Theory | RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth and Development
Wednesday Daytime | Theory | RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth and Development
Evening theory course (£1,375):
£475 deposit to secure your place (please note this includes non-refundable admin and RHS registration fees)
First instalment £450 due 1st September 2024
Second instalment £450 due 1st December 2024
Booking Link:
Tuesday Evening | Theory | RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth and Development
Daytime practical course (£2,275):
£775 deposit to secure your place (please note this includes non-refundable admin and RHS registration fees)
First instalment £750 due 1st September 2024
Second instalment £750 due 1st December 2024
Booking Links:
All practical courses for autumn 2024 are now fully booked. Please email botanic-gardens@bristol.ac.uk if you would like to join the waiting list.
Tuesday | Practical | RHS Level 2 Certificate in Practical Horticulture (FULLY BOOKED)
Friday | Practical | RHS Level 2 Certificate in Practical Horticulture (FULLY BOOKED)
Saturday | Practical | RHS Level 2 Certificate in Practical Horticulture (FULLY BOOKED)
If you have any queries, please email botanic-gardens@bristol.ac.uk or call us on 0117 428 2041.