RHS L2 - How long did it take?

Last post 26-07-2011 9:50 AM by debbied. 3 replies.

• 21/07/2011 08:04 AM

  debbied Location: lancashire Joined on: 27 Apr 2009 Posts: 10

  Reply | Contact I am just starting my RHS L2 via distance learning and wondered how long it had taken other people to complete it.  I was originally hoping to do one lot of exams in Feb and the second lot in June next year but I have spoken to my tutor about it and she said it is do-able but would mean doing one assignment at least every 3- 4 weeks which sounds a bit much.  Now I think I would be better aiming for doing the first lot in June cos I don't want to be rushing through it so much that I don't have time to enjoy the course.    Just wondered how long others had taken to do the course,

• 21/07/2011 09:40 AM

  In reply to

  Knikitta Location: Lincoln Joined on: 14 May 2011 Posts: 55

  Reply | Contact I did the course (in Uni not distance learning) and we started in Sept, sat an exam in Feb then sat the 2nd lot in June... so it is do-able, but i guess it depends how much time you can dedicate too the course. At least if you sit it in Feb and do not pass (though I am sure you will) you can always resit in June with your other exam. I should add that we only had one class a week for 2hrs on a Wednesday evening 7pm-9pm. I swear I'll have a permanent imprint of my palm over my face from reading forums.

• 26/07/2011 09:08 AM

  In reply to

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

  Reply | Contact  Hi - most colleges will run  the two level 2 certificates as an evening class over 18 months or two years, or as a day course over one year, but that's to fit in with exams and terms. If you look at the introduction to the syllabus (downloadable from the website) it explains that the certificates have been designed to be worth 14 credits each  - a credit  is common to all exam boards in QCF now,  and it equates to ten hours' learning. This doesn't have to be ten hours of teaching  - at level 2 a college would expect students to be doing about the same amount of 'background' study and revision as they would be allocating teaching hours. So, for distance learning, you have to work out where 280 hours of studying fits into your life.  Assignments are particular to your dl provider  - I tend to work through modified past papers instead - but if you allocate roughly 20 weeks to each certificate  to fit into the exam timing ( and have holidays) you are giving yourself an expectation of seven hours study a week.  Can you commit to an hour a night, or two blocks of study in a week, or would it be better to halve this and aim for exams in June?   There are loads of other variables - if you are comfortable with science it may take much less time for you to cover the plant science unit, or soils and nutrition, than it would for someone with an arts background, and if you have done a lot of practical gardening already some of the Garden Planning certificate may just be confirming things you know.  One of the advantages with distance learning will be that if you are motivated to get through your studies quickly, you aren't tied to college terms: so if you realise in November that you'll finish studying four units well before February, there's nothing to stop you entering for another unit exam from the other certificate as well. Conversely, if you get held up by 'life, the universe and everything', no-one will hold you to doing all four exams. Just get yourself registered in good time to get access to the RHS exams portal,  be aware of the deadlines for exam entry and deferrals, and take control of your own studies! Enjoy! J

• 26/07/2011 09:50 AM

  In reply to

  debbied Location: lancashire Joined on: 27 Apr 2009 Posts: 10

  Reply | Contact Thanks for your reply that is really helpful.  I think I am going to aim for June for the first exam as that will allow time for any unforseeable's that might crop up, it will also give me time to really enjoy studying rather than just rushing through as quickly as possible.  I think I might struggle a bit with the sciencey bits as that was never my strong point at school, however I have got a couple of good books and do find it interesting.  Thanks again for taking the time to reply.