Advanced HCC Course in Plant Growth

Your first set of course materials will be sent to you when you enrol. You can start as soon as you want and progress through the course at your own pace (you have 2 years to complete it), studying when and where you choose. This flexibility makes it easy to fit learning around work and family commitments.

The extensive course materials have been developed by gardening experts and are clear and straightforward, so your studying is easy and enjoyable. As you complete each lesson, your tutor will promptly return your marked assignment with constructive feedback and guidance. (You can also contact your tutor or the support team for help at any point during your studies.)

All the required study materials are included.

There is no formal examination. On successful completion you will be awarded an HCC Certificate and the Certificate of Achievement at QLS Level 3. You have 2 years to complete the course.

The Advanced HCC Course in Plant Growth is an in-depth study programme aimed at advanced learners who wish to pursue a horticultural career or are already working in this field.

After introducing you to the plant kingdom, the course covers all aspects of plant growth.

Learn about the anatomy and physiology of plants, the importance of seeds and chemistry of soil, as well as how plants are successfully propagated, both domestically and in the horticultural industry.

You will explore the life cycle of plants, incorporating photosynthesis, pollination, fertilisation, diffusion and osmosis, the movement and growth of plants and how this controlled by plant hormones.

The course considers the roles of flowers and fruits, plus the increasingly popular area of organic growing – including the practices used by organic producers and the standards expected of them in the UK.

The course also covers symptoms of the common horticultural pests, weed and diseases such as Japanese Knotweed, rust, rodents and temperature damage.

Learn about how plants have built up natural resistance to these problems and how they can otherwise be controlled, plus legislation surrounding the use of pesticides.

Upon successful completion you will receive; the Certificate of Achievement* at QLS Level 3. This course has been designed by The Horticultural Correspondence College to meet specific learners’ and/or employers’ requirements which cannot be satisfied through current regulated qualifications. The Quality Licence Scheme, endorses high-quality, non-regulated provision and training programmes.

You will also receive an HCC Certificate*, graded to show the standard you have reached. The HCC’s reputation means this can be highly regarded on a CV and, combined with your portfolio of coursework, is evidence of your achievements (whether you are applying for a job or a more advanced study course).

* Your certification will be issued once you have successfully completed your course and finished your course payments.

We are proud of our friendly, caring ethos and aim to do all we can to help you succeed.

Our tutors are all experienced, highly qualified and passionate about sharing their love of their subject. You can phone or email your tutor throughout the course – to ask questions, for advice, encouragement or to draw on their wealth of knowledge.

You can also contact the support team who are here to help you Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

While there are no formal entry requirements, we recommend that you have successfully completed earlier studies at basic/level 2 or similar before starting on this course. Please get in touch if you are unsure about the level of the course.

If needed you have 2 years to complete the course. Many students are able to complete this course in approximately 9-12 months (approx 150 learning hours)*.

*Timescales are approximate and depend upon application and motivation.

• You could do the following jobs:
  • Garden maintenance and planting
  • Working in a nursery: growing, selling, and management
  • Garden sitting service (i.e. maintaining gardens while the owners are on holiday)
  • Growing and selling container plants or house plants
  • Working in horticultural education, provided you have the right range of practical knowledge and having gained the correct educational qualifications and relevant teaching experience.
• As this course is aimed at advanced level and if you have the required practical experience you could do the jobs listed above at a supervisory level.
• If you already work in the horticultural profession, this qualification would demonstrate to prospective employers or clients an in-depth knowledge of plant biology, nutrition, health and propagation.