Bachelor of Science in Horticulture BN007

In association with the Institute of Technology, Blanchardstown

Duration:              Three Years
Awarding Body:     Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC)
Course Code:        BN007
Entrance:             CAO
 

Course Aim
The course offers the student with a well-rounded education in all areas of landscape design and construction, sport turf management, nursery stock, ornamentals and food crop production.

Throughout the course students will acquire a sound knowledge of the identification and use of plants in the environment. Through their course work in the Institute of Technology, Blanchardstown, students will receive an in-depth understanding of the concepts and processes of management and information technology.
 

This is a full time course which begins in mid-September each year and runs until June of the following year. The day begins at 9am and finishes at 4.45pm, including breaks for coffee and lunch. Each day may be divided into a combination of classes, practical demonstrations and skills practice sessions.

Students spend time in both Warrenstown and ITB during the week and transport between the colleges is provided. The college year is divided into two semesters with exams in January and May/June. The exams are usually of two to three hours duration depending on the particular subject, with a percentage of the marks for most subjects allocated to Continuous Assessment projects through the year.

Course content

Upon successful completion of this course, students will have studied a wide range of topics relating to horticulture and the business of horticulture. Over three years, a selection of mandatory and elective subjects will be delivered, depending on student requirements.  Strong practical, ‘hands-on’ skills development is an integral element of many of the subjects offered, ensuring that our students are very well-prepared to take up employment in the horticulture industry.  Some of the subjects offered include:

Mandatory:   Introduction to Horticulture, Plant Identification & Use, Science & Mathematics for Horticulture, Computer Applications & Communications, Horticulture Mechanisation, Marketing & Quality Assurance, Customer Service, Human Resource Management, Law.

Electives:     Nursery Stock Production, Landscape Design, Food Crop Production, Golf Course Technology, Landscape & Garden Management, Floristry, Garden Centre Operation, Interior Landscaping and Sportsturf.

Project:        Each student must complete a project in third year, usually closely related to their choice of major elective in Year 2. They must choose a suitable topic, review literature, carry out research/experiments, collate and interpret results, write a detailed report and orally present their work. Design students must complete a design portfolio.

Placement:   Each student must complete two work experience placements (each of 15 weeks duration) to gain practical ‘hands-on’ experience of work in their chosen area of expertise.

Entry Requirements
There are three possible methods of entry to the course:

 
(i)   CAO System (First round offers usually around 150 - 200 points.)  The minimum requirement is a pass in five subjects at ordinary Level in the Leaving Certificate, to include Mathematics and Irish or English.

(ii)   Mature students should apply through the CAO but will not have to meet the above requirements and may be awarded a place at the College on the results of interviews held in May.

(iii)   Students with a FETAC qualification in Horticulture should apply through the CAO and contact the College or ITB to see if their qualifications meet the entry requirements (minimum requirement is any full FETAC award).

Progression:

Students can continue to study for a  B.A. (Hons) in Horticultural Business Management at Level 8.

 
If you have any queries regarding this course. please contact the college.