RBGE Certificate in Practical Horticulture
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The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) Certificate in Practical Horticulture (CPH) is a unique course that focuses on the essential skills needed by budding horticulturists today.
Building on over 100 years of professional horticulture training at the garden, this compact course has been designed to give students a solid grounding in horticultural techniques.
As a CPH student you will learn key practical skills, taught by experienced and enthusiastic horticulturists. The essential theory behind the practice is explained, then most of the time is spent learning practical skills and getting 'your hands dirty'.
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Course Handbook 2024-25 (word)
- What does the course cover?
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The RBGE Certificate in Practical Horticulture (CPH) is a unique course that focuses on the essential skills needed by budding horticulturists today. Subjects covered on the course include Soil Care, Feeding & Watering, Seed & Vegetative Propagation and Growing Media. Full descriptors for all units are available in the applicants’ handbook.
Please note this is the RBGE Certificate in Practical Horticulture, completion of this course does not count towards the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Level 2 Diploma.
- When can I start?
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Summer School Course - July 2024
Applications for the 2024 Summer School open on Tuesday 2nd April. For full details and how to apply please see the course handbook.
September 2024 - June 2025 Courses
Applications for the 2024/25 course will open on Tuesday 28th May. For full details and how to apply please see the course handbook.
- How is this course assessed?
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Students who attend all 10 days and pass the assessment are awarded the RBGE Certificate in Practical Horticulture. The course is assessed through a practical exam (80% of grade) and online quizzes (20% of grade).
- Do I need any prior knowledge?
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You do not need prior knowledge or experience to apply for this course. Enthusiasm and motivation is all that is required! This course is the perfect complement to the RHS Level 2 Qualifications and can be completed before, alongside or after studying the RHS course.
*Please note this course does not count towards the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Level 2 Diploma.
- How much does the course cost?
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The cost for the course is £775. Full payment for the course is required on acceptance of a place.
- What do I need?
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- This is a practical course so each module will involve indoor and physical outdoor work. Each week you will need to bring:
- Appropriate outdoor clothes (even indoor workstations can be cold)
- Steel toe-capped work boots
- Bypass Secateurs
- Packed lunch
After you are accepted on the course we can advise you about what to buy and where to buy these items.
- How do I apply?
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Summer School Course - July 2024
Applications for the 2024 Summer School open on Tuesday 2nd April. For full details and how to apply please see the course handbook.
September 2024 - June 2025 Courses
Applications for the 2024/25 course will open on Tuesday 28th May. For full details and how to apply please see the course handbook.
- CPH Courses Elsewhere
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As well as being delivered at RBGE, the course is being taught in partner organisations in the UK: Glasgow Botanic Gardens, Bute Produce on Bute, Norfolk School of Gardening and abroad at Nezahat Gökyiğit Botanic Garden, Istanbul. This is possible through the use of concise and flexible course materials that are easily translated and can be tailored to the needs of different organisations. To ensure that quality and standards are maintained worldwide, RBGE administers the assessment, qualification and verification guidelines.