Course Structure
The RHS Diploma is has two parts to it:
Stage 1: Eight Modules
Seven of these are available either online or by Distance Education. One of these eight (Practical Horticulture I) may only be taken online
These eight modules form the RHS Advanced Certificate in Horticulture. If you simply complete these eight modules and go no further you may attain an Advanced Certificate. Each module takes approximately 100 hours to complete, so the estimated duration for the eight modules is 800 hrs (minimum).
Stage 2: Seven Modules
All of these are available online, or by distance education. Once again, each module takes approximately 100 hours to complete, so the estimated total duration of the seven modules is 700 hours (minimum).
Diploma Award Options
This course of study can lead to two different awards. You may elect to undertake one or both awards. You can undertake an ACS Associate Diploma; an RHS Awarded Diploma; or both.
In order to obtain an ACS Associate Diploma in Horticulture, you need to:
Show proof of a prerequisite certificate (eg. Submit a photocopy of an acceptable certificate obtained prior to these studies);Satisfactorily complete all set assignments;Successfully complete exams with ACS in all of the 15 modules; or successfully complete exams with the RHS in corresponding theory modules; and two (2) practical exams with ACS.
In order to obtain the RHS Diploma in Horticulture, you need to:
Successfully complete all of the 15 modules;or successfully complete six (6) theory exams, and two (2) practical exams with the RHS.
The RHS theory exams can be undertaken anywhere in the world, in the presence of an acceptable exam supervisor. The RHS will accept ACS staff as supervisors.
The two RHS practical exams may ONLY be undertaken in the UK, at set times of the year. If you wish to be awarded the RHS Diploma in Horticulture (or the RHS Advanced Certificate in Horticulture), you will need to travel to the UK at the end of your studies to undertake one and a half days of practical testing.
If you cannot travel to the UK, you may still obtain an Associate Diploma from ACS, by undertaking two shorter 2 hour practical exams in your own locality. If at some stage in the future you then visit the UK, you may be able to complete the practical examinations with the RHS and additionally, obtain the RHS Diploma in Horticulture.
RHS ADVANCED CERTIFICATE IN HORTICULTURE
(This is Part 1 of the Diploma in Horticulture)
To complete this you must under take all of the modules listed below. The Practical Horticulture module may be studied online from anywhere in the world; but the RHS Exam for this can only be taken in the UK.
If you want to achieve an ACS Advanced Certificate, you can simply complete the modules listed below and undertake an ACS practical examination in your home locality. This is an alternative for students who cannot readily attend the RHS practical exams in the UK. Note that this does lead to the RHS Advanced Certificate – it is a different qualification.
|
RHS Module |
Corresponding ACS Modules |
|
Module A |
Plant Propagation I, Soil Management (Horticulture) |
|
Module B |
Botany I, Horticulture II |
|
Module C |
Practical Horticulture I |
|
Module I |
Planning Layout and Construction of Ornamental Gardens, Restoring Established Ornamental Gardens |
| Module J |
Turf Care, Wholesale Nursery Management, Plant Selection and Establishment |
Outlines of each of these modules can be found in the ACS handbook or on the ACS websites
Examinations for the ACS Advanced Certificate
Three written exams; each 2 hours durationOne 3.5 hour practical examFee : ACDuration: 800 hrs
Note: Exam fees are additional. To obtain official passes and the award from the RHS, you must apply directly to the RHS in England, and sit exams with them. ACS will accept a pass with the RHS as passes for ACS exams.
RHS DIPLOMA IN HORTICULTURE
The RHS Advanced Certificate is considered by the RHS as being the first half of this Diploma; and as such you are expected to have studied everything in that course before commencing the subjects below.
To complete this you must under take all modules listed below. The Practical Horticulture module may be studied online from anywhere in the world; but the RHS Exam for this can only be taken in the UK.
An alternative option is to undertake the appropriate exams with ACS, and be awarded an ACS Associate Diploma. This is a valid option for students who are unable to attend the RHS practical exams in the UK. To gain the RHS Diploma/ACS Associate Diploma, you must first complete the Advanced Certificate, and then the following additional modules:
|
RHS Module |
Corresponding ACS Modules |
|
Module F |
Plant Ecology, Resource Management |
|
Module G |
Plant Breeding, Botany II |
|
Module H |
Practical Horticulture II |
|
Module D |
Outdoor Plant Production, Protected Plant Production |
Outlines of each of these modules can be found in the handbook or ACS websites
Examinations
Three written exams; each 2 hours durationOne full day practical examFee : ADDuration: 1500 hrs
Note: Exam fees are additional. To obtain official passes and the award from the RHS, you must apply directly to the RHS in England, and sit exams with them. ACS will accept a pass with the RHS as passes for ACS exams.
Changes to RHS Diplomas and certificates began being introduced in 2010. Any existing students, will for a time be able to pursue old courses if already registered in the course. New students will not be able to sit RHS exams and obtain thew RHS qualifications. This school will however, offer the opportunity to sit exams and be awarded an alternative qualification by ACS if you are too late to register with the RHS.
