Horticulture
NFQ Level 4
- Part-Time
- In-Person
- 27 Weeks
Available Locations:
- Applications now closed. We’ll be back with new dates shortly.
Online applicants will be redirected to fetchcourses.ie to complete the application process.Â
What You'll Learn
The course is a mix of classroom based learning and practical horticulture skills, the practical work takes place in the gardens at the Donegal College, Ballyraine Letterkenny. After successfully completing this course, you will be able to:
- Grow vegetables, fruit, and ornamental plants using sustainable methods.
- Establish and care for trees and shrubs in various garden settings.
- Improve soil health through composting and natural fertilisation techniques.
- Apply natural pest control and energy-efficient gardening practices.
- Enhance biodiversity and well-being through thoughtful garden design.
- Meet health and safety standards, including SafePass certification, for professional outdoor work.
On successful completion of this course, you will receive Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) Certificates at Level 4, which includes four component certificates.Â
You will have the opportunity to achieve other Health and Safety related certificates, such as SafePass.Â
Timetable & Modules
Timetable:
This course will take place in-person, from 9.30am – 2.30pm on a Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in Donegal College, Ballyraine and its surrounding gardens.
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mon | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Tue | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Wed | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Thu | |||
| Fri |
| Module | Title |
| 4N0662 | Establishing Ornamental Flowering Plants |
| 4N0668 | Growing Fruit |
| 4N0671 | Growing Vegetables |
| 4N0666 | Establishing Trees & Shrubs |
Progression / Career
The skills gained on this course support pathways into further environmental education.
This course also provides a strong foundation for entry-level roles in horticulture, landscaping, and environmental care, and enhance skills for involvement in garden maintenance, nursery work, community gardening projects, or sustainable land management.
Entry Requirements
- Students need to have level 3 skills and knowledge from the National Qualifications Framework (NFQ) to succeed in this course. You can show this through relevant life and work experience as no formal qualifications are required for entry to this course.
- Students must have a motivation to learn, an interest in the subject and the ability to gain the knowledge, skills and competencies set out in the course.
- According to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL), non-native English speakers need a B2 level in writing, reading, listening, and speaking.
- Students should be able to perform the physical tasks involved in outdoor garden work.
Eligibility
Non-EU/EEA applicants need permission to work in Ireland. For more details, see our eligibility section.
Cost / Fees
You may be eligible for reduced course fees or a fee waiver (i.e. no cost).
We will talk to you about the possible low/no cost fees options during your application process.
Share This Course:
Real Students, Real Results!
It’s rare to get a tutor like Gareth Austin who has such a wide understanding of the topics but also is so personable towards the class. Gareth is unbelievably generous with his information. It wasn’t just a little hobby gardeners’ course; it was very informative about everything. I felt like I went into a horticulture course and came away with a business degree. The practical side was excellent, if there was anyone with issues, such as mobility, Gareth was more than happy to order tools they would need or change the way we were working to make it easier. No hurdles were thrown up I could see that weren’t overcome by Gareth changing how things were going to be done. If you are a hobby gardener, it will help you with matching up plants, understanding soil types, manipulating the soil to do what you need it to do in a completely natural way without the need for synthetic fertiliser and additives. If you are a farm owner, it is an excellent course for understanding horticulture as a business and your farm as an ecosystem, as well as how to be more profitable. It has changed so much for me, especially for somebody who swore 20 years ago that they would never set foot on a farm.
Gary McLaughlin
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Courses FAQ's
Who can apply for Donegal College courses?
Our courses are open to school leavers, lifelong learners, job seekers, employees, and employers looking to upskill or reskill.
How do I apply for a course?
You can make your applications for full-time and part-time courses online; you can start the process here on the Donegal College website. Click ‘APPLY‘ on the course of your choice; this redirects you to Fetchcourses.ie, where your application will be processed using the FETCH Courses website and system.
If you haven’t signed up for a FETCH account, you’ll be required to do so first; this is a one-time setup.
Are the Donegal College courses accredited?
Yes. Many of our courses lead to nationally recognised qualifications on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), typically Levels 4–6, as well as awards from ILM, City & Guilds, and other industry-recognised bodies.
Where do the courses take place?
Courses are delivered across Donegal at one of our 19 Donegal College campuses, certain courses are delivered in community venues in your local area, various courses are delivered online or through blended learning, and training can be offered on-site at your business, depending on the course.
Can I apply for an Apprenticeship?
The first step is to secure a job with an approved apprentice employer. An Apprenticeship is a three-way contract of employment between you, your employer and SOLAS, with on-the-job and off-the-job training delivered in phases. Full details are available on: www.apprenticeship.ie
To find out more about becoming an apprentice or an approved apprentice employer please contact our Apprenticeship Services Team: Tel: 074 9120500 or Email: apprenticeship@donegaletb.ie