Kew Diploma in Horticulture

Download and complete the application forms to apply for one of the most rigorous and stretching educational programmes of any botanic garden.

Application process

Each year 14 students are selected via competitive interview to join one of the most rigorous and stretching educational programmes of any botanic garden.

The Kew Diploma is suited to dedicated professional horticulturists determined to succeed. They should be able to express themselves clearly and be willing to accept increasing responsibility preparing themselves for managerial positions.

Kew Diploma Students are employees and receive payment throughout the three-year course, including during the lecture block trimesters at £12,333.00 per annum with a one off book and equipment payment of £725.00 (rates current 2013). Limited opportunities exist to care for the collections at weekends and these receive additional payment. This means our students should not have to take out a loan, and do not have to pay tuition fees.

Minimum entry requirements

A very good standard of general education 5 GCSEs including English, Mathematics and a Science and 2 GCSE ‘A’ levels preferably in science subjects (or equivalent)
A full vocational qualification in horticulture at QCF level 2 (or equivalent)
Horticultural employment, equivalent to two years full time horticultural work experience in a recognised horticultural establishment prior to the start date for the course.
For applicants whose first language is not English we require internationally recognised evidence that you have obtained proficiency in reading, writing, listening and spoken English, for example the IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
Kew Diploma Students must be eligible to work in the United Kingdom

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew welcomes international students, as we firmly believe in this ethos. However Kew is unable to sponsor applicants to work in the United Kingdom for the Kew Diploma in Horticulture. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure eligibility to work in the United Kingdom for the duration of the appointment; see United Kingdom Border Agency for the latest regulations. All successful applicants called to interview will be required to provide documentary evidence of their right to work in the United Kingdom at interview. Candidates with lower general education qualifications but with higher horticultural qualifications or more practical experience are encouraged to apply. The Kew Diploma is an independent non-accredited qualification backed by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Dates

Applications should be received by 31st January in the year of admission. Interviews are scheduled from February through to April, and successful applicants will commence the Kew Diploma in the September of the same year.

Duration

This is a three-year fixed term appointment (employment). Kew Diploma students receive 30 days annual leave which they are required to take outside of the lecture block trimesters. Students are not permitted to leave the course early to take up employment before graduation.