BSc (Hons) Horticulture

• UCAS Tariff Points: 240 - 280
• GCE A Levels: 240 UCAS tariff points, to include one GCE A level grade C or above
• Irish Certificate: 240 UCAS tariff points, to include 3 x ILC higher at B1
• Scottish Highers: 240 UCAS tariff points, to include 3 x higher at B
• International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma: Minimum of 24 points (pass) (260)
• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma: MMM (240)
• BTEC Level 3 Diploma: DD (240)
• C & G Level 3 Extended Diploma: Merit (240)
• C & G Level 3 Diploma: Distinction (240)

English language requirements
If you do not have English as a first language, you will normally be required to demonstrate an IELTS overall score (or equivalent) of:

• 5.5 with a minimum of 5.0 in all elements for a Further Education course
• 5.5 with a minimum of 5.0 in all elements for a Foundation degree, Higher Certificate or Higher Diploma
• 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all elements for a degree
• 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in all elements for a postgraduate degree

If you have lower scores, you may be accepted onto a Pre-sessional English Language course, which can lead to entry to the appropriate programme of study.

STAGE ONE

• Developing Graduateness - This module introduces the School of Sustainable Environment students to the academic and personal skills they will need to make the most their time in HE study. It also begins their orientation to the world of work in their respective target sectors (conservation, horticulture, agriculture and floristry). The module is team taught with some subject specific and some interdisciplinary delivery allowing the students to appreciate the wider context of their subject and to collaborate across a wider range of students than their other modules allow. The module is designed to induct students into the expectations of HE study, e.g., academic literacy and numeracy, ICT skills, constructive team-working, and self-reflection on their progress across all their modules. These aspects of study are contextualised to the students’ interests and aspirations by working with sector relevant material to assist the students in their professional development planning and encourage independence and ownership of their studies and career aims.
• Landscape Principles and Practice - This module introduces the student to the concepts and practices associated with the management plants within a wide range of landscape situations. In doing this, it sets out to explore the way in which humans have continually interacted with landscapes through history; the variety of ways in which urban and rural settings have been have been perceived through history, and the resultant motivations behind the creation and styles of landscapes and gardens. The selection, establishment and maintenance of plants as components of the landscape are key aspects to this module. Students familiarize themselves with the importance of selection in relation to function and design intent, and especially with regard to the site and sustainability. The ability to accurately identify plants based upon their physical characteristics is developed alongside the capacity to apply plant knowledge relating to their growing preference(s) and maintenance needs in a variety of contexts. Tutor led practical sessions provide students with experience of a range of practical horticultural and landscape skills. Students are encouraged to further develop these skills through the completion of further project work in relation to independently evaluating a site and carrying out works therein as part of a small team. Practical skills are also assessed as part of a skills based assessment that enables them to demonstrate their ability to combine both the theoretical and practical skills gained through the course of study.
• Biological Processes (HO) - The module introduces key biological concepts and principles providing the foundation for future study. Dealing with life processes and living organisms, it links biological structure and function. Discipline specific themes are developed via partner units of study [e.g. the module Horticultural Science] delivered in Semester 2.
• Climate, Soils and Land Use - Soils and climate are fundamental natural resources that affect environmental sustainability and profitability. This module will develop knowledge of properties of soil formation, soils and the strategies required to manage it for growing plants and various crops. The essential nature of soil, its physical, chemical and biological make-up, are examined, with a view to understanding how these natural processes are essential to plant growth, as well as how they may be harnessed to sustainably manage land and landscapes. Students will also discover how the capability of soil is a prime factor in determining the capability of a site to support the growth of a range of plants, and how this might determine and limit productivity. Fertiliser properties, organic manures and environmental considerations will be emphasized. The fundamentals of weather and climate; the global climate system, climate zones, will also be investigated Ultimately the importance of how this in respect of plant growth, as well as how this essentially underpins the understanding of global climate change is highlighted.
• Plant Propagation and Production - The successful and efficient propagation and production of plants is the key to success in any horticultural enterprise. This module reviews plant propagation and crop establishment in a range of horticultural situations. Selected plant propagation methods will be undertaken throughout the year enabling both method and the use of specialist propagation environments and equipment to be evaluated. Accepted methods of plant establishment appropriate to various aspects of horticulture will be evaluated in theory and practice. A range of crops will be produced enabling regular monitoring and maintenance. In all parts of the course, the relationship between practical methods and plant physiology will be stressed at all times. The course is also designed to enable students to develop appreciation of horticulture as well as becoming familiar with the selection and safe operation of horticultural equipment and facilities.

STAGE TWO

• Academic and Professional Development (HO) - This module is intended to develop scholarly and professional skills in an integrated way in the context of the career aspirations, industry sector and academic discipline of the individual student. It is intended that the flexibility of this module will allow subject specific benchmark standards as defined by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) to be incorporated depending on the particular HE programme that the module is serving. In continuing with their personal development planning students will gain a deeper understanding of the need for the development of professional and managerial skills within their industry sector and the development of research skills appropriate to their academic discipline. The module begins by enabling students to develop a critical understanding of career development, and the process of personal development planning for their careers. The module supports the career development learning outcomes described in particular Course Programme Specifications (and related Subject Benchmark Statements). Students develop their understanding of personal development planning leading to the identification of realistic and satisfactory career goals and the skills development and knowledge acquisition that will be necessary to achieve these. In the context of their specific sector the module provides a basis for the student to understand their eventual role in dealing with complex situations as professional practitioners and managers. In order to achieve this it provides an understanding of the key aspects of the operation of organisations which the student may encounter in their career; financial, human and market focused. Exercises and case studies will provide material for students to discuss management issues, typical of those encountered in the “world of work”. This module is also designed to develop the knowledge, understanding, skills and thought processes necessary for effective original academic and/or work-focused research. The detailed techniques and approaches used will reflect the student’s academic discipline and will provide a basis for progression on to the Level 6 Dissertation module or equivalent. This module is intended to be carefully contextualised to ensure its relevance to each academic discipline and industry sector. The indicative content, skills development and learning materials are consequently not intended to be prescriptive or exhaustive.
• Plants in Urban Environments - The focus of this module is the challenging planting environment to be found within towns and cities. Across the world significant numbers of people live and work within urban areas. Plants can bring significant benefits to this environment in terms of cooling the urban heat island, increasing biodiversity and human well-being but the impact upon the plants themselves can be immense. The module will therefore examine these benefits as well as how the character and design of urban environments influences plant management. The technical issues underlying plant selection, establishment and management will be a key element of the module. Students will use case study sites to investigate these issues in greater depth.
• Project Management
• Environmental Management for Horticulture - This module will develop knowledge of how the growth and development of plants is directly affected via their interactions with their environment. The approach will focus on plant health and quality by investigating the interrelationship between plants and their growth media, soils and environmentally based factors. Emphasis will be placed on plants and soils as living systems and how a systematic approach, encompassing cyclical interchange of necessary resources aids in the understanding of horticultural practice. The effect of human intervention in natural cycles is examined, as are the likely effect of a range of climate change scenarios.
• Plant Physiology and Health - This module builds on the content of Biological processes with an examination of the important physiological processes that influence plant growth and development. Environmental and hormonal control systems are considered. The response of plants to weeds, pests and diseases are reviewed, together with alternative approaches to crop protection. A major glasshouse project will be included, evaluating an issue of plant physiology.
• Political and Economic Contexts - The trade in horticultural produce and commodities is dependent upon a variety of political and economic factors. An awareness of these and how they affect markets in both the national and international contexts is a vital part of modern horticultural business enterprise. The impact and influence of trade agreements is closely examined as is the role of European directives and international legislation on areas such as packaging and labelling. Assurance schemes such as GlobalGAP, HACCP and BRC or equivalents are also covered as is the role of energy in the chain through to the plate, with the factors of food miles and sustainability dealt with accordingly.
• Field Vegetable, Salad and Fruit Crops - This module will give students the opportunity to assess the potential and gain an understanding of root salad and fruit crops which are important in certain parts of the UK and overseas where they contribute significantly to farm output. Specific crops will be evaluated and the agronomy discussed within the framework of Integrated Farm Management to promote the sustainable techniques and the production of high quality produce for multiple retailers and specific markets. Management issues will be evaluated to assess the factors necessary to produce high value field crops profitably to demanding customers. Developments in technology and machinery design will be considered along with the storage requirements of the crops as these are likely to make significant contributions to the efficient production of marketable produce in the future. The opportunity to visit local farmers, processors, packers and retailers will be taken.

STAGE THREE

• ​Dissertation (HO) - The dissertation is designed to enable students to gain experience in research by undertaking a substantive project which explores specific issues in greater depth than is possible elsewhere in the programme. It is a major opportunity for students to demonstrate that they have met the level H descriptors for Bachelor Degrees with Honours as detailed by QAA within their Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Students will also be expected to demonstrate the knowledge and skills expected of an Honours undergraduate as defined in the relevant QAA Benchmark Statement. The dissertation is also designed to develop independent learning, self-reliance, work planning skills and a professional approach to study.
• Community Horticulture - This module critically examines the interaction between people and horticulture. As the majority of people live in towns and cities, the module will particularly, but not exclusively, be focused on urban communities and their environments. Communities are being empowered to take greater responsibility for their neighbourhoods from writing neighbourhood development plans through to asset management of behalf of the local authority. Community-run projects can bring many benefits but require co-ordination and co-operation. The module will critically evaluate how people within a community can be contacted and brought together through a range of community horticultural projects.
• Contemporary Urban Landscapes - Urban landscapes and green infrastructure offer significant benefits to the people who live and work in urban areas. This module will examine the development of these landscapes over time, their planning and design, and subsequent management and need for landscape protection measures. This will include a critical evaluation of the impact and response to social, political, economic and environmental issues. The different approaches taken to the landscape management and the formulation of management strategies will be considered. Site assessment will be integral to this using research in to the past to inform the future. Case study sites such as the Queen Elizabeth Legacy Park, London, will be used to explore key aspects of the modules.
• Crop Management and Technologies - This module will examine how the productivity of a crop is influenced by a combination of crop physiology, crop husbandry and crop technology. The yield potential of crops will be examined within the context of environmental change. Current topics of importance to the management of horticultural plants and crops will be debated.
• Natural Resource Management for Horticulture - Humans (and human endeavour) are highly resource dependent. Despite this, many key resources, usually those in high demand are finite. If not properly managed, we face a situation whereby these vital materials and environmental constituents may become increasingly scarce or even extinct/exhausted. This module sets out therefore, to examine the nature and causes of this impending environmental resource shortage. The complexity of the problem is a central tenet, and so the need to adopt a multidisciplinary approach is emphasised throughout: one that considers social and philosophical approaches to examining the problems as well as more traditionally scientific (empirical) methods. Ultimately the student is encouraged to recognise that although they must work toward sustainable objectives within their own discipline/ industrial context, the solution of more widespread environmental problems can only be effectively addressed through cooperative, multidisciplinary and multi-stakeholder based approaches.
• International Trade and Markets - The trade in horticultural produce has become increasingly internationally based, with many countries involved in the trade in produce. Ensuring the reliability of trade and supply lines is a key aspect within this, as are the systems used to assure quality and safety of various products. This module sets out to examine the causes and types of food loss as well as where it occurs in the food chain and systems. The aim is to illustrate the variety of methods available to reduce loss through packaging, training appropriate equipment etc. Economics and sustainability are included in the debate on food loss, as is the relevance of FairTrade Students also become acquainted with the methodologies associated with measurement of quality relating to biological change, as well as marketing requirements on local and global bases and the issues of health and food safety in day to day operations.
• Global Trends in Horticultural Production - This module will review trends in the supply and demand for horticultural products. Future changes in the industry will be predicted, based upon past trends and new developments. Students will develop a detailed analysis for a specific plant, crop, food or technology. The findings will be discussed with fellow students during a series of seminars in the latter weeks of the module.