RHS Level 2 Certificate in Principles of Plant Growth and Development – Year 1

2026-2027

RHS Level 2 Certificate in Principles of Plant Growth and Development – Year 1

This course develops knowledge of the scientific principles that underpin horticultural practices. It supports career development for those already working in horticulture and provides opportunities for personal development, career change, and progression to further study. Learners will also develop transferable skills such as problem-solving, planning and implementing management programmes, and effective communication.

This qualification certificate is divided into two units, each containing four topics made up of elements. This particular course covers UNIT 1.  The content is identified through the use of Topic / Element codes, as follows:

Successful completion of this qualification can support progression to Level 3 study, higher education, and more advanced technical roles within the horticultural industry. There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification.

Course Structure

The course covers Unit 1 of the RHS Level 2 Certificate in Principles of Plant Growth and Development. The full qualification consists of two units, each containing four topics made up of individual elements listed above.

The course provides 60 Guided Learning Hours (GLH) over the academic year, delivered across three terms. Classes are held once a week for two hours and follow the academic calendar shown below.

Assessment

Each unit is assessed by a written examination. Both unit examinations carry equal weighting.

To achieve the qualification, learners must:

• Achieve at least 50% in each unit examination.
• Pass both Unit 1 and Unit 2.

Examinations are an integral part of the course and are not optional.

Unit 1 Examination

• Date: Monday 21 June 2027
• Time: 9:30 am – 11:30 am
• Location: In centre

Resits are available in February and June of the following year. Resit fees are not included in the course fee and are payable separately at the rates set by the RHS and the Centre.

A formal RHS certificate is issued upon successful completion of the qualification.

Reserving Your Place

To reserve a place, a £350 deposit (booking fee) must be paid online via the ‘Book Now’ button on our website.

Places are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. To guarantee a place, the deposit should be received at least seven days before the course start date.

Course Fees

The total course fee is £835, which includes:

• Tuition
• Course materials
• RHS registration
• Examination fees
• Booking fee

Payment options:

Option 1 – Pay in Full

• £835 before the course begins.

Option 2 – Instalment Plan

• £350 non-refundable booking fee to reserve a place.
• Five monthly instalments of £97, payable from November 2026 to March 2027.

Payments can be made via:

• Wisepay

Instalment payments must be received by the 7th of each month.

Please note that if you withdraw from the course, the full course fee remains payable. If the course does not run or a place cannot be offered, the deposit/full payment will be refunded.

Funding

Cambridgeshire County Council will not be offering funding for new starters on the Academic Year 2026/27. This decision follows the completion of a wider strategic review, together with an increased focus from funders on supporting adults back into employment and addressing other priorities identified in the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) developed by the Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce.

Funding is subject to availability and continuation of external funding arrangements.

Attendance and Study Expectations

The course is taught by experienced tutors using a variety of teaching methods. Comprehensive handouts are provided.

To gain maximum benefit from the course and prepare for assessment, learners should complete approximately two hours of independent study each week.

As places are limited, a high level of commitment is expected. Learners who fail to attend for four consecutive weeks may be withdrawn from the course, and the full course fee will remain payable.

Optional visits to places of horticultural interest, such as university botanic gardens and historic gardens, may be arranged during the year. These visits are not included in the course fee.

Delivery

Classes are held on Tuesday evenings only.

While the intention is to deliver the course in person, the Centre reserves the right to move teaching online if circumstances require. No refund of course fees will be available in such cases.

Course Dates

Autumn Term

• September: 15, 22, 29
• October: 6, 13, 20
• November: 3, 10, 17
• December: 1, 8

Spring Term

• January: 5, 12, 19, 26
• February: 2, 9, 23
• March: 2, 9, 16

Summer Term

• April: 13, 20, 27
• May: 4, 11, 18, 25
• June: 1, 8, 15

RHS Theory Examination

Unit 1

• Monday 21 June 2027
• 9:30 am – 11:30 am
• In centre

Course Details