Horticulture
Free online taster horticulture courses
This collection of courses introduces you to a wide range of topics including propagation, cultivation, design and plant biology.
These courses were developed by the Horticulture department at UHI Argyll.
Garden Design Online Evening Class
This course will run on Wednesday evenings 6pm - 8pm, from 6th January for 17 weeks.
In this course you will learn how to design a garden space of your choosing, which could be your own garden or that of a friend, a local school, or any other suitable location (your lecturer will give you advice about choosing a suitable site to design).
You will learn about the principles of design, how to gather a client brief or decide what you really want from your own space, how to carry out a basic site survey, and how to create a design, drawn to scale, for your site.
This course would suit anyone with an interest in improving their garden or interested in learning basic design skills to begin designing for other people.
Book now: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/garden-design-tickets-2004474523258
Horticulture NQ
Transform Your Passion into Purpose: Cultivate a career that develops your horticultural skills and knowledge and learn about horticulture that heals both people and the planet.
You will develop your practical horticultural skills further by attending a short work placement, and we'll support you in securing a suitable placement which aligns with your interests and future ambitions. Previous students have attended placements at botanic gardens, therapeutic horticulture centres, plant nurseries, garden centres, with garden designers and landscapers and in environmental projects.
The majority of course content is delivered in our online classroom, with scheduled classes which you must attend in your local UHI Argyll learning centre. Your work placement can take place at a time which is convenient to you and your placement provider.
- Where? All UHI Argyll centre
- Full-time or Part-time? Full-time, starts August 2026
- Want to find out more? Visit the course page
Horticulture HNC
The HNC Horticulture is designed to provide students with a broad knowledge of horticulture and landscape and develop – at a practical level – an understanding of plants' characteristics, growth, and use.
The course will be delivered by very experienced horticulture lecturers and an award-winning garden designer.
- Where? This course can be studied from anywhere in Scotland with two days per week of online theory classes and 5 residential field trips to carry out practical work.
- Full-time or Part-time? Full-time
- Want to find out more? Visit the course page
Horticulture HND
The HND Horticulture will develop your skills in plant and crop physiology and breeding, planting design, soil management and landscape surveying, as well as experience in the care, maintenance and management of plants. You will also have the opportunity to gain experience in ecology and plant habitat conservation.
- Where? This course can be studied from anywhere in Scotland with two days per week of online theory classes and 5 residential field trips to carry out practical work
- Full-time or Part-time? Full-time
- Want to find out more? Visit the course page