BSc Horticulture (Final Year Top-Up) - (Hons) (Sandwich)
Brackenhurst Campus
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BSc Horticulture (Final Year Top-Up) (Hons) (Sandwich) program at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) offers students an opportunity to build upon their prior academic and practical experience in horticulture to obtain a bachelor's degree. This program is designed for students who have completed a relevant foundation or diploma qualification and wish to further their education in horticulture. The final year top-up provides advanced knowledge and skills in areas such as plant cultivation, landscape design, crop production, and sustainable horticultural practices. Through a combination of theoretical study, practical training, and industry placements, students develop expertise that prepares them for diverse careers in the horticulture sector.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the BSc Horticulture (Final Year Top-Up) program is tailored to provide students with specialized knowledge and practical skills needed to excel in the field of horticulture. Core modules cover topics such as plant physiology, soil science, pest and disease management, and horticultural business management. Students also have the opportunity to choose elective modules that align with their interests and career goals, such as urban horticulture, ornamental plant production, or sustainable landscaping. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning experiences, including laboratory experiments, fieldwork, and industry placements, allowing students to apply theoretical concepts in real-world settings and develop practical expertise relevant to the horticulture industry.
Research Focus: Research is a key component of the BSc Horticulture program, enabling students to explore current issues and trends in horticulture and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field. Students have the opportunity to conduct independent research projects under the guidance of faculty mentors, investigating topics such as plant breeding, crop optimization, or sustainable horticultural practices. Through research-based learning activities, students develop critical thinking skills, experimental design techniques, and data analysis capabilities, preparing them for careers in research, development, and innovation within the horticulture sector.
Industry Engagement: NTU places a strong emphasis on industry engagement in the BSc Horticulture program, providing students with opportunities to gain practical experience and build professional networks within the horticulture sector. The sandwich placement year allows students to undertake work placements with horticultural businesses, botanical gardens, nurseries, or research institutions, gaining valuable hands-on experience and industry insights. During placements, students may work on horticultural production projects, garden design assignments, or research initiatives, applying their skills and knowledge in real-world contexts and developing employability skills valued by employers in the horticulture industry.
Global Perspective: While grounded in the context of the UK horticulture industry, the BSc Horticulture program at NTU incorporates a global perspective by exploring international trends, challenges, and opportunities in horticulture. Students learn about global issues such as food security, climate change, and biodiversity conservation, and examine how these issues impact horticultural practices and markets worldwide. NTU encourages students to explore international horticultural practices, study abroad opportunities, and global research collaborations, fostering cross-cultural understanding and perspective on horticultural innovation and sustainability. By gaining global awareness and exposure, students are better equipped to address global challenges and contribute to sustainable horticulture practices on a global scale.
Location
Brackenhurst Campus
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 16500
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: International students applying for undergraduate programs at NTU are typically required to have completed their secondary education or its equivalent. NTU expects international students to have achieved a minimum of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 81, with at least 19 in Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing.
- PTE: A minimum overall score of 62 with no individual score below 51.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
Students must provide:
- academic marksheets & transcripts
- letters of recommendation
- a personal statement - SOP
- passport
- other supporting documents as required by the university.
It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.
These scholarships provide opportunities for talented students to pursue their studies at Nottingham Trent University:
International Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship: NTU offers the Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship for international students. This scholarship is highly competitive and awarded based on academic excellence, with a focus on the applicant's achievements and potential contributions to NTU and their chosen field of study.
International Undergraduate Scholarship: NTU provides undergraduate scholarships for international students, which are awarded based on academic achievement and cover a percentage of tuition fees for each year of study.
Country-Specific Scholarships: NTU offers scholarships tailored to students from specific countries or regions. These scholarships aim to attract talented individuals from diverse backgrounds and may have specific eligibility criteria, such as academic achievement or residency in a particular country.
External Scholarships:NTU encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities. There are various organizations, foundations, and governments that offer scholarships to support international students studying in the UK. NTU provides guidance and resources to help students identify and apply for these external scholarships.
It is important to note that scholarship availability, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines may vary from year to year.
Graduates of the BSc Horticulture (Final Year Top-Up) (Hons) (Sandwich) program from Nottingham Trent University (NTU) possess a diverse skill set and are well-equipped to pursue rewarding careers in various sectors of the horticulture industry. With a strong emphasis on practical skills, scientific knowledge, and industry relevance, graduates have the opportunity to contribute to the cultivation, management, and conservation of plants in a wide range of professional settings.
Horticultural Manager: Horticultural managers oversee the cultivation, maintenance, and management of plants in various settings such as nurseries, botanical gardens, parks, and commercial farms. They are responsible for planning and implementing horticultural programs, coordinating the activities of staff, managing budgets, and ensuring the quality of plant production. Horticultural managers may specialize in areas such as ornamental horticulture, fruit and vegetable production, or greenhouse management, depending on the specific needs of their organization.
Landscape Designer/Architect: Landscape designers or architects create outdoor spaces that are aesthetically pleasing, functional, and sustainable. They work with clients to develop design concepts, select appropriate plants and materials, and create detailed plans for gardens, parks, urban spaces, and residential landscapes. Landscape designers may also oversee the installation and maintenance of landscape projects, collaborating with horticulturists, contractors, and other professionals to bring their designs to life.
Urban Greening Specialist: Urban greening specialists focus on enhancing green spaces in urban environments to improve environmental quality, biodiversity, and human well-being. They design and implement green infrastructure projects such as green roofs, living walls, urban forests, and community gardens to mitigate urban heat island effects, reduce air pollution, and provide recreational opportunities for city residents. Urban greening specialists may work for local governments, environmental organizations, or landscape architecture firms, advocating for sustainable urban development and green space initiatives.
Plant Breeder/Geneticist: Plant breeders and geneticists conduct research to develop new plant varieties with desirable traits such as disease resistance, drought tolerance, or improved yield. They use techniques such as crossbreeding, genetic engineering, and molecular genetics to select and manipulate plant traits, contributing to agricultural productivity, environmental sustainability, and food security. Plant breeders may work for seed companies, research institutions, or government agencies, collaborating with scientists, farmers, and breeders to develop and commercialize new crop varieties.
Horticultural Consultant: Horticultural consultants provide expert advice and guidance to individuals, businesses, and organizations on various aspects of plant cultivation, landscape design, and garden management. They assess client needs, conduct site evaluations, and develop customized recommendations for plant selection, soil improvement, pest control, and irrigation systems. Horticultural consultants may also offer training workshops, write technical reports, and provide ongoing support to clients, helping them achieve their horticultural goals and maintain healthy, vibrant landscapes.
Environmental Conservation Officer: Environmental conservation officers work to protect and preserve natural habitats, ecosystems, and biodiversity through conservation initiatives, habitat restoration projects, and environmental education programs. They assess the impact of human activities on the environment, develop conservation strategies and management plans, and collaborate with stakeholders to implement sustainable land use practices and wildlife conservation measures. Environmental conservation officers may work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or environmental consultancy firms, advocating for environmental stewardship and promoting biodiversity conservation.
