Distance learning RHS Courses?????

[Ouya Mellsa]

The Learning Curve course does not follow any textbook. The Titchmarsh book is just a little extra- something to tease in new customers, I guess. When I did the course with them I only received a 'Principles of Horticulture' textbook which was a big help, along with the RHS-approved course text.

Any distance learning provider will not include fees for the exams of such courses as you have to arrange them yourselves.

I don't think it's helpful to say that an RHS-approved course is somehow a 'risk'. It is in the NQF as an equal to more well-known courses, such as GCSEs.

[piskieinboots]

... Any distance learning provider will not include fees for the exams of such courses as you have to arrange them yourselves..

This isn't strictly true - I am studying Design with Plants through KLC (london-based company), within my course fees the RHS Level II exam is covered.

However, I had already studied RHS Level II with Waterperry (day-release) whereby the exam fees where part of the course fees - as you'd expect from a Hort College

[zazen999]

I don't think it's helpful to say that an RHS-approved course is somehow a 'risk'. It is in the NQF as an equal to more well-known courses, such as GCSEs.

I don't think it is helpful to ignore the fact that a company are being recommended on here - at a relatively high cost, without pointing out that their other courses are simply their own certificates without an awarding body and as such - watch out where you spend your money.

[Ouya Mellsa]

I would not recommend any course which did not have national recognition.

Many colleges offer courses which have nothing more than their own certificate. This does not detract from their other 'official' qualifications.

An RHS L2 is equivalent to a GCSE, and the Level 3 is equal to an A-level- whoever you study with.

[Bussy_lizzy]

You can fine some free online course notes for the RHS Level 2 Unit 1 on this site RHS Level 2 Course Notes for anyone who is currently studying for the Level 2 course.

Best of luck

Lizzy

[donnakebab]

I'm assuming the RHS course is pricey. I was going to look in to it myself as there is a guy on my lottie site that did it with his wife (The RHS course that is) and their plot is very successful if a bit regimented. My feeling is if you're going to study and pay money for it then go for the best. (RHS I would think). Just my humble opinion. My local college does a course in horticulture but obviously that means being tied to times, travel expenses and so on.

Generally I'd say you get what you pay for.

[Peas'n'Kews]

I have just started the course "Propagation - BHT108" which is available at several colleges and via distance learning.

I don't want to get a job, I am lucky enough to have left full time work behind! So the exam/qualification doesn't matter too much to me.

However, the reason I chose this course rather than the RHS one is two fold:
1. (and the lesser point) this course has a unit on working under glass, which is something I've never done. The RHS course may have this but I could never find full info on course content....

2. (more important) The folk offering RHS courses write their own material as far as I can tell. Some are certified by the RHS, but it does mean your choice of provider may produce better or worse courseware.

Now I used to write IT courseware for a living and am therefore aware of just how poor some of the stuff is out there. I went with my course because it suited me and I was as sure as I could be that the quality of the documentation would be acceptable.

And I am loving it too bits! But you do need other sources, e.g. the internet and what ever books you happen to have on your shelves or at the local library.

Just my tuppence worth!