For the Certificate which is taken from the City & Guilds Level 2 (7573) units, you will study five units. These are:

• 243 Carry out a site survey in two dimensions  5 Credits
• 244 Draw up a two-dimensional site survey 5 Credits
• 248 Produce a basic garden design 5 credits
• 247 Design a garden in a historical context 4 credits
• 249 Produce a planting plan 3 Credits

Click here for the City & Guilds Level 2 Award in Practical Horticulture Skills (7573) which provides you with a complete overview of the City & Guilds course.

The City & Guilds Level 2 Award in Practical Horticulture Skills (7573) from which this Certificate is derived is a practically- based qualification; teaching consists of some classroom work (including the completion of a portfolio of evidence) and practical teaching involving demonstrations, practice, and the assessment of learned techniques and skills.

The knowledge element of  each unit is assessed by evidence submitted on a proforma provided by the Awarding Body (City & Guilds). The practical skills are assessed by the lecturer delivering the course against the standards specified by the Awarding Body and a record of assessment is provided which is kept in the portfolio of evidence with other work. The portfolio will be used as evidence to support an application for certification from The Awarding Body ( the portfolio can be returned to the learner on request once the processes of verification and certification have been completed after the end of the course).

Course materials will be provided for each of the topics being assessed.  You will be given the opportunity to read around the subjects being taught and assessed to prepare yourself adequately for assessments, and to work on preparing material for your portfolio at home.

When you have passed the minimum number of units (consisting of 18 credits) you will be awarded The City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate in Practical Horticultural Skills, listing all units which were achieved during the course.

For 2026 tuition fees are £860, The City & Guilds registration fee is £ 44.00, The certification fees for the 5 units are £ 20.00, total payable  £924.00

You can prepay £900.00 for your complete course, or you can secure your place on the course with a non-refundable booking fee, payable on enrolment, of 25% of the full cost of the course plus an administration fee. This is payable as the first instalment of £236.00  and covers the registration and certification fees.

Please note: In the event of a place not being available or if the course does not run, the booking fee will be returned to you. 

The remainder of the course fees can be paid in three equal instalments of £236.00 on weeks 6, 12 and 18 of the course.

You can ask us to set up a direct debit mandate when you book the course by indicating 'yes' on the form, and we will be pleased to send you a mandate form by email. Once this has been returned to us we can request payments from your bank on or about weeks 6, 12 and 18.

Courses will take place at the Ryton centre on Wednesdays, 13.30 - 16.30 pm. 

Complete the online enrolment form by clicking on the 'Enrol for this course' button above.

Please note course places are limited; completing the form does not guarantee that a place is available on the course you have chosen, our administrator will contact you to confirm your place. Shortly before the course begins you will be sent joining instructions.

A level 2 horticultural qualification can be the first step in changing to a career in horticulture. Both RHS and City and Guilds qualifications are an accepted route into the horticultural profession for the National Trust and many other employers. This is also an ideal course for adult beginners or keen gardeners who want to broaden their knowledge and enter the field of garden design.

You can go on to study an RHS course  -  the new RHS Level 2 Certificate in Plant Growth and Development. Alternatively, you could develop more practical skills with the RHS Level 2 Practical Certificate in Horticulture.