amenity horticulture landscape · pdf fileamenity horticulture landscape management ......

22

This is a major employment sector which plays a significant role in maintaining and improving the

quality of life in town and country. Students are attracted to this industry by the diversity and wealth

of career opportunities and the satisfaction of working in a green environment. Our world class

heritage of parks and gardens is visited by millions of tourists each year.

Gardens and landscapes are created by innovative designers and constructed and maintained by

skilled craftsmen. Theme parks, shopping malls, residential complexes and business parks are all

planned with landscapes. Landscaping is not just about working outdoors though, interior landscaping

is also a rapidly expanding industry.

City parks developed in Britain 150 years ago are now seeing a renaissance fuelled by a new interest

in environmental improvement. Community forests, arboreta, street trees, country parks and

reclamation projects are emerging across the country, extending the range of employment

opportunities within the local authorities and the private sector. Landscapes are also created for

recreation, such as golf courses and other sports turf surfaces.

To cater for the growing interest in this area there has been a corresponding growth of

opportunities in teaching, journalism and horticultural therapy. Business management skills are

becoming increasingly important for those working in this industry, as there are vast opportunities for

managers and the self employed. IT skills are crucial too, particularly in computer-aided design.

Amenity Horticulture Landscape Management

Undergraduate Prospectus 2005

23WRITL W85

Writtle has a wealth of outdoor and indoor resources which are used extensively

in the teaching of Amenity Horticulture and Landscape Management.

The extensive college gardens within the centralcampus are home to an abundance of trees andplants. Landscaping is an integral element of themain teaching and student accommodationareas. Students design and work on specificareas of the gardens each year, which means thelook of the campus is constantly changing. Thetree collection includes over 1,200 specimensand students are actively involved in the plantingand maintenance of this valuable resource. Thegrounds provide students with practical sites forsurveying, landscape appraisal and constructionof new gardens and features.

The gardens provide an essential learningresource to amenity horticulture and include:

� a collection of over 10,000 plants

� 180 landscaped borders

� 6 ponds and water features

� The National Collection of Pyracantha

� Large tropical and temperate glasshouses

The College manages a 15 hectare sports fieldwith hockey, rugby, football and cricket pitches.There are tennis courts and areas for golf greenconstruction. The sports field is also used forteaching sports turf surfaces and recreationmanagement as well as providing a resourceused by both academic programmes.

The grounds provide an important resource forresearch and trials work.

Work is currently being carried out on:

� ornamental plant communities for lowmaintenance and high aesthetic value

� visual evaluation of landscapes and gardens

� sports turf surfaces and turf culture

� turf fertiliser and grass cultivar trials

� constructing a database for tree collections

� butterfly visualisation on ornamental shrubs

A modern drawing office studio with drawingboards, computer applications and associatedteaching rooms caters for the artistic expressionof landscape and garden design students. TheComputer-Aided Design (CAD) Centreprovides modern technology enabling studentsto produce 2 and 3 dimensional designs.

The landscape construction unit enablesexperimental designs to be built indoors and isused to plan the College’s entry for the RHSChelsea and Hampton Court flower shows. The College has won numerous medals at bothshows including prestigious gold medals for itsgardens and exhibits. The production retailingaspects of amenity horticulture are wellcatered for at the College’s own farm shop andgarden centre which are managed ascommercial enterprises.

Amenity Horticulture andLandscape Resources

Course Name and LevelBSc (Hons) Horticulture

UCAS CodeD410

Duration/Mode3 yrs FT or 4 yrs with industrialplacement

Typical Offer:UCAS Tariff Points140 Tariff points to include atleast 80 tariff points from 6-unit(GCE A level/VCE A level) and/or12-unit awards (VCE A level). Amaximum of 20 tariff points willbe counted from Key Skills

BTEC National DiplomaMPP

Irish Leaving CertificateCCCC

Scottish Highers190 – 240 points

International Baccalaureate24 points

Admissions TutorJohn Cullum

Topping up from HND/Foundation DegreeContact the admissions tutor todiscuss your individualcircumstances.

Postgraduate QualificationsStudents on this course will begiven the opportunity to progressto a relevant Masters programmein the Postgraduate School.

24

BSc (Hons)

Horticulture

This course is ideal for students who wish tokeep their options open and not specialise in aparticular area of horticulture. It is suited tothose who have limited experience of thehorticultural industry and who wish to follow abroad approach before deciding on their futurecareer. On completion of the course, studentswill have acquired a good range of practicalhorticultural and business skills to equip themfor a career in a wide choice of fields.

Course ContentIn the first year students are introduced to thewide range of subjects that make up the modernhorticulture industry, covering aspects of scientificand management studies relevant to the needs ofthe industry. In the second and third years studentschoose from an extensive range of optionalmodules. In most modules, time is equally dividedbetween practical studies and lectures.

Areas of Study Year 1� Gardens and Plants Through Time� Plant Production � Horticultural Science� Introduction to Management � Landscape Maintenance

Year 1 Options� Landscape Construction� Crop Production � Landscape Appraisal � Economic Botany

Year 2� Business Management� Research Methods� Crop Growth and Protection� Plant and Soil Science

Year 2 OptionsChoose from a wide range of modules including:

� Design Theory and Process� Protected Crops� Computer-Aided Design� Tropical Horticulture� Organic Crop Production� Languages

Final Year� Dissertation� Vocational Module

Final Year OptionsChoose from over 20 modules including:

� Restoration of Historic Gardens� World Gardens� Floriculture� Conservation and Ecological Management

Special FeaturesWrittle College currently offers specialist degreeprogrammes in a wide range of horticulturaldisciplines. Students on this course have access to anextensive range of optional subjects offered in otherdegree programmes, and can select a pathway throughthe degree to suit their individual preferences.Students who have a pass at HND, FoundationDegree or its equivalent can join the final year of thehonours degree programme. Depending on previousexperience, a personalised course of study is arrangedfor students from the extensive range of modulesoffered. On successful completion of the course,these students are awarded a BSc Horticulture.

Industrial Placements Writtle has an extensive range of placements onoffer and students are given comprehensive adviceand support to ensure that they find a suitableplacement. The majority of the placements are inpaid employment but some students may choose towork for voluntary agencies. The industrialplacement is optional on BSc programmes, butmany students find that this is an invaluableexperience. Each year a number of students chooseto spend part or all of their placement abroad.

Career Prospects Students with this qualification can enter a broadrange of fields including supervisory posts withcrop production or landscape companies, traineeretail managerial schemes, horticultural officerswith local authorities, research work, teaching andlecturing positions.

25WRITL W85

BSc (Hons)

Horticulture with Business Management

This modular course provides a soundfoundation for a responsible managementcareer in the horticultural sector. Thecourse is designed to produce graduates whohave a sound theoretical base and appliedmanagement skills gained by carrying outreal life projects. Students also have theopportunity to tailor their studies towardslandscape and amenity management, sportsturf, commercial crop production, retailingor nursery.

Course ContentIn the first year students are introduced to thevarious specialist fields which make up the modernhorticultural industry. Students are encouraged tospend a year in industry where managementprinciples can be seen in practice.

Areas of Study Year 1� Introduction to Business Management� Communication and Business Skills� Horticultural Science� Commercial Crop Production� Landscape Management

Year 2� Business Performance� Marketing Planning� Economics� Research Methods� Personnel

Year 2 Options� Managing People� Advertising Sales and Promotion� Computer-Aided Design� Landscape Construction� Crop Production� Languages� Landscape Design

Final Year� Business Development� Business Forecasting� Dissertation


� Computer Application� Postharvest Physiology� Supply Chain Management� International Trade

Special FeaturesStudents on this course can study businessmanagement in either amenity and landscape orcommercial horticulture and have a chance toconduct a live consultancy exercise.

Industrial PlacementsAs a result of many years of close co-operationwith the horticultural industry, Writtle Collegeoffers an impressive range of industrial placementsboth in Britain and abroad.

Career ProspectsThe horticultural industry is a dynamic and diversesector in which the business environment is rapidlychanging. Many sectors of the industry report ashortage of professionally trained managers whoalso have a thorough grounding in horticulturalscience and technology. Employment prospects aretherefore excellent.

Course Name and LevelBSc (Hons) Horticulture withBusiness Management

UCAS CodeDN42


Typical Offer: UCAS Tariff Points140 Tariff points to include atleast 80 tariff points from 6-unit(GCE A level/VCE A level) and/or12-unit awards (VCE A level). A maximum of 20 tariff pointswill be counted from Key Skills





Admissions TutorJohn Cullum



Course Name and LevelBSc (Hons) Landscape andAmenity Management

UCAS CodeD455


Typical Offer: UCAS Tariff Points140 Tariff points to include atleast 80 tariff points from 6-unit(GCE A level/VCE A level) and/or12-unit awards (VCE A level). Amaximum of 20 tariff points willbe counted from Key Skills





Admissions TutorCathy Hayward



26

BSc (Hons)

Landscape and Amenity Management

This course provides the practical andprofessional training necessary for thoseseeking positions of responsibility in themanagement of landscapes, large parks,estates, prestige gardens or associated leisurefacilities and amenities. This importantestablished sector of the horticulturalindustry is expanding, and graduates arerequired to have sound plant knowledge anda full appreciation of both short and longterm management techniques applicable to adiverse range of landscapes and amenities.The course will also cover important aspectsof scientific and management studies withscope for students to choose a specialism.

Course ContentThe course follows a modular programme of studywith students gaining a firm foundation in science,landscape management and associated practicalskills in the first year. Students are encouraged tobecome involved in current landscape managementresearch programmes at Writtle.

Areas of Study Year 1� Biological Processes� Horticultural Science� Landscape Appraisal and Construction� Landscape Maintenance� Plant Production� Introduction to Management� Gardens and Plants Through Time� Learning Methods for Undergraduates

Year 2� Business Management� Research Methods� Design Theory and Process� Landscape and Amenity Management

Year 2 Options� Landscape Construction Contracts� Arboriculture� Interior Landscaping� Landscape Construction Projects � Traditional and Contemporary Planning� Landscape Gardens and the Arts � Languages� Computer-Aided Design

Final Year� Landscape Planning

and Law� Vocational Module� Dissertation


� Conservation and Restoration of Historic Gardens� World Gardens� Leisure Policy� Restoration and Management of Historic Gardens� Conservation and Ecological Management� Interpretation for Leisure� Urban Environment� Languages

Special FeaturesThis course has a flexible study programmeallowing students to specialise in their chosensector of the industry while being able to selectfrom a whole range of subjects on offer within allhorticultural degrees at Writtle.

Industrial PlacementsIndustrial placements are offered and encouragedeither in paid employment or with voluntaryagencies. Strong links with employers have beendeveloped by the nominated Industrial LiaisonOfficer who provides guidance to students onplacement opportunities in the appropriate workareas. Opportunities include jobs abroad in highprofile organisations and with top UK employers, forexample, Cambridge City Council, Kew Gardens,National Trust and Snowdonia National Park. There are also opportunities to work in gardens inmainland Europe and international links worldwideoffer further opportunity for work placements.

Career ProspectsCareer options include management positions inlocal authority parks, public/historic gardens,country parks, botanic gardens, national parks,nurseries and garden centres. Graduates may alsofind employment in specialist positions such asarboriculture, landscape design, environmentalmanagement, landscape reclamation, restoration ofhistoric gardens and landscapes and the media,including TV.

“I am nowworking as acontracts managerfor a landscapedesign and buildcompany. Duringmy course at

Writtle I developed a broad range ofskills, including contract managementand business knowledge, applicableto employment in the landscape andhorticultural industry.”Paul StaceyGraduate - BSc (Hons) Landscape andAmenity Management

STUDENTS’ CORNER

27WRITL W85

BSc (Hons)

Sports Turf Science and Management

This course has been specially designed togive students wide experience in the areas ofsports turf science, science, leisuremanagement and general management toopen up a range of employment opportunitiesin various sectors of the industry.

Course ContentThe course follows a modular programme of studyover three years. There is also an option to take atwelve month industrial placement after either thefirst or second year.

Areas of Study Year 1� Learning Methods for Undergraduates� Biological Processes� Turf Grass Agronomy� Principles of Sports Turf Mechanisation� Introduction to Management� Horticultural Science � Landscape and Conservation on the Golf Course� Sports Turf Technology

Year 2� Business Management� Plant and Soil Science � Golf Course Design and Management � Research Methods� Turf Grass Crop Protection� Sports Turf Surfaces

Year 2 Options� Plant and Soil Science� Building Design and Construction� Computer-Aided Design� Economics� Languages� Career Planning and Development� Business Performance� Energy and Waste Management� Advertising � Sales and Promotion� Managing People� Event Management� Arboriculture� Landscape and Amenity Management

Final Year� Dissertation� Sports Policy and Development� Sports Facilities � Conservation and Ecological Management� Procurement Policy

Final Year OptionsChoose from as wide range of modules including:

� Leisure Policy� Sports Facilities, Landscape Planning and the Law� Leisure and Recreation Management� Interpretation for Leisure� Urban Environment� Business Forecasting� Computer Applications� Languages� Business Development

Special FeaturesThis course has a flexible study programmeallowing students to specialise in their chosensector of the industry while being able to selectfrom the whole range of subjects on offer fromother degrees at Writtle.

Industrial PlacementsCareer options include management positionswith local authorities, research, agronomyconsultancy, technical sales, lecturing, golf coursemanagement, sports turf management, leisuremanagement, landscape contracts,conservation/ecology and the media.

Course Name and LevelBSc (Hons) Sports Turf Scienceand Management

UCAS CodeDNK2


Typical Offer: UCAS Tariff Points140 Tariff points to include atleast 80 tariff points from 6-unit(GCE A level/VCE A level) and/or12-unit awards (VCE A level). A maximum of 20 tariff pointswill be counted from Key Skills





Preferred SubjectsA science is preferred

Admissions TutorRichard Hughes


The grounds and gardens at Writtle College cover an area of 11 ha

(28 acres) and consist of informal lawns with naturalised bulbs in spring and

wild flowers in the summer. The grounds also feature a mature tree collection,

mixed shrub and herbaceous borders and a variety of heathers and alpines.

Landscape theme gardens include the Centenary garden, a sub-tropical ‘Hot ‘n’

Spicy garden’ and modern contemporary designs.

A living canvas

28

The grounds at Writtle serve the educationaland research needs of our students from basicpractical training through to degree level studies.The gardens are used as an outdoor classroomfor demonstrating the use of many differentfeatures, styles and landscape materials. Anextensive, well managed and labelled collectionof over 10,000 plants and 70,000 bulbs ensuresstunning displays throughout the seasons.

Writtle participates in the National GardensScheme, raising funds for charity by opening thegardens to the public at certain times through theyear. Gardens Open Days normally take place inMarch, June and September.

A Centre of Excellence forHorticultureAs one of the UK’s most well respected centresfor horticultural study and research, WrittleCollege is regularly invited to attend tradeshows, conferences and showcases for theindustry. The College has exhibited at the RHSChelsea Show for over ten years, consistentlywinning medals. In 2003, Writtle Collegereceived a prestigious gold medal for its exhibitwhich looked at the uses of nettles. Writtlestudents are heavily involved in the preparationfor Chelsea and help to construct the exhibit.

Writtle’s landscape design and constructionstudents triumphed at Hampton Court 2003with their ‘Private Entertainer’ garden which wona gold medal and the award for the MostOriginal and Innovative Show Garden at thefestival. The garden had an urban-based conceptaimed at the young professional generation.

Writtle students have also been involved in theLondon Garden Show at Alexandra Palace sinceits first event in 2001 and have an unbrokenmedal run at the RHS Chelsea Show for thelast ten years, winning a clutch of gold andsilver gilt medals.

Please call us on 01245 424200 fordetails of forthcoming events or see thewebsite at www.writtle.ac.uk

amenity horticulture landscape · pdf fileamenity horticulture landscape management ......

Documents