Learn to be a Professional Horticulturist
Based on the old RHS diploma in horticulture, this course has an emphasis on horticulture science, as well as practical aspects of plant establishment and selection. It is a superb all-round introduction to horticulture for anyone wishing to get a foothold in this rewarding industry.
Course Structure
The Associate Diploma has two parts to it:
Stage 1: Eight Modules
Seven of these are available either online or by Distance Education. One of these eight (Practical Horticulture I) may only be taken online.
These eight modules form the Advanced Certificate in Horticulture. If you simply complete these eight modules and go no further you may attain an Advanced Certificate. Each module takes approximately 100 hours to complete, so the estimated duration for the eight modules is 800 hrs (minimum).
Stage 2: Seven Modules
All of these are available online, or by distance education. Once again, each module takes approximately 100 hours to complete, so the estimated total duration of the seven modules is 700 hours (minimum).
Associate Diploma Award Options
In order to obtain this ACS Associate Diploma in Horticulture, you need to:
- Show proof of a prerequisite certificate (e.g. provide a certified copy of an acceptable horticulture certificate obtained prior to these studies)
- Satisfactorily complete all set assignments
- Successfully complete exams with ACS in all of the 15 modules
ACS Advanced Certificate
If you want to achieve an ACS Advanced Certificate, you can simply complete the modules listed below and undertake an ACS practical examination in your home locality.
Modules:
Plant Propagation I
Soil Management (Horticulture)
Botany I
Horticulture II
Practical Horticulture I
Plus 3 electives:
Crops I
Protected Plant Production
and one other crops module
OR
Planning Layout and Construction of Ornamental Gardens
Restoring Established Ornamental Gardens
and one other landscaping module
OR
Turf Care
Plant Selection and Establishment
Wholesale Nursery Management
(See Advanced Certificate Outline for more details)
ASSOCIATE DIPLOMA IN HORTICULTURE
The Advanced Certificate is considered to be the first half of this Associate Diploma; and as such you are expected to have studied everything in that course before commencing the subjects below.
To complete this you must under take all modules listed below.
To gain the ACS Associate Diploma, you must first complete the Advanced Certificate, and then the following additional modules.
