The four unit exams are:

1. Garden Survey Techniques and Design Principles
2. Selection and Use of Landscaping Elements in the Garden
3. Setting out and Construction of Landscaping Elements in the Garden
4. Specialist Elements in the Establishment of Garden and Urban Plantings

Course Duration:
The Total Qualification Time (TQT) given for this course is 202 hours.

UNIT 1 – GARDEN SURVEY TECHNIQUES AND DESIGN PRINCIPLES

Outcome 1: Understand how to develop a client brief

• 1.1 Identify the information which needs to be gathered from the client.
• 1.2 Describe how information is gathered to develop the client

Outcome 2: Understand how to carry out a site appraisal

2.1  State what existing features and characteristics need to be recorded.

• 2.2 State what methods are used to collect and record site information.
• 2.3 Explain the influence of features and characteristics on choice of design

Outcome 3: Understand a range of basic surveying techniques

• 3.1 Describe the linear surveying of a site using appropriate equipment.
• 3.2 Describe the level surveying of a site using appropriate equipment.
• 3.3 Interpret survey measurements from standard documentation.
• 3.4 Describe scale drawings produced from survey data

Outcome 4: Understand the principles of garden design

• 4.1 Explain the principles of garden design.
• 4.2 Describe examples of the application of the elements in 4

Outcome 5: Understand the historical development of garden design styles

• 5.1 Describe representative characteristics of the following garden design styles:
• Medieval, Moorish, Renaissance (Italian,French and Dutch), English Landscape,
• Victorian, Modernist, Japanese
• 5.2 Review the factors that influence the design of domestic

UNIT 2 –  SELECTION AND USE OF LANDSCAPING ELEMENTS IN THE GARDEN

Outcome 1: Understand the Contribution made by Hard Landscaping Features to Garden Design

• 1.1 Identify how hard landscaping features may contribute to garden design.
• 1.2 Describe a range of materials suitable for these hard landscaping features to meet aesthetic, functional and sustainable design requirements.
• 1.3 Evaluate the suitability of hard landscaping materials and features to ensure accessibility for all garden users.
• 1.4 Review how considerations of safety may influence the choice of structures and materials used in the garden

Outcome 2: Understand the Contribution made by Soft Landscaping Features to the Design of a Garden

• 2.1 Describe soft landscaping features that contribute to garden design
• 2.2 Select plants suitable for a range of soft landscaping situations
• 2.4 Describe the design possibilities of grassed areas ( including mowing effects and heights, turf mazes)
• 2.5 Describe the use of planting plans

UNIT 3 – SETTING OUT AND CONSTRUCTION OF LANDSCAPING ELEMENTS IN THE GARDEN

Outcome 1: Understand the Planning Involved in the Realisation of a Garden Design

• 1.1 Explain the need to plan landscape works

Outcome 2: Understand the Practical Procedures for Setting out a Site

• 2.1 Describe how to set out the major features of a design on the ground
• 2.2 Describe how to set out the required levels on site

Outcome 3: Understand the Reasons for Correct Groundwork Procedures

• 3.1 Describe the correct handling, storage and reinstatement of soil during site construction
• 3.2 Select the type of drainage system required in various situations
• 3.3 Describe the foundations for hard landscaping

Outcome 4: Know Materials and Construction Procedures for Garden Surfaces

• 4.1 Describe a range of appropriate materials for garden surfaces
• 4.2 Describe the procedures for laying the surface materials mentioned in 4.1

Outcome 5: Know materials and construction procedures for garden walls, fences and pergolas

• 5.1 Describe materials that are suitable for the construction of garden walls
• 5.2 Describe materials suitable for garden fences
• 5.3 Describe materials suitable for pergolas and arches
• 5.4 Describe the construction of walls, fences and pergolas

UNIT 4 – SPECIALIST ELEMENTS IN THE ESTABLISHMENT OF GARDEN AND URBAN PLANTINGS

Outcome 1. Understand the Practices of Establishing and Maintaining Planting in a Range of Specialist Areas

• 1.1 Describe the characteristics of a range of specialist areas
• 1.2 Identify establishment and maintenance issues associated with specialist areas
• 1.4 Understand how water conservation can be applied in soft landscaping

Outcome 2. Understand Pruning in the Establishment and Maintenance of Specialist Plantings

• 2.1 Describe the use of specialist pruning techniques
• 2.2 Describe establishment and maintenance pruning

To view the Learning Goals for this course, please view the Unit Outcomes as listed on the Lesson Content page.

The syllabus is broken into the four units and because many people choose to spread their exams over the two examination months – February and June, it makes the workload easier.

Please contact us if you want only to take one unit at a time.

Everyone has access to the online course material via ADL’s learning platform. Learning materials can be downloaded in a pdf. format in order study offline and to also print-off as your own printed copy.

You also have the  option to receive your course material on a USB stick.

Important RHS Syllabus/exam changes for 2022 – click here to see more information

Key Facts:

• Ideal qualifications for entry into horticultural employment, improving practical skills
• or further study
• Course covers a range of wide range of horticultural topics and up-to-date working
• practices
• Appropriate for career change or to gain a better knowledge
• Suitable for part-time study
• Each unit is assessed by examination
• Examinations take place in February and June No entry requirements Qualification consists of four mandatory units

Important RHS Links: RHS Website – please click here The information listed below can be found on the RHS Qualifications FAQ’s page.

• Examaination Dates
• Exam Deadlines
• Exam Fees
• Exam Centres

Free Past Papers available from RHS

Your tutor for this course is:

Susan Stephenson

BSc in Applied Plant Biology (Botany) Univ. London 1983. City and guilds: Garden Centre Management, Management and Interior Decor (1984) Management qualifications in training with retail store. Diploma in Hort level 2 (RHS General) Distinction. Susan Stephenson is a passionate and experienced horticulturist and garden designer. She has authored three books, lectures at 2 Further and Higher Education Colleges, teaching people of all ages and backgrounds about the wonders of plants and garden design, and tutors many students by correspondence from all over the world. Susan studied botany at Royal Holloway College (Univ of London) and worked in the trading industry before returning to her first love – plants and garden design. She is therefore, well placed to combine business knowledge with horticulture and design skills. Susan is a mentor for garden designers who are just starting out, offering her support and advice and she also writes, delivers and assesses courses for colleges, introducing and encouraging people into horticulture and garden design. In 2010, Susan authored a complete module for a Foundation degree (FDSC) in Arboriculture. Susan holds the RHS General with Distinction.

RHS qualifications are awarded upon completion of the following criteria:

Assessment for RHS courses is based upon completing and passing the 4 Unit RHS Exams for each Level 3 certificate.

Although there are assignments to complete for many of the units, the grades awarded do not count towards the final examination. Tutors provide feedback – an essential element in the learning process.

Course material includes Power Point Presentations, Videos and written course material.
Past exams papers are available for free from RHS.

Choose Your Learning Method
You choose how you would like to receive your course material, i.e., Online, or USB.  The choice is yours. You may also work on online or offline.

Tutor Allocation
Every student is assigned their own dedicated tutor who is an expert in their subject area. They provide as much or as little individual contact as you require. You can contact your tutor whenever you need – your hours are not limited.

Feedback and Assignments
Tutor Feedback is an essential component in helping you understand the subject matter. We encourage you to contact your Tutor where help with clarification and understanding of course material may be required.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Here is a list of the most often asked FAQ’s.

General

Q. Why should I enrol with the Academy for Distance Learning?
A. Here at ADL, our students are our priority – we treat everyone as a unique individual.

Q. Do I need to buy text books?
A. No, as each module has been written by highly qualified industry professionals. The content of the material is presented in such a way that text books are not required. However, if you require additional reading your tutor will be able to supply a list.

Q. What happens if I have to stop studying for a while? (eg. become sick, go on holidays, have a baby, move house, etc)
A. It’s OK to take a break and start up your study at a later point in time. Just let us know.

Q. Is there an age limit?
A. There is no maximum age limit. We do however, have a minimum age limit of 18 years. Below that age parental consent would be required.

Q. Are your courses up-to date?
A. Our courses are revised and updated on a rotation system.

Q. Do you have a Cancellation policy?
A. Yes. We have a cancellation policy that is fair and equitable. For further details please click here.

Q. Will I have any opportunity to engage with other students?
A. We have a Student Community group based on facebook! If you don’t have a facebook account already, you could make one just for talking with fellow students on the group.

Enrolment

Q. When can I enrol/start?
A. You may enrol and start at any time of the year – it’s all self- paced.

Q. Can I study from anywhere in the world?
A. Our courses are available to anyone, anywhere in the world from the comfort of your own home. The course content is relevant to any country, culture or economy.

Q. How long do I have to complete the course?
A. You complete the course at any time that is convenient for you.

Q. Completing a 100 hour module – how long will it take?
A. For some students a 100 hour module will take approximately to 3- 6 months to complete. Others take less time and some even longer.

Assessment

Q. Assessment – how does it work?
A. For each 100 hour module you are assessed by assignments (at the end of each lesson) and a final one and a half hour exam (or you may elect to complete a Project, instead of sitting the exam) – the choice is yours – you sit for the exam in your own location.

Q. I don’t cope well with exams – what can I do?
A. You may elect to undertake a Project (set by your tutor) instead of sitting the exam. Projects are completed from your home and can usually take a couple of weeks to complete.

Q. If my assignment is not up to standard is there an opportunity to resubmit my work?
A. Yes –

Q. How many assignments do I need to complete for each module?
A. At the end of each lesson, there is an assignment – so if a course has say, 10 lessons, there would be 10 assignments.

Q. I am having difficulty attending workshops/industry meetings, what can be done?
A. If your course requires attendance at workshops, conferences, or industry meetings; alternative arrangements can be made in your country.

Qualifications

Q. What qualification will I receive?
A. For individual modules, you would be awarded a Certificate endorsed by TQUK (Training Qualifications, UK), providing you complete all assignments and the exam. If you just want to complete only the assignments and not sit for the exam or finish a Project, then a Letter of Achievement would be awarded. For more details on qualifications available please click here.

Q. Can I customize my diploma/higher qualification?
A. Not all educational institution’s certificates /diplomas meet everyone’s needs. The opportunity to Design Your Own Diploma at the Academy (subject to our approval) is an added bonus, not found at other colleges. You choose modules that you think will help you in achieving your goal.

Q. What do I get when I complete the course? Will I receive a transcript?
A. At the completion of all courses and providing all assignments and exam requirements have been met, you will receive your Award and a Transcript.

Tutors

Q. Our tutors – who are they?
A. We appoint Tutors and require that they must be currently active in their industry, with at least 5 years’ experience in their chosen profession.

Q. Can I contact my tutor at any time?
A. Yes – you have unlimited access to your tutor via email through our Online Classroom. You can always leave a message with ADL requesting your tutor to contact you. You decide on how much or how little contact you wish to have.

Q. Practical work – How is this done?
A. To find out more about this part of the course please visit the section on How Our Courses Work here.

What Your Tuition Fees Include:

• Learning Materials for both the RHS Level 2 and Level 3 courses
• RHS Student Membership for the first 12 months
• RHS Past Exam Papers
• All Course Material via Online or USB
• Outcomes Marked
• Suggested Reading List
• Professional Tutor Feedback
• Unlimited Personal Tutor Support – via our student classroom
• Committed and Friendly Admin Support – vital to your success
• An ADL Official Transcript upon completion of course workPlus FREE
• RHS Membership for the First 12 months
• Academic Writing course (optional – 10 hours only)
• Critical Thinking course (optional – 10 hours only)
• Job Seekers Careers Guide
• Study Tips on How To Study Better
• Career Counselling by ADL Staff
• CV Writing Help, Tips and Advice

Not included:
RHS Examination and Registration Fees – please click here

Yes