HNC Horticulture

1. Page 1 of 7
Programme Specification
HORTICULTURE HNC
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 N/A
College Course Code FL183
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 4, 125 Credits – Higher National Certificate (HNC)
Credit Structure 125 Credits at Level 4 ‐ HNC
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 4 HNC 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.

2. Page 2 of 7
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 programme aims to equip students with:
 Scientific skill required to formulate, study and interpret various roles in horticulture and complex
concepts and methodologies;
 An awareness of the fast‐moving developments in modern horticulture both in science and
technology;
 Sound working knowledge and practical skills in a wide range of horticultural specialities and the ability
to formulate and criticise tools and techniques used to implement them;
 Practical skills with the accompanying underpinning knowledge to support them in the world of
employment;
 Transferable skills for those who may seek alternative employment;
 Work‐based learning and an opportunity to interact with industry and potential employers;
 A range of teaching and learning experiences to assist their career aspirations and decision‐making as
responsible members’ of society and industry
4. Distinctive Features of the Programme
This programme has the following
 Students will have access to a highly skilled and knowledgeable teaching team with up‐to‐date
links with industry
 Students will have the opportunity to development management skills
 Students will have the opportunity to undertake a detailed research project on a specific and
relevant topic
 Students will have access to specialist laboratory facilities and the resources of the Walled Garden
and glasshouse
 Students will undertake practical activities in real locations as well as in College
 The programme offers opportunities for skills development not readily available elsewhere within
the neighbouring counties. Very few opportunities exist to progress in HE Horticulture in the
counties of Somerset, Devon and Wiltshire
Entry requirements

3. Page 3 of 7
 120 UCAS points including L2 in English and Maths
 Acceptance onto the programme is subject to interview
 Students with experience in industry are welcome to apply
 Mature students with relevant experience welcome to apply
5. Intended Programme Learning Outcomes
Typically holders of the qualification will have demonstrated these characteristics or be able to do the
following:
Level 4
The Pearson BTEC Level 4 HNC in Horticulture provides specialist work‐related programmes of study that cover
the key knowledge, understanding and practical skills required in the amenity and production horticulture
management sectors and also offers specialist emphasis through the choice of specialist units.
A) Knowledge
1. Knowledge of the underlying concepts and principles associated with a wide variety of
horticulture topics and an ability to evaluate and interpret these within the context of that
area of study
2. Evaluating strategic choices when planning and implementing business objectives in
various horticulture industries
3. Skills developed during the course to select a project and agree specifications, implement
and evaluate the project and present the project evaluation.
4. How to obtain accurate information on the requirements for an individual or group project
work that draws on the knowledge and practical skills from a range of units in the
qualification, that reflects the type of performance expected of a researcher, supervisor or
manager in the horticulture industry.
5. Relevant scientific and other research skills to carry out specific horticulture related
experiments (eg Plant physiology)
B) Understanding and Skills
These include…
1. The ability to analyse, synthesise and summarise information.
2. The ability to read and use and interpret appropriate literature.
3. The ability to think independently and solve problems.
4. Apply subject knowledge and understanding to address familiar and unfamiliar problems.
5. Design, plan, conduct and report on investigations.
6. The ability to take responsibility for their own learning and recognise their own learning
style.
7. Use knowledge, understanding and skills to evaluate and formulate evidence‐based
arguments and identify solutions to clearly defined problems of a general routine nature.
8. Communicate the results of study and other work accurately and reliably using a range of
specialist techniques.
9. Identify and address major learning needs within defined contexts and to undertake guided
further learning in new areas.
10. Applying subject‐related and transferable skills within contexts of the task identified

4. Page 4 of 7
C) Other attributes
1. Possess transferable skills to aid progression towards obtaining higher level qualifications.
2. Work as an effective team member.
3. The ability to communicate effectively in writing, speaking and other forms of presentation.

5. Page 5 of 7
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
1 Principles of Plant and Soil Science H/503/1051 5 15 C 12 3 3 12 30 20% 120 80% 0 0% 150 100 0 0 30 2 10 4 8 54
3 Project Management for Land‐based Industries K/503/1052 4 15 C 13 3 8 6 30 20% 120 80% 0 0% 150 100 0 0
6 Research Project K/601/0941 5 20 C 5 5 15 5 30 15% 170 85% 0 0% 200 100 0 0
5 Human Resources Management K/601/1264 4 15 C 13 3 8 6 30 20% 120 80% 0 0% 150 100 0 0
15 Organic Principles and Practice T/503/1068 5 15 O 8 22 30 20% 120 80% 0 0% 150 100 0 0
8 Plant Selection and Establishment A/503/1055 4 15 C 10 20 30 20% 120 80% 0 0% 150 100 0 0
25
Manage the identifications and classification of
plants F/503/1073 4 15 C 15 15
30 20%
120 80% 0 0% 150 100 0 0
13 Fruit and Vegetable Production Management J/503/1060 4 15 C 5 20 5 30 20% 120 80% 0 0% 150 100 0 0
125 Total 81 0 14 31 3 89 0 5 17 240 23% 1010 77% 0 0% 1250 800 0 0
100% 0% 0%
Non‐timetabled activities which take
place as part of the overall year of study
but not at unit level (give total hours for
% Practical skills/
Oral assessment
Assessment Methods Summary
% Coursework
Scheduled Activities
(hours per unit)
Core/Optional
Teaching & Learning Methods Summary
Placement (incl WBL)
Independent
Guided Study
Total
Hours
Year One
Unit
Number Unit Name Level
Credit
Value
Pearson Unit
Code

6. Page 6 of 7
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 entirely through coursework , presentations, practical workshops and
observations. 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 may apply to progress onto the following course:
 Pearson BTEC Level 5 HNC in Horticulture Top‐Up (Bridgwater College)
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:
 Nursery Manager
 Garden designer

7. Page 7 of 7
 Senior grounds person
 Plant production controller
 Scientific support researcher
 Organic soil advisor
 Horticulture teacher
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