Horticulture (Hons)

Overview

On completion of the Horticulture (Hons) course from Writtle University College, students will have acquired a good range of practical horticultural and business skills to equip them for a career in a wide choice of fields.

Learning & Teaching Methods

The student learning experience is supported by a combination of lectures and guest speakers, seminars, laboratory practicals, field work, group work, visits and tutorials. Integration of theory with practical learning is a key element of provision, allowing for a strong vocational focus, active participation and student-centred learning. 

As students progress through their course, they are guided to use relevant information in an appropriate and effective manner with increasing focus given to independent learning. Students are expected to contribute to workshops and participate in class discussions, to work as part of a team as well as on individual tasks.

Employment Details

It is an exciting time to be entering this wide ranging profession and there is a demand for trained horticulturists; research by LANTRA the Sector Skills Council indicates that over the next few years there will be 3000 vacancies at graduate level in the horticultural industries. Issues such as food security, climate change, relationship between access to green space and the health agenda, developments such as the Olympic Legacy Park means the need for trained landscapers and horticulturists will increase.

A high proportion of graduates in horticulture find full time positions in the industry within six months of graduating. Writtle students have gone on to further study such as post-graduate courses at Writtle and elsewhere or found positions as Local Authority Parks officers, education officers with the Royal Horticultural Society and local authorities, as technical officers in research establishments, as field trial officers, as journalists, undertaken internships with the Historic and Botanic Gardens Bursary Scheme, or as self-employed landscape gardeners.

The University College has good industrial links and encourages students to undertake an industrial summer placement during their course. Such work placements develops practical skills and knowledge along with other skills such as communication, teamwork and to develop confidence. Research undertaken at the University College shows that combining practical training with theoretical knowledge enhances employability opportunities after graduation.