Horticulture / Horticulture: Garden Design FdSc drafted drafted
Program start date | Application deadline |
2023-07-27 | 2023-04-01 |
2023-10-01 | 2023-07-01 |
2024-01-05 | 2023-10-01 |
2024-04-01 | 2024-01-01 |
Program Overview
Introduction:
Explore the life of plants on these highly vocational and practical courses. Based on understanding and interpreting the landscape around us, they explore horticultural production and growing, along with the principles of plant and soil science. Horticulture is a diverse subject area that covers plant and soil science; commercial crop production; ornamental flower and plant growing; landscape and garden design; and green-space management.
In the final year you can choose to specialise with the Garden Design pathway.
You will have the opportunity to become proficient in surveying a site for development, and plotting data both by hand and using AutoCAD (Computer Aided Design).
Brackenhurst campus is home to an entrepreneurial cut-flower business called the Flower Pod, run by the Southwell Care Project and supported by student and staff volunteers.
100% student satisfaction for FdSc Horticulture (FT) (National Student Survey, 2022).
We're in the top 15 in the UK for Agriculture and Forestry courses (Complete University Guide 2023).
Program Outline
What you’ll study
Throughout the course you'll explore the topics of:
Year One
Year Two
Final year
Plants and Soil Science
Develop an understanding of the anatomy, morphology and physiology of plants and how they function in relation to their environment. Aspects include photosynthesis, respiration, and plant propagation. Learn the principles of soil science and identify and evaluate common pests, diseases and disorders.
Garden Design in Practice
This module introduces you to the basic design skills, knowledge and principles required for garden design. It also incorporates the principles of historic garden design and how they relate to design today.
Survey Planning and Construction
Develop topographical site surveying techniques using the latest recording technologies. Gain an introduction to the concept of hard landscaping, including basic bricklaying, block paving, fencing, and patio construction.
Horticultural Technology
Study the range of technologies that have application to the horticultural industry, including greenhouse systems, horticultural machinery, plant propagation technology, and total station (topographical) technology.
Plant and Botanical Knowledge
This module provides an introduction to applied botany, taxonomy and classification. Learn about the range and use of ornamental plants commonly available to the landscaping industry, and also look at ground preparation, planting and maintenance strategies.
This is a placement year for students on the three-year course.
FdSc Horticulture
Soft Landscape Design
Develop knowledge of the range of ornamental plants, and devise planting plans to cover a variety of soft landscape types in both commercial and private contexts.
Horticultural Practices
Learn practical skills in relation to fruit, vegetable and flower production, by both organic and inorganic methods.
Horticultural Employability
Undertake a short industrial placement within the horticultural or landscape sector. The module is complemented by a series of external speakers from industry, giving insight into both career and business opportunities. You’ll also develop your own professional online media profile.
Experimental Design and Analysis
This module will introduce you to research methodology, hypothesis testing, statistical analysis and data presentation
You'll also choose
two
optional modules:Green Space Management
Understand the objectives, policies and organisation of the management of urban and rural green spaces, both public and private. Gain insight into how local planting, heritage and charity organisations manage green space land.
Crop Production
Develop your practical skills and knowledge of producing crops to a commercial standard. Study the principles of crop scheduling, growth manipulation and crop management.
Land Use Ecology
Explore land uses such as farming and forestry, the productivity of which is determined by the presence and products of ecological processes and the impacts of humans upon them.
FdSc Horticulture: Garden Design pathway
Soft Landscape Design
Develop knowledge of the range of ornamental plants, and devise planting plans to cover a variety of soft landscape types in both commercial and private contexts.
Horticultural Practices
Learn practical skills in relation to fruit, vegetable and flower production, by both organic and inorganic methods.
Horticultural Employability
Undertake a short industrial placement within the horticultural or landscape sector. The module is complemented by a series of external speakers from industry, giving insight into both career and business opportunities. You'll also develop your own professional online media profile.
Applied Design
Develop competency in advanced design concepts. Look at spatial analysis, organic form, and deconstruction. Also, learn the communication of design solutions over a range of site scales and client briefs.
CAD Professional Practice
Develop a range of CAD-based technology skills in various commercially available applications. Learn to produce 2D and 3D garden design drawings to a professional standard. Produce designs suitable for private garden and commercial-scale landscapes.
Experimental Design and Analysis
This module will introduce you to research methodology, hypothesis testing, statistical analysis and data presentation.
Further information on what you'll study
This course can provide progression onto the one-year BSc (Hons) Horticulture (final year top-up) degree.
How you’re taught
You will be taught through a variety of methods including group seminars, lectures and practical sessions.
Please note that field trip locations may vary and are subject to availability and change.
Contact hours
A placement year may be taken between year 1 and year 2 of study.
Careers and employability
Your career development
Graduates of this course go on to a wide range of careers including:
Excellent placement opportunities
The course includes an optional sandwich year placement between Year One and Year Two, or during Year Two. You can develop their skills and experience in a working environment which is highly valued by future employers.
Recent students have taken paid placements in
NTU Enterprise
You'll also have the opportunity to turn your ideas into a viable business with help from NTU Enterprise, NTU's purpose-built Centre for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, a support centre to help students create, develop and grow their own businesses.
Nottingham Trent University
Overview:
Nottingham Trent University (NTU) is a public university located in Nottingham, England. It is known for its strong focus on employability, student experience, and research. NTU has been recognized as "University of the Year" five times and is ranked first in the UK for employability by Uni Compare.
Services Offered:
NTU offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Employability and Careers:
NTU has a strong focus on employability, with a Graduate Promise program and worldwide work placements.Accommodation:
NTU provides a variety of accommodation options for students, including on-campus and off-campus housing.Library:
NTU has a modern and well-equipped library with extensive resources for students.StudentHub:
A platform for students to access information and services, including academic support, wellbeing resources, and student events.NOW:
A platform for students to access online learning resources and support.Student Life and Campus Experience:
NTU offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience with a range of opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, including:
Sports:
NTU has a strong sports program and is ranked in the top ten universities for sport in the UK.Arts and Culture:
NTU has a thriving arts and culture scene, with a dedicated arts center and numerous events throughout the year.Student Societies:
NTU has a wide range of student societies and clubs, catering to various interests.Campus Events:
NTU hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including open days, lectures, and performances.Key Reasons to Study There:
Excellent Employability:
NTU is ranked first in the UK for employability, with a strong focus on preparing students for the workforce.Outstanding Student Experience:
NTU provides a vibrant and supportive campus environment with a wide range of opportunities for students to get involved.High-Quality Research:
NTU is a research-intensive university with a strong focus on innovation and impact.Award-Winning University:
NTU has been recognized with numerous awards, including "University of the Year" five times.Academic Programs:
NTU offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:
Business and Management:
NTU is known for its strong business school, offering programs in areas such as accounting, finance, and marketing.Art and Design:
NTU has a renowned art and design school, offering programs in areas such as fashion, graphic design, and photography.Science and Technology:
NTU offers programs in areas such as computer science, engineering, and life sciences.Law:
NTU has a strong law school, offering programs in areas such as criminal law, commercial law, and human rights law.Other:
NTU is committed to sustainability and has been recognized as the second most sustainable university in the world by the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings. NTU also has a strong focus on inclusivity and diversity, with a commitment to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all students.
Entry requirements
To find out what qualifications have tariff points, please use our tariff calculator.
Other qualifications and experience
We may also consider credits achieved at other universities and your work/life experience through an assessment of prior learning. This may be for year one entry, or beyond the beginning of a course where applicable, for example, into year 2. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route.
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form.
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:
Please note this course is not open to students requiring a Tier 4 visa.
Undergraduate preparation courses (Foundation)
If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Foundation courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:
English language entry requirements
You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:
Advanced standing (starting your undergraduate degree in year 2 or 3)
You may be able to start your undergraduate course in year 2 or 3 based on what you have studied before. This decision would be made in accordance with our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy.
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.