HND Horticulture

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Programme Specification
HORTICULTURE HND
1. Key Programme Facts
Awarding Body Pearson
Teaching Institution Bridgwater College
Curriculum Area Land and Environmental Management
Accreditation by Professional Body Not applicable
UCAS Code W36H
College Course Code Not yet available
Mode(s) of Study available and
programme duration
Full Time – 1 years – One day per week in college (long day)
Level and Total Credits Awarded Level 5, 120 Credits – Higher National Certificate (HND)
Credit Structure 120 Credits at Level 5 ‐ HND
Delivery location Cannington Centre
Language of Study English
Relevant Subject Benchmark
Statement(s)
QAA Subject Benchmark Statements:
Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences and
Environmental Studies (2007)
Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, Food and Consumer
Sciences (2009)
Biosciences (2007)
Final Award for Certification Pearson BTEC Level 5 HND in Horticulture
External Reference Points UK Quality Code for Higher Education
Subject Benchmark Statements
Pearson Specialist Paper 4 Programme Specifications
Date of approval of this
specification
Spring 2015
Date review due 2018/19
2. Purpose of this Programme Specification
This document is relevant for prospective students, enrolled students, employers, teaching teams, internal
college reviewers and external reviewers.
The programme specification is an overview to the programme as a whole. It explains how the programme
will be taught, assessed and the skills and competencies the student will be able to demonstrate if they take
full advantage of the learning opportunities provided.

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Role of the Awarding Body
Pearson is the awarding body and as such has overall responsibility for the quality and standards of the
programme. Bridgwater College is approved to manage and deliver the programme within Pearson’s quality
framework and Pearson accredits the successful student with their final award.
3. Aims of the Programme
Bridgwater College has developed this programme to equip graduates with the skills to meet the needs and
expectations of the local/regional/national industry.
There is a demand for higher skilled personnel in all aspects of horticulture from nursery and garden
centre management, design, organic methods to food and plant production
The general aims of the programme are to develop critically informed, agile and resourceful skills to
demonstrate:
 knowledge and critical understanding of the well‐established principles of horticulture, and of the way
in which those principles have developed;
 ability to apply underlying concepts and principles outside the context in which they were first studied,
including, where appropriate, the application of those principles in an employment context;
 knowledge of the main methods of enquiry in the subject(s) relevant to the named award, and ability
to evaluate critically the appropriateness of different approaches to solving problems in the field of
study
 an understanding of the limits of their knowledge, and how this influences analyses and
interpretations based on that knowledge.
4. Distinctive Features of the Programme
This programme has the following
 Students studying at this level will benefit from the depth of knowledge provided by not only a
highly skilled and knowledgeable teaching team with up‐to‐date links with industry but also by
interaction with higher level employees and managers in various specialised horticulture and land‐
based industries
 They will have the opportunity to development higher level management skills
 They will have access to specialist laboratory facilities and the resources of the Walled Garden and
glasshouse as well as other specialist technologies located off‐site
 They will undertake work experience at the appropriate level of skill required at this level with an
employer at the forefront of the horticulture industry
Entry requirements
 HNC L4 Horticulture or Equivalent – progression is encouraged from the HNC Level 4 course run at
Bridgwater College
 Acceptance onto the programme is subject to interview
 Students with experience in industry are welcome to apply
 Mature students with relevant experience are welcome to apply

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5. Intended Programme Learning Outcomes
Typically holders of the qualification will have demonstrated these characteristics or be able to do the
following:
Level 5
A) Knowledge
1. Knowledge and critical understanding of the well‐established principles of horticulture and
the way in which those principles have developed and inter‐relate
2. Knowledge of the main methods of enquiry in the subjects relevant to an HND in
horticulture, together with the ability to evaluate in a critical manner the appropriateness
of different approaches to solving problems in the field of study
3. Assess and articulate the central roles of horticulture in its industrial and ethical context
B) Understanding and skills
1. The ability to apply underlying concepts and principles outside the context of horticulture
including those relating to the field of employment
2. An understanding of the limits of their knowledge of the subjects and how this affects the
way they analyse and interpret the knowledge gained
3. To develop skills and acquire new competences that will enable them to assume significant
responsibility within organisations in the horticulture sphere
C) Other Attributes
1. The ability to research, synthesise, summarise and analyse subject‐specific information
2. The ability to demonstrate the practice of scientific enquiry;
3. The ability to select and operate appropriate complex equipment for advance horticultural
applications
4. Communicate ideas and findings both verbally and in writing, with clarity and in a manner
appropriate to diverse audiences

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6. Programme Structure
Lecture
Seminar
Tutorial
Project Supervision
Demonstration
Practical classes/workshops
Supervised time in
workshop/studio
Fieldwork
External Visits
Total
Hours
%
Hours % Hours % % Written Exam
One to one sessions (not
tutorial)
Personal tutor meetings
Group Tutorials
Guest lectures gp
sessions
Library/research skills
Careers fairs/sessions
External Visits
Total
2 Work‐based Experience A/601/0328 5 15 C 50 50 33% 100 67% 0 0% 150 100 0 0 30 2 10 0 4 0 8 54
9 Environmental Management F/503/1056 5 15 C 20 10 30 20% 120 80% 0 0% 150 100 0 0
20
Organic Soil Management M/503/1067 5 15 O 20 5 5
30 20%
120 80% 0 0% 150 100 0 0
37 Land Use Issues Regulation D/503/1095 5 15 C 30 30 20% 120 80% 0 0% 150 100 0 0
23 Management of Historic Parks and Gardens T/503/1071 5 15 C 32 10 42 28% 108 72% 0 0% 150 100 0 0
11 Horticultural Technology L/503/1058 5 15 C 10 10 10 30 20% 120 80% 0 0% 150 100 0 0
14 Nursery Stock Production L/503/1061 5 15 C 5 25 30 20% 120 80% 0 0% 150 100 0 0
19 Plant health and environment relationships K/503/1066 5 15 C 20 10 30 20% 120 80% 0 0% 150 100 0 0
120 Total 187 0 0 0 0 50 0 15 20 272 26% 928 74% 0 0% 1200 800 0 0
100% 0% 0%
Non‐timetabled activities which take
place as part of the overall year of study
Teaching & Learning Methods Summary Assessment Methods Summary
Scheduled Activities Independent
Total
Hours % Coursework
% Practical skills/
Oral assessment
Placement (incl. WBL)
Year Two
Unit
Number Unit Name
Pearson Unit
Code
Level
Credit
Value
Core/
Optional

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7. Teaching and Learning Methods
The teaching methods used on units are varied and informed by current practice in science teaching in higher
education and in accordance with those specified by Pearson. The College’s ‘Blackboard’ VLE will be fully used
in supporting delivery of all units, primarily for locating unit resources, but also often for coursework, interactive
tasks, submission of assignments, and feedback.
The framework for learning will in most units make use of lectures to deliver underpinning knowledge and for
introducing difficult or new concepts. Practical work, both on and off‐site, are also key features of most units,
enhancing learning and enabling the development of the skills needed for a career in horticulture.
Other teaching methods include seminar discussions or debates, scientific experiments and analysis of data,
practical building sessions, one‐to‐one and/or small group tutorial sessions, and problem‐solving workshops.
Reflective learning is encouraged through the use of self, peer and staff formative feedback on assignments,
group work and project work, and the use of reflective diaries. Critical self‐awareness and personal literacy are
developed through these activities.
8. Assessment Methods
The assessment for all modules is through coursework, practical workshop sessions, work experience.,
presentations and observed scientific experimentation. Assignments will be in a standard format containing
details of criteria assessed (directly related to the Pearson unit specification), tasks and required outcomes.
Grade descriptors indicate what characteristics are expected to achieve ‘merit’ or ‘distinction’ grades. The
assessments are based around an integrated and holistic approach to the content of that specific unit within
an analytical and evaluative framework.
9. Learning Support
Support is available as needed at every level of study. Every student will receive time for structured tutorial
support to assist with their academic progress at programme level. There is a dedicated HE specialist in the
Learning Resource Centre who can assist with any HE related enquiries. Other types of support are accessible
via the Student Services team as needed on an individual basis.
10. Academic progression
Graduates from this programme have progressed onto the following courses:
 BSc Top‐up Horticulture
11. Employability
This qualification will equip you with the knowledge, skills and understanding as detailed in Section 6. You
can apply this skillset and experiences gained through the study of this qualification to confidently apply
for employment in the following sectors/industries/roles:
 Laboratory technician
 Head gardener
 Lecturer
 Garden Centre Manager

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12. Indicators of Quality and Standards
Methods used to evaluate and improve quality and standards
QAA Higher Education Review May 2014
External Examining and reports
Self Evaluation
Self Assessment Monitoring
Review of provision and curriculum content to maintain and enhance student experience and skills etc
Student feedback