Horticulture (Plant Science) Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

Horticulture is a modern, professional vocation that influences our environment, how we eat, how we relax, our health, life expectancy and well-being. This programme is based at the world renowned Eden Project in Cornwall and has been designed specifically to allow you to explore many aspects of horticulture including applied science, crop production and sustainability. The programme will provide you with the skills and experience to prepare for an interesting, exciting and rewarding career which embraces tradition, technology and innovation.

Both the programme of study and the student experience are greatly enhanced through the collaboration between Cornwall College and the Eden Project. The range of resources including Eden's own plant collections, growing environments, nursery and dedicated teaching facilities, provide a world-class platform from which this exciting and stimulating programme will be delivered. Through careful scaffolding, the first year introduces key concepts in plant physiology and soil science, through the lens of plant diversity and classification, with a focus on the student’s professional development in horticulture and the contextualisation of their work in the garden and landscape. The second year revolves around the interactions of plants with their environment, in terms of ecology and pathology, with connections to their physiological changes, as well as their relationships with humans, in terms of their ethnobotanical, commercial and scientific importance. In the final year, students will focus on the implications of commercial practices, both from plant production and its biochemistry, conservation efforts, and the communication of their findings and perspectives. In the final year of your study you will undertake a piece of novel research, for which it is encouraged to make full use of the available facilities to explore industry-related issues, that will enhance your CV on successful completion of the course.

You will quickly become integrated within the Eden Project and, in addition to attending the carefully designed taught modules, will have the opportunity to apply, develop and reflect upon a wide range of practical skills by participating in activities in the tropical and Mediterranean biomes, the outdoor garden and estate as well as the nursery crop production facility, through a first year work placement at the Eden Project. Additionally to benefiting from working alongside Eden's skilled and specialist horticulturalists, you will also undertake a work placement within another commercial enterprise.

This unique combination of scientific study and practical opportunity set in an intellectually stimulating and friendly environment, will inspire you to develop a successful career in the future.

What Will I Learn?

Through careful scaffolding, the first year introduces key concepts in plant physiology and soil science, through the lens of plant diversity and classification, with a focus on the student’s professional development in horticulture and the contextualisation of their work in the garden and landscape. The second year revolves around the interactions of plants with their environment, in terms of ecology and pathology, with connections to their physiological changes, as well as their relationships with humans, in terms of their ethnobotanical, commercial and scientific importance. In the final year, students will focus on the implications of commercial practices, both from plant production and its biochemistry, conservation efforts, and the communication of their findings and perspectives. In the final year of your study you will undertake a piece of novel research, for which it is encouraged to make full use of the available facilities to explore industry-related issues, that will enhance your CV on successful completion of the course.