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Advice on RHS level 2 correspondence course

Last post 27-07-2009 1:19 PM by treesandthings. 20 replies.

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  • 24/11/2008 10:25 AM
    In reply to
    • helojed
    • Suffolk
    • 03 Nov 2008
    • 12
    Top 500 Contributor
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    I signed up to HHC Level 2 - glad to say they have done everything they promised to, everything comes really quick and the tutor is really helpful, speedy and understanding. I only wish my patchy application lived up to it! The free books I got with it also have provided some lovely reading. Best of luck. 

  • 20/04/2009 11:28 AM
    In reply to
    Not Ranked
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    Hi,

    Does anyone have any more information about the correspondence courses and is it possible to do it on your own with the syllabus. I've spoken to Craven College and am about to ring the HCC but they're both expensive and I'd rather have some feedback from other people before committing.

    Thanks,

    Sue.
  • 22/04/2009 10:02 AM
    In reply to
    • squirrel
    • West Suffolk, almost Cambridgeshire
    • 28 Jul 2008
    • 51
    Top 100 Contributor
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    Hi Sue,

    I am currently studying for the RHS Level 2 with Learning Curve. I must say I am quite happy with the course and also think it is quite good value for money (having looked at other providers and options). You do get a lot of study notes (this give you a good outling of what needs to be covered) and a book which the course is based on. I find the support I get from the tutor invaluble and having to do assignments is very helpful as it prepares you for the exam.

    Having said that there are people who do it on their own and I think it is doable if you are disciplined and used to studying anyway. Work through the syllabus using the Peter Dawson book as a guide supplemented with a few other books which go into more detail. Internet is also very useful if used with caution. Make sure you use the old exams with the examiners comments and you should be fine.

    If you don't want to spend the money at the moment, why don't you try doing it on your own. If that doesn't work you always could sign up for a distance course later?

    Hope this helps.
  • 27/04/2009 07:52 AM
    In reply to
    • Anita
    • Germany
    • 27 Apr 2009
    • 3
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    Hi Everyone,

    I was going through the exact same dilemma as Neil - trying to find a reputable distance learning provider for the RHS courses. I looked at and contacted a number of providers, but in the end narrowed it down to HCC and KLC School of design. HCC were offering a combined Level 2 + Advanced Course package, whilst KLC offered only the Level 2 combined with Garden Design.

    Although the HCC course seemed more appealing and more professional in the end I opted for the KLC course for the simple reason that I just could not get anyone from HCC to answer my emails!!! I sent them an enquiry via the website form and received an adequate reply the next day. However, even though I was encouraged to contact them if I had any other questions, when I did so they never got back to me! I have now sent 3 emails in the past 3 weeks (both to my contact person and their general email) without any reply whatsoever! Now maybe it's just me, but I don't exactly consider this brilliant 'customer service' and find it difficult to trust such an unreliable provider...  Hope this will help some of you out there! :)


     
  • 24/07/2009 01:08 PM
    In reply to
    • Scot
    • U.K.
    • 24 Jul 2009
    • 1
    Not Ranked
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     Hello,  I used the HCC to complete the RHS Level 2 ( General) and the Advanced Cert, I used the with Tutor support option for hte General but decided to take the cheaper route for the Advanced Cert and did it without Tutor support. The material supplied by HCC was adequate and  useful as a study aid supplemented by books from the RHS reading list ,  following the syllabus supplied by the RHS and reference to old exam papers. The Tutor support was very useful for feedback, encouragement etc., as it is easy to lose motivation on a correspondence course. The HCC supply all the written material at the start so you can plan how you want to study and you can work at your own speed.

    I  would avoid  the IHRS, they are very expensive ,only supply the material in instalments and only after submission of an 'essay' so if you drop out of the course at any time you will have paid in full but will not be sent any more information nor will they refund  your  money.

  • 27/07/2009 01:19 PM
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    Hello, I am halfway through my RHS level 2 course with HCC. I have found the material adequate yet further reading is always required, from other sources wether that is web,books or journals. I am awaiting wth baited breadth as to wether or not I have passed the first exam, that I sat as an external candidate at a local college. The course from HCC, requires answers to set questions at the end of each section. Which I find very useful, and enlightening. Self study does require discipline, which is often hard to maintain, especially with the lure of youre own garden. Having done a Garden design course several years ago on a day release basis (much more fun as you meet likeminded people for ideas and help) the correspondence method is a bit, how should we say, lonely, self driven etc... But like all things which ever college people go for its down to youre own drive/ determination I suppose. But further reading will always be required. Every day is a school day. Keep on learning.