Horticulture BSc

Horticulture is the science and art of cultivating plants, from food crops and flowers to trees and landscapes. It combines biology, environmental science and design with practical skills in plant production, sustainability and land management. A Horticulture degree is perfect for students who enjoy working with plants, the outdoors, and sustainable solutions for food and green spaces.

Course Structure

Most Horticulture degrees last three years full time (BSc/BA), or four years with a placement or study abroad. Some universities offer specialist routes such as Commercial Horticulture, Ornamental Horticulture, Sustainable Food Production, or Landscape Horticulture.

Teaching includes lectures, laboratory work, glasshouse and field training, site visits and industry placements. Assessment is through exams, essays, practical reports, portfolios, group projects and a dissertation.

Typical Modules

Year 1 – Foundations of Horticulture

Plant Biology and Physiology

Introduction to Soil Science

Horticultural Practices and Plant Propagation

Climate, Environment and Plant Growth

Research and Study Skills

Year 2 – Core Development

Crop Production and Food Security

Plant Health and Integrated Pest Management

Genetics and Plant Breeding

Sustainable Horticulture and Resource Management

Agribusiness and Marketing for Horticulture

Optional modules such as Ornamental Planting, Green Infrastructure or Landscape Ecology

Year 3 – Advanced Study and Applications

Global Horticulture and Sustainable Agriculture

Protected and Urban Agriculture (e.g. hydroponics, vertical farming)

Advanced Plant Biotechnology

Environmental Change and Plant Conservation

Dissertation or Independent Research Project

Useful A-Level or BTEC Subjects

Entry requirements vary, but typical offers are BCC–BBB. Helpful subjects include:

• A levels: Biology (essential), Environmental Science, Geography, or Chemistry.

  
  

• BTECs: Applied Science, Horticulture, Agriculture, or Land-based Studies.

  
  

• International Baccalaureate: Higher Level Biology or Environmental Systems is strongly recommended.

What Makes a Strong Application

Universities seek students with a love of plants, sustainability and applied science. A strong application should include:

• A personal statement showing enthusiasm for horticulture, sustainability or food systems.

  
  

• Relevant experience, such as volunteering in gardens, farms, greenhouses, or conservation projects.

  
  

• Evidence of wider engagement, such as attending garden shows, environmental groups, or reading on food security and plant sciences.

Transferable Skills You Will Develop

A Horticulture degree provides both technical expertise and broad professional skills:

• Plant science knowledge – physiology, genetics, and biotechnology.

  
  

• Practical horticultural techniques – propagation, pest management and soil care.

  
  

• Business and management – running horticultural enterprises and supply chains.

  
  

• Sustainability awareness – tackling climate change and food security.

  
  

• Research and data analysis – experimental design and reporting.

  
  

• Communication and teamwork – working across science, business and community contexts.

Career Options After Graduation

Plant and Crop Production

• Commercial Grower – producing fruit, vegetables, flowers or ornamental plants.

  
  

• Greenhouse or Nursery Manager – overseeing propagation, plant growth and distribution.

  
  

• Viticulturist – specialising in grape production and vineyard management.

Landscape and Environmental Roles

• Landscape Designer or Contractor – designing and maintaining outdoor environments.

  
  

• Parks and Grounds Manager – managing public parks, estates and green spaces.

  
  

• Urban Greening Specialist – creating green infrastructure, living walls and rooftop gardens.

Research and Development

• Plant Scientist or Biotechnologist – developing new plant varieties or sustainable growing methods.

  
  

• Crop Protection Specialist – researching pest and disease management.

  
  

• Soil Scientist – working on soil health, fertility and conservation.

Business and Consultancy

• Horticultural Consultant – advising growers and landowners on efficiency and sustainability.

  
  

• Agribusiness Manager – overseeing production, supply chains and sales in the horticultural industry.

  
  

• Horticultural Buyer – sourcing plants and products for garden centres or retail companies.

  
  

Education and Public Engagement

• Horticultural Educator or Trainer – teaching in colleges, universities or community projects.

  
  

• Science Communicator or Writer – producing content for publications, NGOs or media.

  
  

• Botanical Garden or Arboretum Curator – managing plant collections and engaging the public.

Conservation and Sustainability

• Ecological Consultant – surveying and managing habitats and ecosystems.

  
  

• Sustainable Food Production Specialist – focusing on hydroponics, vertical farming or permaculture.

  
  

• Environmental Officer – working with councils or NGOs on biodiversity and green projects.

Further Study or Specialisation

Graduates can also continue with postgraduate study in areas such as:

• Plant Science or Crop Biotechnology

  
  

• Landscape Architecture

  
  

• Sustainable Agriculture

  
  

• Conservation and Ecology

  
  

Typical Employers

Commercial nurseries and growers

Agricultural and horticultural businesses

Garden centres and retailers

Local councils and government agencies

Botanical gardens and conservation organisations

Universities and research institutes

Landscaping and urban design companies

Typical Pay After Graduation

Horticulture graduates work in commercial crop production, ornamental horticulture, landscaping, research, agribusiness and environmental consultancy. Starting salaries are typically £20,000–£25,000. With experience, horticultural consultants, crop managers or landscape designers can earn £30,000–£45,000. Senior roles in agribusiness, research or government policy may exceed £50,000–£70,000+.

Wider Reading: Recommended Books for Aspiring Horticulture Students

Here are four accessible and inspiring books:

“The Botany of Desire” by Michael Pollan – How plants and humans have shaped each other.

“Around the World in 80 Plants” by Jonathan Drori – Fascinating plant stories with cultural and scientific insights.

“Planting: A New Perspective” by Piet Oudolf and Noel Kingsbury – A practical and inspiring guide to modern planting design.

“The Hidden Life of Trees” by Peter Wohlleben – Insights into the secret networks of plants and ecosystems.