Learning with Experts
RHS Level 2 Certificate: Principles of Plant Growth & Development
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Course Overview
RHS Level 2 Certificate in Principles of Plant Growth and Development is an internationally recognised qualification from the Royal Horticultural Society. This RHS course is based on the new 2022 syllabus and the outline of course content for each module is shown below.
Whether you are starting a career in horticulture, or just want to take your love of plants and gardening further, this course gives you a broad-based understanding of horticulture, garden design and how plants work.
Given our flexible learning platform, we can accommodate different time zones, meaning students from around the world can learn together. The content can be studied at any time, so you can also learn around your own schedule, and come back to the classroom as many times as you'd like.
Unit's and Exams
The course itself is divided into two Unit's - Unit 1 comprising Modules 1-4, and Unit 2 comprising Modules 5-8. At the end of your learning, you will have to sit two exams which are split up in the same way.
Students who are learning with us will take these exams online from home. Whilst they are run by the RHS centrally, we will handle all of the bookings and results distribution on your behalf.
The exams are normally held three times a year in February, June and October (on specific days in each month). You are welcome to split up the Unit exams into two separate sessions.
After starting the course, our administration team will reach out to you regarding your exam intentions. Whilst you MUST complete the exams to gain the qualification, we won't make bookings for a specific exam session until you're ready.
Assignments & Feedback
During your time in each of the 8 modules, you will test your exam writing skills in a series of lesson-end assignments. Whilst these don't count towards your final grade (this is dictated by the exam results), they do give you a chance to put your learning into action. You will also receive model answers for all the assignment questions to help confirm your knowledge and prepare you for the exams.
Tutor feedback is issued for each of these assignment; usually within 72 hours of submittal.
How long will it take?
There are 46 lessons in total, spread over the 8 modules. We find most students like to take 1 lesson per week, but you can study more than 1 lesson per week or study slower. You can also take breaks between modules - the RHS Level 2 is designed to be flexible for you.
The RHS has 2 measures of overall course time:
- Guided Learning Hours (GLH): The Guided Learning Hours (GLH) represent the time that the learner spends learning under the immediate guidance and supervision of a tutor and includes assessment by the tutor, as well as invigilated exams. Guided Learning Hours are always less than total qualification time, as learners are expected to complete a certain amount of study in their own time. The Guided Learning Hours for this qualification is at least 120.
- Total Qualification Time (TQT): Total Qualification Time (TQT) includes the Guided Learning Hours and represents the notional time that an average learner could reasonably expect to take to complete the learning outcomes of the units to the standard determined by the assessment criteria, and gain the qualification. It includes all contact with tutors as well as assessment time and unsupervised directed study, coursework and practice. The Total Qualification Time for this qualification is 180.
You'll be ready to take your exam when you have completed all the lessons, uploaded all of the assignments, and completed the qualification-wide outcomes learning material, exam preparation and exam practice materials.
What's Included
This total course price includes the online RHS exams and registration fees.
As a Learning with Experts' student, you also qualify for the RHS student membership. Please contact us to obtain the details for this after signing up.
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Module overview
What you'll learn in each section of the course.
Plant Science I
In module Plant Science I you will...
- Develop your knowledge of plant structure and functions, along with teaching you about plant naming.
- You’ll learn how to identify and describe plants, how to select the best plants for each garden project and how to ensure those plants survive and thrive.
- You’ll learn how to use technical language to describe and classify plants.
- You’ll look at how a plant is structured, understand plant tissues and grow your knowledge on plant and tissue functions and characteristics.
- This module also includes an exploration of plant growth processes and how the environment can impact on plant function. You’ll also look at the impact of climate change on plants and their functions.
Plant Health
The Plant Health module covers the factors that impact plant health such as environment, nutrition, pests, climate change and biosecurity.
- You’ll learn about abiotic factors and how these affect plant growth.
- We’ll look at pests, diseases and pathogens and strategies you can use to prevent or reduce problems.
- You’ll learn how plant nutrition can affect the plant and its characteristics and how to spot nutrient deficiency.
Plant Nutrition
Plant Nutrition looks at the impact of plant nutrition on sustainability and climate change.
- We’ll explore the effect of soil and soil structure on plant growth, including the impact of climate change on soil.
- You’ll learn about nutrients and elements for plant growth, along with soil based nutrition and soil pH impact.
- We’ll also cover bulk constituents such as sand, peat, wool and grit and the environmental impact of using these in horticulture.
Plant Specification
The Plant Specification module looks at...
- How to choose the right plant for the right place, from selection to sourcing plants sustainably.
- You’ll learn how to assess a site and how to make plant selections based on your assessment.
- We’ll look at plant characteristics and sustainability when selecting plants for your site.
- This module includes the principles for the process of bringing plants on your site – from specifying which plants to include, receiving plants on site, planting, and maintaining.
Plant Science II
In Plant Science II you’ll build on the knowledge you gained in Plant Science I.
- We'll look at a wider range of plant material and plant adaptations.
- We’ll look at how plants adapt to suit different environments – with a deeper look at adaptations in leaf types, stems, roots and flowers.
- You’ll learn to identify adaptations and how these can be used by the plant or the horticulturalist.
Planting Styles
In the Planting Styles module, we’ll look at...
- How horticulturalists combine their plant knowledge with the ways people interact with gardens and landscapes.
- We’ll cover formal and informal garden and planting styles and look at historic garden design characteristics.
- You’ll learn how to use the advantages of plants (for example, to create shade) and how to combine plants.
- This module will also include how horticulturalists can create edible landscapes and grow fruit and vegetables in ways that have a wider social impact.
Horticulture & Society
Horticulture & Society looks at...
- The role that horticulture plays in enhancing people’s wellbeing and health.
- We’ll look at how green spaces can connect people, build communities and impact lives.
- You’ll learn about the role of horticulturalists and horticulture in society, from environmental impacts to the economy.
- We’ll also cover how community gardening and planting projects can change and benefit society.
Biodiversity
The Biodiversity module covers how horticulturalists can use their plant knowledge, planting styles and plant selections to enhance biodiversity.
- You’ll learn about the food chain, the relationships between primary and secondary consumers, and the impacts of climate change on plants.
- We’ll look at the importance of habitats within horticultural sites, the role of citizen science projects to monitor biodiversity and the concept and impacts of biodiversity action plans.
