BSc in Horticulture (Waterford - Kildalton College)
Course code: WD096
What is Horticulture?
Horticulture is the cultivation of plants both for pleasure and for food. It is a topic that covers subjects as diverse as design, science, management, machinery, environmental studies, as well as growing plants. Horticulturists work in many different areas - managing garden centres, designing gardens, growing fruit and vegetables, maintaining parks, working on golf courses or as horticultural therapists. Their work helps to improve the environment and health of people.
What is the BSc in Horticulture course?
This is a three year full-time course designed to train professional horticulturists. The course is run in conjunction with Teagasc at Kildalton College, Piltown, Co. Kilkenny.
- In year 1 the focus is on core horticultural science. This will provide you with a sound knowledge of plant cultivation.
- In year 2 you will have an opportunity to specialise in a particular area and practice your new skills on placement either in Ireland or abroad.
- In year 3, with our business subjects we will prepare you to become self-employed and develop your managerial skills.
Career Opportunities
Horticulture is a diverse industry and there is increasing demand for trained horticulturists. Our graduates are working either in the industry or continuing their education.
- Greenkeeping - maintenance of golfcourses and sports fields
- Nursery stock production - producing plants for the horticultural industry
- Landscape construction
- Landscape design
- Garden maintenance contractors
- Employment as gardeners in public parks and grounds
- Gardeners in private and heritage gardens
- Food production
- Garden centres
Follow on study
BSc (Hons) in Land Management - WIT
Kildalton College
Students on this programme study both at WIT and at Kildalton College of horticulture taking the appropriate modules at each. The laboratory-based scientific and related modules are taken at WIT and the horticulture-based modules are taken at Kildalton. A bus service operates between Kildalton and WIT.
Transfer
Students who have successfully completed a FETAC-approved Level 5 or Level 6 course in Horticulture, at a Teagasc horticultural college, can apply to transfer into Year 2 of the BSc in Horticulture. Students who have completed a National Diploma or Certificate in Horticulture under the aegis of the Department of Agriculture, ACOT or Teagasc can transfer into Year 3.
Course Outline
| Year 1: Core Horticultural Science | |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
| Plant Identification & Specification Plant Biology Plant Protection Communication Skills Computer Applications Mechanisation & Safety |
Chemistry for Land Scientists Soils Management Plant Propagation Plant Identification & Garden Maintenance Horticultural Mechanisation Horticulture Building Construction |
| Year 2: Specialised Horticulture | |
| Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
| Horticulture Business Accounting(M) Biodiversity and Horticulture (M) Plant Identification and Use (M) Major elective (choose 1 ): - Landscape Design (E) - Nursery Stock Production (E) - Market Gardening (E) - Turfgrass (E) Minor elective (choose 1) - Garden Management (E) - Floristry (E) - Protected Crop Production(E) |
Placement - practical learning period |
| Year 3: Business & Horticulture | |
Semester 5 |
Semester 6 |
| Marketing for Small Business (M) Small Business Management (M) People Management (M) Project Research (M) Electives (choose 2 OR choose 1 Major elective from semester 3): - Horticulture Quality assurance (E) - Garden Centre Operation (E) - Horticultural Therapy (E) - Interior Landscaping (E) -CAD (E) |
Law for Horticulturists (M) Horticulture Taxation & PRSI (M) Customer Service Management (M) Project Implementation (M) Electives (choose 2) - Horticultural Therapy (E) - Greenkeeping (E) - Landscape Design Advanced (E) - Garden Centre Operation (E) - CAD (E) - Horticulture Quality assurance (E) - Field Crop Production (E) - Interior Landscaping (E) |
NOTE:
Electives are offered subject to adequate class numbers and timetable availability.
Some electives require prerequisite modules.
Course Facts
Course Title: BSc in Horticulture (Waterford - Kildalton College)
Course Code: WD096
Course Level: 7
Duration: 3 years
Course Entry
Leaving Certificate:
- Total number of different subjects at grade D or better: 5
Required Subjects:
- English/Irish: OD3/HD3
- Mathematics: OD3/HD3
For further information:
Course Leader: Una McDermott
Email: umcdermott@wit.ie
Recent Entry Points
| Year | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 |
| Minimum Points | 190 | 200 | 215 | 255 | 250 |
But don't just take our word...
"Through studying horticulture at WIT I gained the key skills necessary to enter the job market and successfully compete in the Irish Horticulture sector. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at WIT and it gave me good grounding in practical horticultural skills, reinforced with a solid theoretical knowledge. When I completed my degree, I established a successful landscape design business and with the continued support of WIT achieved great success at international level winning several garden design awards. Through my design business I progressed to lecturing in Landscape Design and am currently Co-Ordinator for a FETAC horticulture training course. WIT provided me with a solid qualification which has helped me to establish a successful career I really enjoy."
GERARD MULLEN, BSc Hort, BA (Hons) Design
