Institute of Technology Blanchardstown are offering a two year, part time add-on degree to allow horticulturists with a level 6 qualification to continue to work while upskilling to level 7. This two years part time programme will be delivered over two academic years in blended learning mode (evening online lectures and Saturdays at ITB). Application deadline is fast approaching so if in Apply Now here.
Bachelor of Science in Horticulture
Course code: BN310
Entry Route into programme: Appropriate Higher Certificate in Horticulture or equivalent
Duration: 2 years
NFQ level: 7
Fee: €2,500 per year
Schedule: Online Lectures (synchronous/live and also recorded & available after lecture session) : Monday & Wednesday 6pm-9pm ; Classes at ITB every 3rd Saturday, 9am-4pm
Award title: Bachelor of Science
Credits for Full Award: 60 @ NFQ Level 7
Awarding Body: ITB
Minimum Entry Requirements
This programme aims to provide an opportunity for upskilling to graduates of Level 6 Higher Certificate in Science in Professional Horticulture Practice.
The programme will be accessible to graduates of other level 6 Horticulture programmes, where admission will be assessed on a case-by-case basis subject to having attained the learning outcomes of the BN022 – Bachelor of Science in Horticulture Year 1 and Year 2 modules.
Course Structure
The course will be offered over 2 years part time.
Programme Structure and Duration
The structure and duration of this add-on Year 3 of the BSc. in Horticulture programme is as depicted in the below table.
The standard structure consists of blended delivery of the modules over two years ( four semesters).
Learners will participate in online lectures delivered on several evenings during the week and attend ITB on a number of Saturdays each semester for demonstration and practice of practical skills and tutorials.
Learners will take 10 mandatory credits and will choose one additional five credits elective in each of the four semesters, leading to the required 60 credits to successfully complete the programme.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this programme will be qualified to deliver both traditional and contemporary horticulture skills across a wide range of disciplines.
Graduate of this programme will:
- Have a thorough knowledge of horticulture science encompassing life sciences, the chemical and physical sciences, and the mathematical and statistical techniques involved in design of experiment and data analytics.
- Be capable of demonstrating skills required to plan and carry out programmes of scientific inquiry, based around the requirements of the organisation where they work.
- Be fully aware of the potential impacts of social, cultural and ethics on the wider society of the work they carry out. In particular, they should be cognizant of the environmental impact of the work they do and be able to argue for the potential role in determining quality of life issues, in the urban and rural environments.
- Be able to identify and assess the legal and intellectual issues underpinning horticulture.
- A key outcome of the programme is to produce graduates who can work effectively as individuals, in teams and in structured multidisciplinary settings by communicating effectively with other professionals working in the horticulture community of practice, such as engineers, architects, planners and developers.
Be able to apply detailed working knowledge of project management, lifecycle development and other professional practices to their work, including the management of project teams at a technician level. - Be able to pursue Continuous Professional Development (CPD), demonstrating a capacity to undertake lifelong learning where directed. They should be aware of the continuing development of horticultural science and integrate it into their own existing body of knowledge.
- Have acquired the interpersonal and professional skills to work within a business environment, understanding the requirements of modern horticulture business.
- Be able to recognise the possibilities and limitations of their knowledge, especially in fields such as organic production and sustainability, and where there may be moral, ethical and legal considerations. They should be able to communicate their findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Course Content
Year 1
Semester 1
- Horticultural Project Management
- Trees & Woodlands
Electives (choose any one) - Organic & Sustainable Horticulture
- Soft Landscape Construction and Design
- Floristry & Interior Landscape
Semester 2
- Marketing a Horticultural Enterprise
- Fruit Production
Electives (choose any one) - Advanced Landscape Design
- Retail Horticulture
- Apiculture
- Food Product Development 1
Year 2
Semester 3
- Research Methods for Horticulture
Electives (choose one not already chosen last year) - Organic & Sustainable Horticulture
- Soft Landscape Construction and Design
- Floristry & Interior Landscape
Semester 4
- Manage Your Own Business
- Crops Under Protection
Electives (choose one not already chosen last year) - Advanced Landscape Design
- Retail Horticulture
- Apiculture
- Food Product Development 1
How to Apply? Apply Online Now
For further details please contact the marketing team on 01 885 1530 or e-mail info@itb.ie
