Do you wish to contribute to the advancement of sustainable and efficient horticultural practices?
Are you a critical thinker with a passion for plants and science?
Maybe you are keen to develop your knowledge on genetics, breeding and micropropagation?
You see a career in scientific research or a botanic nursery is in your future?
Then Horticulture with a Plant Science and Technology specialism is the programme for you!
Horticulture (Plant Science and Technology) is a fast-paced and rewarding programme that is perfect for those with a green thumb and a love for the lab. This programme combines the clinical skills practiced in the lab with the hands-on elements involved in understanding and excelling in the horticultural industry.
The programme provides you with scientific knowledge and practical skills in plant biology, crop production, and sustainable technologies. By studying horticulture, you will gain the tools to improve food supply, protect biodiversity, and promote sustainability – making a meaningful impact on both local communities and the wider world.
The programmes offered by SRUC approach Horticulture Plant Science and Technology very firmly from the perspective of developing a strong appreciation, understanding and knowledge of horticulture.
“I am thriving. I feel empowered to learn about such amazing plants. I feel at one with nature and get to work with some fantastic people on exciting projects. Best, decision, ever!”
KEY FACTS
BSc / BSc (Hons)
HORTICULTURE (PLANT SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY)
PROGRESSION:
• HND Horticulture (Production Science)
• HND Horticulture (Landscape Design)
• HND Horticulture (Plantsmanship)
• HNC Horticulture
• NC Horticulture
• NC Horticulture with Landscape Construction
• NC Horticulture with Garden Design
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
4 Highers at BBCC / 3 A-Levels at BCC, to include a science.
Applicants should be able to satisfy basic literacy and numeracy requirements.
Entry into Year 2 or 3 is possible with an appropriate HNC/D, foundation degree, CertHE/DipHE, or similar qualification.
STUDY MODES
This programme is available full-time and part-time.
WHERE CAN I STUDY?
Please visit the Course Catalogue on our website for full details: www.sruc.ac.uk/courses
“For my first lab experience, I did three months of research with the Crop Health team looking at soil-borne pathogens on spring barley. I absolutely loved it!”
WHAT’S THE COURSE LIKE?
This programme gives you the skills and awareness required to practice working in a variety of settings, from research labs to vertical farms to an array of garden and greenspace roles. Horticulture (Plant Science and Technology) covers key topics including plant biology, crop production, sustainable cultivation practices, and the application of modern technologies.
The first two years of the degree you will study the fundamentals of horticulture. Year three allows you the opportunity to hone in on your personal interests as the range of elective modules open up. Year four gives you the ability to carry out your own research projects.
You will be taught by an experienced teaching team with excellent knowledge and expertise.
STUDY VISITS
Site visits and practical skills are a large component of the course. From making use of our own campuses and facilities, to visits to the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh and other well-respected botanical gardens around Scotland, you are out and about a great deal in all years of the course. Our trips bring students into contact with leading members of the horticultural community and allow you to gain valuable contacts and insights into all aspects of the industry.
These excursions provide first-hand exposure to innovative horticultural enterprises, research institutions, and industry events, helping you to see how the science and technology you learn is applied in real-world contexts. Whether exploring specialist plant collections, learning about commercial production systems, or engaging with cutting-edge sustainability projects, these trips are designed to inspire and inform. Our trips are not simply there to enrich your student experience, but also highlight the diverse career pathways available within the industry. www.sruc.ac.uk/horticulture
COURSE STRUCTURE
YEARS 1 AND 2
• 6 modules per year
• Half day contact time per week per module
• Assessment methods are typically in-class assessments and coursework
YEARS
3 AND 4
• 8 modules per year
• Half day contact time per week per module, depending on modules selected
• Assessment methods are a mix of different coursework methods
• Greater emphasis on independent work and study
• Honours project in 4th year
On campus you will have access to our glasshouses and thriving gardens, where you will have ample opportunity to put the skills you have acquired into practice. The building is equipped with state of the art laboratories, ensuring that all students will be able to hone their skills gaining handson experience on topics such as plant physiology, genetics, and diagnostics, using specialist techniques like tissue culture and soil analysis to solve real-world challenges.
One of the newest additions to our Edinburgh campus is our vertical farm. This is an advanced growing system that uses stacked layers, controlled environments, and technologies like hydroponics and LED lighting to produce crops efficiently in limited space. Access to this resource gives students the opportunity to engage directly with innovative practices driving sustainable food production, preparing them to tackle a myriad of global challenges in horticulture.
www.sruc.ac.uk/horticulture
BLENDED
Our courses are practically based with many activities, visits and classes at our campus base. Where appropriate and very dependent on the topic being studied, some classes may be online.
The first year introduces you to the many facets of Horticulture Plant Science and Technology, including plant biology, crop production, sustainable cultivation practices, and the application of modern technologies. You will carry out guided lab work in a controlled environment, partake in real projects with real plants, visit course-specific locations, take in lectures from industry experts, work on researchprojects and work both independently and in groups to carry out a varied workload throughout your time studying with SRUC.
YEAR 1
MODULES INCLUDE:
• Production Horticulture
• Maintaining Gardens and Greenspaces
• Plant Biology
• Designing Gardens and Greenspaces
• Ecology and Environment for Horticulture
• Social and Community Horticulture
YEAR 2
The second year starts to build on the foundations you will have created from year one. You will delve deeper into plant science and cultivation practices and begin to apply your learning to live projects. This year is designed to focus more closely on the science and technologies used in the horticulture sector and will give you hands on learning experiences in SRUC’s Vertical Farm, laboratories, and glasshouses. You will develop advanced skills in propagation, production technologies, and entrepreneurship that you can apply to your own research project and work placements.
MODULES INCLUDE:
• Advanced Plant Biology
• Advanced Production Horticulture
• Specialist Plant Production
• Applied Horticultural Research
• Horticulture: Professional Practice
• Horticulture: Sustainability and Innovation
www.sruc.ac.uk/horticulture
YEAR 3
COMPULSORY MODULES:
• Horticultural Biotechnology I
• Horticultural Production Technologies
• Environmental Horticulture
• Professional Industry Engagement
• Experimental and Analytical Techniques
• Plant Stress Responses
• Community Project Management
OPTIONAL MODULES:
Optional Modules are indicative and vary depending on timetables:
• Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing
• Ecological Principles and Applications
• Conservation Horticulture
• Plant Humanities: Plants and People
Third and fourth year will broaden and deepen your knowledge of this industry and should help you focus on the areas that you wish to specialise in.
You will undertake a research project in your fourth year which will bring together the skills amassed by you over your time studying the course.
Modules studied
YEAR 4
COMPULSORY MODULES:
• Innovations in Horticultural Science
• Urban Agriculture
• Horticultural Biotechnology II
• Agents for Change
• Honours project
OPTIONAL MODULES:
Optional Modules are indicative and vary depending on timetables:
• Environmental Economics and Sustainable Development
