PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 1500 hour Horticulture Learning Bundle

What is a 'Learning Bundle'?

Our learning bundles are a great way to put together the modules that suit your specific goals and learning needs. It is also more cost effective than studying each module separately.

• If you sit exams you will receive a Statement of Attainment for each module

• If you choose not to sit exams, you will receive a Letter of Completion for each module

When you complete your bundle you can receive a Summary of Studies.

Looking for a Career in Horticulture

Quite obviously, the more you study, the more you learn; and a greater breadth and depth of knowledge will also increase the scope of your employment opportunities.

• Exceptional tutors
• Opportunity to specialize
• Unique and comprehensive resources (Things you simply don't find at other horticulture schools)
• Outstanding international reputation and global recognition in this industry.

Modules

Note that each module in the PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 1500 hour Horticulture Learning Bundle is a short course in its own right, and may be studied separately.

Compulsory Modules:

Horticulture I

Horticulture II

Horticulture III

There are ten lessons in this module, as follows:

1. Introduction
2. Overview of Preventative Controls
3. Insecticides
4. Other Pesticides
5. Spray Equipment
6. Insect Biology
7. Fungal Biology
8. Environmental Problems
9. Viruses
10. Nematodes, Molluscs and Crustaceans

Horticulture and Research I

The course contains seven lessons:

Industry Meetings

The purpose of this module is to gain an appreciation of industry and build your capacity to apply horticultural knowledge in the real world. This can be satisfied in a range of ways including:

• Working in a horticultural job (paid or voluntary) for 100 hrs, and providing proof of that work experience through documentation such as a reference from an employer. This must be more than just a basic labouring position though. Working in a nursery propagating plants would for instance, be appropriate. Shovelling soil off a truck for 100 hrs may not be appropriate.
• Serving on an industry committee (e.g. professional association or garden club)
• Writing articles for publication (in gardening magazines, or even on one of the school's web sites) etc

Working as a Professional in Horticulture

Will doing a course get me work? No not always! Many people study just to get a qualification and having a qualification may be no guarantee for work. What will get you work, is studying the right subjects and retaining, but more importantly being able to recall and apply your knowledge and skills later (even years later). Not all courses set you up for this – some people are rushed though courses, rather than studying at a self-paced speed, they need to fit in with course deadlines. This makes people rush and rushing does not allow you to truly absorb information – lack of absorption means an inability to recall and apply knowledge. What you learn from a good course does greatly increase your employment opportunities.

What do I need to Get Work as a Horticultural Graduate?

Sound demonstrable knowledge and skills across horticulture industry sectors but also pertinent to the job; a qualification is just one part of that, many people have qualifications but it is how you are able to apply and demonstrate your knowledge that will count most to your potential employer. In horticulture you will not only know the basics of horticulture such as plant identification, plant culture, soil management, propagation and so on you will also need to have a sound grounding in other subjects that will expand your basic knowledge – this course allows you to do this.

• Good communication skills: verbal, written and IT skills are the very basis of a professional in any industry and horticulture is no exception. You need to be able to communicate effectively at all levels – with workers, your peers, your employers and importantly your clients.
• Problem solving skills: In the work place, and as a professional, you will need to problem solve all the time – you need to be able to think on your feet, come up with quick solutions and make sure that those solutions are carried through and actually work. Problem solving skills are encouraged in ACS courses because your set tasks and assignment are based on Problem Based Learning – a system which is proven to produce graduates that have advanced problem solving capabilities and there is nothing an employer likes more!
• Efficiency: Efficient workers know how to plan, organise, have logic and be able to apply it to work load and production (doing the things in the right order in an organised way). Efficient don’t need to do this quickly they should be adept at applying skills and expertise.
• Professional attitude: employers prefer people with good personal presentation and the ability to work cooperatively within a team environment.
• A passion for the industry: Employers also prefer those that show a passion for their work and you can demonstrate this by being across the latest developments pertinent to your industry sector, you can do this through networking within the industry: volunteering to gain experience, memberships to clubs, societies and associations.

What Else?

• See study as a first step - continue studying and learning throughout your career - reading literature from a variety of sources will all help you to gain a good profile and make you stand out from others applying for the same positions.
• Have a well written, concise CV and written to current conventions - ACS tutors will help you with your VC free of charge.
• Recognise your weaknesses (academic and other) and work on them but also know your strengths and don't be afraid to demonstrate them.

REFERENCE BOOKS

• Student discounts are available to anyone studying with ACS Distance Education.
• Both printed books and eBooks (as downloads) available