RHS Level 2: Garden Planning Theory

RHS Level 2 Certificate in Principles of Horticulture is an internationally recognised qualification from the Royal Horticultural Society.

RHS Level 2: Garden Planning Theory includes modules RHS: Features & Planning, RHS: Garden Plants & Lawns, RHS: Vegetables & Fruits and RHS: Protected Environments (modules 5, 6, 7, and 8 from the pre-2022 Certificate syllabus).

Please note students will only be able to start this course until 1 April 2023, due to the RHS Level 2 new syllabus

The RHS online course is suitable for everyone from gardeners looking to expand their knowledge of plants, garden design and wildlife to those already in horticulture careers or planning a career change.

This course is taught by Dr Noel Kingsbury and Tom Cole - both qualified horticulture experts with experience teaching RHS students.

Choose the Expert option for personal feedback from the tutors on your projects and coursework.

Why study with Learning with Experts?

• We’re an RHS approved centre

• Learn from qualified RHS experts Dr Noel Kingsbury and Tom Cole

• Start your course at any time

• Study at your own pace

• Join a small friendly online classroom

• Interact and learn from other students on your course

• Complete gardening projects throughout the course

• Choose Expert option for personal feedback on your projects from the tutors

The collection includes the following classes (each class can also be bought individually):

• RHS: Features & Planning

• RHS: Garden Plants & Lawns

• RHS: Vegetables & Fruits

• RHS: Protected Environments

RHS Level 2 Course Tutors

Dr Noel Kingsbury

Writer, designer and horticultural consultant, Noel lives and breathes gardening. A true expert in his field, Noel has worked closely with world famous designer Piet Oudolf (among others). He is best known for his ecological approach to planting design.

Tom Cole

Tom Cole is an RHS Associate. He regularly lectures and has his own landscape and maintenance business. He is a regular broadcaster on BBC Radio Essex and a contributor for many garden magazines.

RHS Student Membership

As a student at Learning with Experts, you will qualify for the £10 RHS student membership saving you £39.95 annually.

FAQs

What is the RHS Level 2 Online Course?

The Royal Horticultural Society's Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture is an internationally recognised qualification designed for those just starting out in gardening as well as experienced gardeners.

To complete your qualification you need to sit the RHS Level 2 exam (optional and booked via the RHS).

Distance learners of RHS Level 2 (all Learning with Experts qualify for this) can now apply to take RHS Level 2 exams online

How is the course structured?

To obtain the RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture you study a collection of courses with us and then subsequently sit an exam with the RHS independently.

Our course, both at peer and expert levels, will leave you fully prepared for the final exam. However the expert level of the course will mean that you can interact with the world-class tutors, having them mark your assignments and provide you with your own personal feedback.

Each unit will be assessed by a separate written examination covering all learning outcomes specified in the unit. Examinations will be offered twice a year - normally in February and June.

Once all of the courses have been completed, you can book your exam through the RHS.

Do I need to have completed RHS Level 1?

In short, no you don't.

The RHS Level 1 is a practical based qualification that is also offered by the RHS. However due to the practical nature of the course it is not available for study online, but only through approved RHS exam centres.

The RHS Level 2 is run entirely separate to RHS Level 1 and you don't need to have completed RHS Level 1 (or plan on completing it) in order to study for and pass RHS Level 2.

Is this qualification right for me?

This qualification is available to anyone over 16 years of age, from anywhere in the world. Our tutors are used to teaching people for whom English is a second language. All that is required is a keen interest in gardening.

The RHS have designed this course to be ideal for:

• anyone who is working as a professional horticulturist,

• anyone who wants to make a career change into gardening and horticulture,

• anyone who just wants to expand their gardening knowledge.

How long does the course take?

This collection is entirely flexible and fits around your schedule, so you can go at your own pace. However if you want to fully qualify you'll need to sit exams which normally take place either in February or June.

Each lesson includes:

An on-demand video (around 30 minutes) - presented by the expert

An assignment (which takes on average an hour to complete)

You have 1 week per lesson, which means up to 41 weeks to complete the entire course, however you can study as quickly as you like.

RHS Level 2 Books

We asked tutor Tom Cole for his essential RHS Level 2 course books which will help you learn throughout the course.

Any further questions? We have a dedicated set of RHS Level 2 frequently asked questions, covering how and where exams take place, and how to book an exam place.

IMPORTANT:

Please note: The RHS has now updated their syllabus for RHS Level 2, this course is still available to start, but you will need to take exams by Feb 2024.

View the new RHS Level 2 online course