The BSc (Honours) in Horticulture at Kildalton College is a four-year Level 8 degree delivered in partnership with Teagasc and South East Technological University. It blends science, practical skills, and business, covering plant production, landscape design, food crops, and sustainability. With a 15 week industry placement, graduates earn Green Cert status. This course suits those passionate about plants, the environment, sustainable food production, or pursuing a dynamic career in horticulture, landscaping, or agribusiness.
Electives are run subject to class sizes and timetable constraints. Some electives require prerequisites. Transfer students who have already undertaken placement as part of their previously completed qualification, will be required to complete 6 other modules.
* = elective module
Year 1
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Communication Skills and Computer Applications | Chemistry for Land Scientists |
| Horticulture Skills 1 | Horticulture Building Construction |
| Plant Biology | Horticultural Mechanisation and Safety |
| Plant Knowledge 1 | Horticulture Skills 2 |
| Plant Protection | Plant Knowledge 2 |
| Soil and Growing Media | Plant Propagation |
Year 2
| Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
|---|---|
| Biodiversity and Horticulture | Placement |
| Managing your Business | |
| Garden Management and Plant Selection | |
| Choose one of the following electives | |
| *Sustainable Food Production | |
| *Landscape Design | |
| *Nursery Stock Production | |
| *Sportsturf Science | |
| *Lab Skills for Plant Micro-Propagation (Waterford Campus Only) |
Year 3
| Semester 5 | Semester 6 |
|---|---|
| Horticulture Sales and Marketing | Arboriculture |
| Introduction to Scientific Writing and Data Analysis | Horticulture Project and Seminar |
| Financial Analysis for your business | Law for Horticulturists |
| People Management | Tax for Horticulture |
| Choose one of the following electives (must be different from the choice made in year 2) | Choose one of the following electives |
| *Sustainable Food Production | *Field Crop Production |
| *Landscape Design | *Garden Centre Operations |
| *Nursery Stock Production | *Greenkeeping |
| *Sportsturf Science | *Landscape Design Advanced |
| *Lab Skills for Plant Micro-Propagation (Waterford Only) | *Plants and Society |
| *Computer Aided Design | *Beekeeping and Pollination Studies |
| *Interior Landscaping and Floristry | *Protected Crop Production |
| *Social and Therapeutic Horticulture |
Year 4
| Semester 7 | Semester 8 |
|---|---|
| Land Science Research Methods | Student Project |
| Project Management | Organisational Behaviour Management |
| Statistics for Research | Environmental Education |
| Horticulture Site Management | Choose one of the following electives |
| Public Relations Management | *Rural Entrepreneurship |
| Choose one of the following electives | *Biodiversity Management |
| *MIS & EBusiness | Choose one of the following electives |
| *Professional Development | *Sustainable & Renewable Energy |
| *Integrated Pest Management | |
| *Sustainable Water Management Systems |
Advanced and Equivalent Entry for Bachelor of Science (Honours) Horticulture:
Graduates at Level 8 can pursue diverse career paths within horticulture and related fields. Opportunities include working as:
- Craft Gardener in public parks, private estates, or heritage gardens
- Greenkeeper
- Nursery Stock Producer
- Florist
- Mushroom Grower
- Fruit and Vegetable Producer.
Many graduates establish careers as self-employed Landscapers or Landscape Designers, Garden Maintenance Contractors, or Garden Centre Owners/Managers. Specialist roles are also available as Tree Surgeons/Arboriculturists, Tree and Bedding Plant Producers, Horticultural Therapists, or Horticulture Teachers and Lecturers.
