RHS Level 2 courses: 2024-25

We will be offering RHS Level 2 Theory and Practical courses in Autumn 2024. We will not be offering RHS Level 3 courses in 2024 but intend to in future years.

Booking is now open. Please pay a deposit to secure a place on your chosen course using the booking links at the end of this page.

RHS Level 2 Theory

In 2024/25 we will be running four 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 27^th August 2024
Thursday evening (6.30pm – 9.30pm) – commencing Thursday 29^th August 2024
Monday daytime (9.30am – 3.00pm) – commencing Monday 16^th September 2024
Wednesday daytime (9.30am – 3.00pm) – commencing Wednesday 18^th September 2024

Each of the four 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 10^th February 2025 (Unit 1) and Tuesday 24^th June 2025 (Unit 2) 09:30am-11:30am.

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 17^th September 2024
Friday daytime (6 hours per day, 10am to 4pm) – commencing Friday 20^th September 2024
Saturday daytime (6 hours per day, 10am to 4pm) – commencing Saturday 21^st September 2024

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 20^th June 2025 and 2 practical assessments days during the course. Practical assessment dates are usually around Feb/Mar and May/June. Exact dates TBC.

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.