RHS Level 2 & Level 3 Diploma in the Principles and Practices of Horticulture

Last post 04-04-2012 6:46 AM by Faraway. 8 replies.

• 26/03/2012 06:53 AM

  akinhkg Location: Hong Kong Joined on: 25 Mar 2012 Posts: 4

  Reply | Contact Hello everyone,  I would like to ask someone who knows above course differences. I am planning to take either Level 2 or Level 3 Diploma course from the end of this year or early next year. I am plnanning to study at school in London.  (if you have any particular school recommendation, please let me know also.) I briefly reviewed both level's qualification book but the contents are very similar. And I wonder which course I should enroll. Are there anyone can let me know what is the difference between L2 and L3?  E.g. if I complete L2, I can add couple of subject to complete L3?   Or is it better to complete L3 because L2 will be covered under L3? What is the major difference if I apply L2 or L3? Thanks, AK

• 27/03/2012 09:49 AM	In reply to
  Nicola Location: Storrington Joined on: 26 Mar 2012 Posts: 2	Reply | Contact Level 2 is roughly A level standard whereas Level 3 is more indepth and degree standard. I would definitely recommend Level 2 first unless you are very knowledgeable about plants both ornamental and edible, soil, pests and diseases and the science around plants. I completed Level 2 a couple of years ago, definitely a very good course which I'd recommend.

• 27/03/2012 01:42 PM	In reply to
  akinhkg Location: Hong Kong Joined on: 25 Mar 2012 Posts: 4	Reply | Contact Dear Nicola, Thank you for your reply. It help me to understand the courses better. I took Agricultural Chemistry for my BA long time ago it will help me to go for Level 3 though your comment made me to think which one to choose. I am really appreciated your reply. Thank you. AK

• 28/03/2012 09:04 AM	In reply to
  Faraway Location: Berkshire Joined on: 15 Oct 2007 Posts: 161	Reply | Contact With all due respect to the RHS, I do not believe that the Level 2 or 3 are at that standard. The Level 3 equates to a credit level of 45 which is a long way off the 120 points usually required for one year of a degree course. I may be wrong, but this is my understudying. The RHS themselves refer to the M.Hort as being equivalent to a degree.

• 28/03/2012 12:25 PM

  In reply to

  Hortaddict Location: Oxon/Warks/Worcs Joined on: 10 Jul 2008 Posts: 38

  Reply | Contact  Faraway is right - The RHS qualifications are part of a framework which covers all other UK qualifications in academic or vocational subjects -  that means the learning for a level 2 Certificate is pitched at about the same level as a GCSE, or what was a National Certificate in Horticulture with BTEC or City and Guilds; Level 3 is A-level, or the old National Diploma in Horticulture. Under QCF the terms Certificate, Award  and Diploma have now become a measure of the amount of study, not the level, so all the vocational qualifications are now described as 'level 2 certificate', 'level 3 certificate', etc depending on the hours involved. The step upwards at present is to the MHort,  the RHS degree equivalent, which begins at level 4 (Foundation degree). THe RHS qualifications have always been  well-regarded because they expect a very great breadth of knowledge at each level of study, certainly a much better understanding of the underlying principles of horticulture than most full time UK horticultural qualifications. This means that although they are not degree level courses, they can be quite demanding even for people with a degree-level qualification in another area.  Hope this helps. J

• 29/03/2012 04:40 PM

  In reply to

  akinhkg Location: Hong Kong Joined on: 25 Mar 2012 Posts: 4

  Reply | Contact Dear Faraway and Hortaddict, Thank you for your comment on my question. I am much appreciated it. I believe I need to take either L2 or L3 Diploma instead of L2 or L3 certificate. Instead of distance learning, I prefer to study in a class room this is one of my aim as well. MHort, I may consider later. I just got non horticulture related master degree with my current job related. It may sounds bit strange butI prefer not end up with many degree with no actual hands on experience or practice. I will further review which course I need to enroll. Thanks and regards, AK

• 29/03/2012 05:01 PM

  In reply to

  Faraway Location: Berkshire Joined on: 15 Oct 2007 Posts: 161

  Reply | Contact Hi. Have you had a good look at the info on this RHS website? It is very helpful. This is just a basic outline - Level 2 Our Level 2 qualifications can provide a route into the horticultural profession, they can support career development for those already working in the field of horticulture or they can provide a foundation for further learning or training. There are both theory-based and practical-based qualifications at Level 2: The theory- based qualifications focus on developing the knowledge and understanding of a range of horticultural practices. The practical-based qualification focuses on developing further the essential horticultural skills introduced at Level 1. The RHS Level 2 Diploma in the Principles and Practices of Horticulture combines both the theory-based and practical based qualifications. Level 3 Our Level 3 qualifications not only offer opportunities for employment, but also enable you to begin to specialise in your area of interest. They can offer proficiency for those looking for employment in horticulture, they can support further career and professional development for those already working in the field, or they can provide a basis for continued learning or training. There are both theory-based and practical- based qualifications at Level 3: The theory- based qualifications expands on the knowledge and understanding of a range of horticultural practices covered at Level 2 and introduces pathways into future horticulture disciplines. The practical-based qualification builds on the essential horticultural skills covered at Level 2 allowing the learner to begin to specialise in their area of interest. The RHS Level 3 Diploma in the Principles and Practices of Horticulture combines both the theory-based and practical based qualifications. See "Courses" and then "qualifications" at the top of the main RHS website. Good luck and enjoy your studies.

• 31/03/2012 06:40 AM	In reply to
  akinhkg Location: Hong Kong Joined on: 25 Mar 2012 Posts: 4	Reply | Contact Dear Faraway, Thank you for your detailed reply. I will review all the documents. I may send you separate note to you directly to explain my situation later if it is okay. Thanks and regards, AK

• 04/04/2012 06:46 AM	In reply to
  Faraway Location: Berkshire Joined on: 15 Oct 2007 Posts: 161	Reply | Contact You're welcome to, but Hortaddict will be able to give you more advice and info.