HNC Horticulture at University of the Highlands and Islands

Programme overview

An introduction to commercial horticulture and landscape, designed by subject specialists around project-based learning. Teaching staff include specialists in conservation and the environment and an award-winning garden designer. It builds practical and theoretical knowledge for employment at craft level.

Duration: Full time: 1 year; Part time: 2 years; Part time modular: 34 weeks | Intake: September | Study mode: full-time / part-time | Location: Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Modules include Creation of gardens and green spaces, Ecology and environment for horticulture, Maintenance of gardens and green spaces, Plant biology, Production horticulture, and Social and therapeutic horticulture.

Career pathways

Retail horticulture such as garden centres, private estates and homes, commercial nurseries, landscaping, self-employment. Progression to HND Horticulture.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

1 Scottish Higher at grade C or above, or 1 A level at grade D or above. Alternatively NC Horticulture (SCQF level 5 or above), City and Guilds Horticulture (level 6), SVQ 3 in a horticulture-related subject, or another equivalent SCQF level 6 course. International applicants: IELTS Academic overall 5.5 with no element below 5.0 (online study from overseas); IELTS for UKVI Academic 5.5 with no element below 5.0 or LanguageCert International ESOL SELT B2 (60 overall, no element below 55) for on-campus Student Route Visa study.

Domestic applicants: GBP 1,285 a year (2026/27). Scotland-domiciled students with a Scottish term-time address (includes EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status); full-time Source

International applicants: GBP 9,460 a year (2026/27). Full-time per year; part-time study is not open to applicants needing Student Route visa sponsorship Source

Intake: September

Duration: Full time: 1 year; Part time: 2 years; Part time modular: 34 weeks

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