Course overview

Certificate in Horticulture Level 1 City of Bristol College

A part-time, six month practical Horticulture Level 1 course within the Bristol area.

This course will give you the basic knowledge and essential practical skills to get started in the horticulture industry.

This course will commence in January and finish in June.

You will attend one day per week during term time.

Upon completion of the course, you may progress to Level 2 or other related qualifications, start a job in horticulture, or use your skills at home or in your community.

This horticulture course is for adults aged 19+ and is a full qualification.

Dates and applications

Please hover over the ‘i’ button to find out more about course fees and applications.

Certificate in Horticulture Level 1 SBSA and Construction Centre
Bristol
Course Code
LMP0469D01-1
Dates
10/01/2025 - 20/06/2025
Duration
20 weeks
Days
Fri
Hours per week
6.00
Start Time
09:15
Location
SBSA and Construction Centre
Fee
This course costs £420. If you are aged 19 or over, you may be eligible to study for free. Please contact us to discuss your options or visit our Financial Support page.
Enquire Apply
Course Code Dates Duration Days Hours per week Start Time Location Fee
LMP0469D01-1 10/01/2025 - 20/06/2025 20 weeks Fri 6.00 09:15 SBSA and Construction Centre
This course costs £420. If you are aged 19 or over, you may be eligible to study for free. Please contact us to discuss your options or visit our Financial Support page.
Enquire Apply

Additional information

Who is this course for?

This course is for adults aged 19 and over.

It will suit people who enjoy working outdoors with plants and in green spaces.

It is suitable for people who want to develop their horticultural skills, begin a career in horticulture, or for people who simply want to explore their personal interest in gardening.

What you'll learn

Please find below the units that are delivered on this course :

  • Prepare for sowing or planting under supervision.
  • Plant container grown subjects.
  • Prepare soil and apply organic mulch.
  • Water a bed, border or area of plants in containers.
  • Cultivate land by single digging or forking.
  • Lift, divide and plant herbaceous perennials.
  • Propagate by stem cuttings.
  • Identify trees and shrubs.

These can be subject to change however this will be confirmed at the start of each course. 

Course entry requirements

We will invite you to a course information meeting event where you will receive information, advice and guidance about the course you have applied for.

This will be an opportunity for you to gain valuable information about the course and give you the opportunity to tour our excellent facilities and ask any questions you may have.

You need 2 GCSEs at Grade 2/ D including Maths and English.

If you do not hold any GCSE qualifications, an Initial Assessment will be arranged for you to complete before an offer of a place is confirmed.

Don’t have any formal qualifications?  Don’t worry, let us know and we can assess you to ensure you will be able to achieve well on the course.

We are firmly committed to finding the right course for you to ensure you can flourish! Talk to us today if you have any concerns about the application process; we are here to help take you to the next level.

This is an intensive course which requires excellent attendance and commitment to study, at college and at home. In order to join the course, you must be passionate about horticulture, have an interest in working with plants and soil outdoors and in all weathers.

A good level of physical fitness is also required as the course involves physically demanding tasks.

How is the course delivered and assessed?

You will attend college one day a week during term time for the duration of the course.

The course will be taught through a combination of on-site delivery in the classroom and the Horticulture gardens plus home study each week.

This is a very practical course with some classroom-based sessions to provide necessary theory to enhance your learning.

You will be taught by experienced horticulture teachers at our specialist centre at South Bristol Skills Academy.

You will undertake a variety of activities at the college.

Each topic you study on this course will be assessed separately throughout the year by mainly practical coursework and some short knowledge assessments.

You must pass all assessments to achieve this qualification.

Future career and study opportunities

Progression to the Level 2 Diploma in Horticulture.

There are many organisations looking to employ people with a horticulture qualification including:

  • Garden centres.
  • Public and private gardens.
  • Parks and green spaces.
  • Leisure venues.
  • Garden design.
  • Maintenance companies.

You may prefer to set up your own business, for example, as a 

  • Gardener.
  • Specialist plant grower.
  • Organic vegetable producer.
  • Landscape designer.
  • Maintenance gardener.

Alternatively, you may want to put your knowledge to good use at home in your own garden.

Additional costs

As a City of Bristol College student, you may incur additional costs to attend your course.

For example, it is likely you may need to pay for travel, your own safety boots, gloves and suitable wet and cold weather clothing and you will need your own writing materials and folders.

If you are on a limited income, you may be able to receive help from our Learner Support Funding Bursary.

  • Career Coach
    For guidance on which career path to take, to explore career options related to our courses, find out which careers are in demand, and then get the training you need.

What next?

Where to find us