Vocational Certificate in Horticulture - Level 5
 


Duration:              One Year (September - June)

Awarding Body:     Further Education & Training Awards Council (FETAC)

Progression:          FETAC Level 6 Advanced Certificate - more info>>

                    OR
                            HETAC Bachelor of Science in Horticulture (BN007) -                                      more info>>

Application:           Apply directly to the College

Entrance:              Competitive Interview




Course Aim

The aim of this one year course is to give the students an insight into all aspects of commercial and amenity horticulture. The course programme has a good blend of academic work, skills development and practical experience that will allow students develop a sound knowledge of horticulture theory and practice.

Students who complete this course successfully will be eligible to apply for the FETAC Level 6 course, the Bachelor of Science in Horticulture degree (CAO: BN007) or to obtain employment in the industry.

 

Course Structure

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 is usually divided into a combination of classes, practical demonstrations and skills practice sessions.

Students must achieve a pass in a number of mandatory subjects to be eligible for the FETAC Level 5 award. A number of prescribed and elective subjects must also be successfully completed to bring the total number of credits achieved to a minimum of 50 to receive the Level 5 Certificate in Horticulture. Students may achieve a 'Merit' or 'Distinction' by acquiring more credits and by successfully completing the required number of Advanced Competencies.

 

Course Content

This course provides a balanced mix of academic knowledge, ‘hands-on’ skills development and practical work experience in a broad range of horticulture topics.  The theory taught in the classroom is combined with skills demonstrations and practice sessions, enabling students to carry out all the basic horticultural tasks in a capable and competent manner.

 

The range of modules offered includes mandatory, prescribed and elective subjects, and may vary slightly from year to year depending on students’ interests.  The following is a sample of those offered this year:

 

Mandatory:  Health and Safety, Crop Pesticides, Plant Identification, Horticultural Operations 1 & 2, Plant Science, Soil Science.

Prescribed:  Hand Tools & Hand-operated Implements, Weather and Horticulture, Stone Wall Building, Hard Landscaping, Tractor Driving, Small Engine Maintenance, Horticultural Science

Electives:    Alpine Plants, Turfgrass Machinery, Propagation of Plants from Cuttings, Bedding Plants from Seed, Organic Crop Production.

 

Students must achieve a minimum of 50 credits to receive the FETAC Level 5 certificate, while those achieving more credits may be awarded a merit or distinction. All subjects are examined on a Continual Assessment basis by weekly short exams or practical tests.



Entry Requirements

While there is no minimum education entry requirement those who have completed the Leaving Certificate are likely to benefit most.  Applicants should have completed the senior cycle of a second level school or be not less than 17 years old on January 1st following entry to the course to be eligible for registration.  Registration at the College must take place before October 22nd of the year of entry.

This course is suitable for those who have not completed the Leaving Certificate. Applications from mature students are encouraged.
 

Application procedure

Interested students should contact the college immediately to request an application form. Interviews are held at the end of June/early July and places are awarded to successful candidates on the basis of a competitive interview. Late applications may be accepted depending on numbers.


Grants

Currently Teagasc awards grants (not means tested) to cover day student fees and to partly cover residential student charges. Details are available from the College - Charges >>

 


If you are interested in studying this course or if you have any further queries, please contact the college.

 

The information contained in the Warrenstown College Web-pages is, to the best or our knowledge, true and accurate at the time of publication and is solely for informational purposes. Warrenstown College accepts no liability for any loss or damage howsoever arising as a result of use or reliance on these Web pages.