Prerequisites: Anyone enrolling in this diploma is assumed to have first completed either: The RHS Level 2 Certificate in Horticulture; or an equivalent certificate such as the Warnborough College Advanced Certificate in Horticulture
COURSE STRUCTURE
The RHS Diploma is 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 RHS 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).
Diploma Award Options
This course of study can lead to two different awards. You may elect to undertake one or both awards. You can undertake the Warnborough College Advanced Diploma; or an RHS Awarded Diploma; or both.
In order to obtain the Warnborough College Advanced Diploma in Horticulture, you need to:
- Show proof of a prerequisite certificate (eg. Submit a photocopy of an acceptable certificate obtained prior to these studies);
- Satisfactorily complete all set assignments;
- Successfully complete exams with Warnborough of the 15 modules; or successfully complete exams with the RHS in corresponding theory modules; and two (2) practical exams with Warnborough.
In order to obtain the RHS Diploma in Horticulture, you need to:
- Successfully complete all of the 15 modules;
- or successfully complete six (6) theory exams, and two (2) practical exams with the RHS.
The RHS theory exams can be undertaken anywhere in the world, in the presence of an acceptable exam supervisor. The RHS will accept Warnborough College staff as supervisors.
The two RHS practical exams may ONLY be undertaken in the UK, at set times of the year. If you wish to be awarded the RHS Diploma in Horticulture (or the RHS Advanced Certificate in Horticulture), you will need to travel to the UK at the end of your studies to undertake one and a half days of practical testing.
If you cannot travel to the UK, you may still obtain an Advanced Diploma from Warnborough College by undertaking two shorter 2 hour practical exams in your own locality. If at some stage in the future you then visit the UK, you may be able to complete the practical examinations with the RHS and additionally, obtain the RHS Diploma in Horticulture.
RHS ADVANCED CERTIFICATE IN HORTICULTURE (This is Part 1 of the Diploma in Horticulture)
IF YOU HAVE ALREADY COMPLETED THE ADVANCED CERTIFICATE YOUR FEE IS SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED, AND THE MODULES IN PART 1 ARE NOT REQUIRED
To complete this. you must undertake all of the modules listed below. The Practical Horticulture module may be studied online from anywhere in the world; but the RHS Exam for this can only be taken in the UK.
If you want to achieve an Warnborough College Advanced Certificate, you can simply complete the modules listed below and undertake a Warnborough College practical examination in your home locality. This is an alternative for students who cannot readily attend the RHS practical exams in the UK. Note that this does lead to the RHS Advanced Certificate – it is a different qualification.
| RHS Module | Corresponding Warnborough College Modules |
| Module A | Plant Propagation I, Soil Management (Horticulture) |
| Module B | Botany I, Horticulture II |
| Module C | Practical Horticulture I |
| Module I | Planning Layout and Construction of Ornamental Gardens; Restoring Established Ornamental Gardens |
| Module J | Establishment and maintenance of Decorative Ornamental Turf; Plant Selection, Establishment and Maintenance; Hardy Ornamental Nursery Stock |
Examinations for the Warnborough Diploma
- Three written exams; each 2 hours duration
- One 3.5 hour practical exam
Note: Exam fees are additional. To obtain official passes and the award from the RHS, you must apply directly to the RHS in England, and sit for examinations with them. Warnborough will accept a pass with the RHS as passes for Warnborough exams.
RHS DIPLOMA IN HORTICULTURE
The RHS Advanced Certificate is considered by the RHS as being the first half of this 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. The Practical Horticulture module may be studied online from anywhere in the world; but the RHS Exam for this can only be taken in the UK.
An alternative option is to undertake the appropriate exams with Warnborough, and be awarded an Warnborough Advanced Diploma. This is a valid option for students who are unable to attend the RHS practical exams in the UK. To gain the RHS Diploma/Warnborough Advanced Diploma, you must first complete the Advanced Certificate, and then the following additional modules.
To see more details click on the modules listed below
| RHS Module | Corresponding Warnborough College Modules |
| Module F | Plant Ecology, Resource Management |
| Module G | Plant Breeding, Botany II |
| Module H | Practical Horticulture II |
| Module D | Outdoor Plant Production (Crops1), Protected Plant Production |
Examinations
- Three written exams; each 2 hours duration
- One full day practical exam
Note: Exam fees are additional. To obtain official passes and the award from the RHS, you must apply directly to the RHS in England, and sit exams with them. Warnborough will accept a pass with the RHS as passes for Warnborough exams.
