RHS Course information

Bookings now open for 2023 courses

In 2023/24 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 29th August 2023.
  • Thursday evening (6.30pm – 9.30pm) – commencing 31st August 2023.
  • Monday daytime (9.30am – 3.00pm) – commencing 11th September 2023.
  • Wednesday daytime (9.30am – 3.00pm) – commencing 13th September 2023.

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 course has more tutor-led hours overall and involves more group discussion than the evening courses.

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 2024. Theory exams take place in February and the last week of June. The exam dates for 2024 are yet to be confirmed by the RHS.

There will be 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) – Fully Booked
  • Saturday daytime (6 hours per day, 10am to 4pm) – Fully Booked
  • Friday daytime (6 hours per day, 10am to 4pm) – Fully Booked

Practical courses will start week commencing 18th September 2023 and run for 28 weeks to July 2024. There will be an online assessment in June 2024 and 2 practical assessments during the course. Dates TBC.

Both the theory and practical courses require around 60 hours self-study time in addition to classroom time. You will need 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.

Course fees include RHS registration and examination 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 2023/24

Daytime theory course (£1,885):

£685 deposit to secure your place (please note this is non-refundable)

First instalment £600 due 1st September 2023

Second instalment £600 due 1st December 2023

Daytime practical course (£2,275): 

£775 deposit to secure your place (please note this is non-refundable)

First instalment £750 due 1st September 2023

Second instalment £750 due 1st December 2023

Evening theory course (£1,375):

£475 deposit to secure your place (please note this is non-refundable)

First instalment £450 due 1st September 2023

Second instalment £450 due 1st December 2023

For further information on the content of each course, including the full syllabus, please visit the RHS website.

To book a place, please make your deposit payment for your chosen course here.

If you the course you have chosen is fully booked and you would like to be added to our waiting list, please contact botanic-gardens@bristol.ac.uk. We will contact you to let you know if anything becomes available.

If you have any queries in the meantime, please email botanic-gardens@bristol.ac.uk or call us on 0117 428 2041.