Free Level 2 Horticulture Course in York. Classes run at Askham Bryan College, full-time during the day over one year. You'll cover plant identification, establishment and maintenance of plants outdoors, health and safety, machinery, turf care, and the science behind how plants grow. The course mixes classroom sessions with practical work, giving you hands-on experience in gardens, parks, and sports turf settings. Entry requirements include 4 GCSEs at grade 3 or above, including Maths and English, or a suitable Level 1 vocational qualification with Maths and English at Level 1.
Who this course is for
For those looking for an entry level course in Horticulture
What you will learn
You'll identify a range of plants and understand their growing requirements.
You'll learn how to establish and maintain plants in outdoor settings including gardens, parks, and sports pitches.
You'll apply health and safety practices in a horticulture workplace.
You'll use and care for horticulture machinery, including turf care equipment.
You'll study the science behind plant growth and why plants thrive or fail.
You'll develop practical skills in business and horticultural science.
How you will learn
The course combines classroom-based lectures with practical sessions in real outdoor settings. You'll be assessed through a written exam and a synoptic assessment. The synoptic assessment is a multi-part simulated business exercise that tests your knowledge and skills across the course as a whole.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Askham Bryan College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Gardener. Maintain private or public gardens and green spaces.
Groundskeeper. Care for sports pitches, parks, and recreational land.
Parks operative. Work for local councils maintaining public green spaces.
Nursery worker. Grow and care for plants in a commercial nursery.
Landscape operative. Support landscaping teams on outdoor projects.
Greenkeeper. Maintain golf courses and sports turf.
What you could study next
Level 3 Diploma in Horticulture. The natural next step if you want to deepen your knowledge and take on more skilled roles in the sector.
Level 3 Extended Diploma in Horticulture. A broader qualification covering management and business alongside practical skills.
Apprenticeship in Horticulture or Landscaping. Earn while you learn, applying your Level 2 knowledge in a paid workplace setting.
