Hands holding a fern and a magnifying glass

BSc (Hons) Horticulture (Plantsmanship)

Delivered in partnership with the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE), the Plantsmanship stream will equip you with training in horticultural practices, plant botany, scientific research and more, alongside the transferable professional skills required to excel in the field of horticulture and plant conservation.

Location: Edinburgh
Study mode: Part Time (8 years), Full Time - International Applicants (4 years), Full Time (4 years)
Subject area: Horticulture
Start date: September 2027
Agency code: DHPL

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Programme overview

Whether you have a passion for gardening, botany, plant conservation, garden history, or research, the HND/BSc Horticulture (Plantsmanship) aims to provide you with the skills, training, and underlying science required for a plethora of horticultural positions and ambitions.

You will become a member of the RBGE community, offering unique access to the living collection of over 13,500 species, an herbarium of over 3 million preserved specimens, and a world-class reference library and archive collection. Your learning will take place across bespoke classroom spaces, dedicated outdoor environments, and throughout RBGE’s collections alongside renowned horticulturists, scientists, and lecturers.

The Plantsmanship course will give you a solid base knowledge of horticultural principles and practices while allowing you to explore topics, plants, or places of particular interest to you.

Additional Information

You can apply for this course using the apply now button located at the top and bottom of this page. Detailed information on how to apply can be found on our applications instructions page.

International students can also speak with a local authorised agent in their country who can assist you in applying for this course. Find your local agent by visiting our SRUC in your country page.

Four Highers (BBCC) to include a science subject.
National 5 (A-C) or equivalent pass in English and Maths.

Comparable Qualifications:

3 A-Levels (BCC), including a science subject, with GCSE passes in Maths and English.
JCPA plus 4 Irish Leaving Certificate subjects at Higher Level at H3, H3, H3, H3, including a science subject.

Some graduates continue their studies through to postgraduate programmes including the MSc Biodiversity and Taxonomy of Plants offered by RBGE, while others take up positions as senior horticulturists, scientists, production managers, head gardeners, researchers, teachers & lecturers, consultants, advisors and more. The BSc (Hons) Horticulture (Plantsmanship) prepares you for a wide range of careers by equipping you with transferrable professional skills, underpinning scientific principles, and management abilities needed to become a modern leader in the horticulture sector. Many graduates find employment in botanic gardens like RBGE, in roles across horticulture, education, and science, either soon after graduating or later in their career.

Take a look around the SRUC Virtual Experience for lots of great student videos and examples of what it’s like to study our courses, along with campus and facility tours.

SRUC holds open days regularly. Visit our listings page for details of our up-coming events.

Scotland has so much to offer, it’s no wonder that each year thousands of students from across the globe make it their number one choice for their study destination.

Learn more about studying at SRUC in Scotland

SRUC offers a choice of campus locations and accommodation options. Learn more about each campus, including its facilities and accommodation options, by visiting our campus pages.

Phone:

From inside the UK: 0800 269 453
British Sign Language (BSL) users can contact us through an interpreter via Contact Scotland BSL

From outside the UK: +44 (0) 131 535 4000

Email:

Scottish, Irish, and UK students: study@sruc.ac.uk

International students: interrnationalstudents@sruc.ac.uk

Online:

All prospective students are welcome to contact us by filling in our online enquiry form

HND Horticulture (Plantsmanship)

HND Horticulture (Landscape Design)

HND Horticulture (Production Science)

BSc (Hons) Horticulture (Plant Science and Technology)

What you'll learn

The first two years of the course establish a solid foundation in plant biology, botany, ecology, and garden history, while developing confidence in practical horticultural techniques through taught lectures, real-world projects, and hands-on training with the horticulturists at RBGE.

The final two years explore topics like ethnobotany, species conservation, taxonomy, and biogeography, while facilitating the research and leadership skills needed reach senior horticultural posts or postgraduate study. Learning is based on lectures and seminars, independent study, and specialist talks, culminating in a final honours project in a subject of your choice.

This course prepares you for an enormous range of careers and professional pathways by equipping you with the comprehensive repertoire of professional skills, scientific competencies, and management abilities needed to become a modern leader in the horticulture sector.

You'll learn:

Production Horticulture (SRUC).
Plant Biology (RBGE & SRUC).
Maintaining Gardens and Green Spaces (RBGE for Plantsmanship students).
Ecology and Environmental Horticulture (SRUC).
Designing Gardens (SRUC).
Social and Community Horticulture (SRUC).
Plant Identification (typically RBGE for Plantsmanship students).

Horticulture: Professional Practice (RBGE).
Applied Horticultural Research (SRUC, although some projects at RBGE).
Advanced Plant Biology (RBGE & SRUC).
Sustainability and Innovation (SRUC).
Botanic and Historic Garden Horticulture (RBGE).
Ecology and Conservation Horticulture (RBGE).

Plant Taxonomy (RBGE).
Conservation Horticulture (RBGE).
Plant Humanities 1 (RBGE).
Experimental and Analytical Techniques (SRUC).
Professional Industry Engagement (SRUC).
Environmental Horticulture (SRUC).
Community Project Management (SRUC).
Plus one elective (SRUC).

Honours Project (RBGE & SRUC).
Plant Geography (RBGE).
Public Garden Leadership (RBGE).
Plant Humanities 2 (RBGE).
Agents for Change (SRUC).
Plus one elective (SRUC).

Student experience

Frank Cooke

I’m from Bolton, Greater Manchester, and chose to study Horticulture (Plantsmanship) at SRUC because I wanted to combine practical horticultural experience with a deeper understanding of plant science. The opportunity to learn alongside the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, with access to world-class plant collections and expertise, was a major attraction.

I chose SRUC because of its specialist courses, flexible study options and the wide range of opportunities available to explore different areas of horticulture. The course has allowed me to develop my interests and discover where I want my future career to take me.

One of my highlights has been the laboratory sessions, where I’ve been able to apply the theory from lectures to practical research methods while learning from experienced industry professionals.

After completing my degree, I hope to gain further experience in botany and plant sciences, particularly plant classification and diversity. I’m also interested in potentially continuing my studies through postgraduate education, with the aim of working in botanical institutions and contributing to conservation.

My advice to future students is to make the most of every opportunity, get involved, ask questions and build connections. The more you engage with the course, the more you’ll gain from the experience.

"The opportunity to learn alongside the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, with access to world-class plant collections and expertise, was a major attraction."

Frank Cooke, BSc (Hons) Horticulture (Plantsmanship)

Meet the lecturer

Laura Cohen

Undergraduate Programmes Manager at RBGE

I initially studied Ecology and then Soil Science before studying Horticulture with Plantsmanship. I worked as a Horticulture Technician at The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) before getting more involved in teaching, including on the HN BSc course, the RBGE Certificate in Practical Horticulture in the UK and abroad, and the RHS Level 2 and Level 3 courses.

The aspects of Horticulture that interest me most are conservation, biodiversity, talking climate challenges, and sustainability, whether in an urban garden, a public park, or a wild landscape.

Get in touch

James Douglass

Lecturer at RBGE

I have been a lecturer at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh since 2024, teaching practical horticulture, plant identification, plant biology, and conservation horticulture.

I completed the BSc (Hons) Horticulture with Plantsmanship in 2024 and have previously worked as a horticulturist and nurseryman. I’m particularly interested in plant health, conservation, and horticultural science, all with a focus on addressing biodiversity loss and climate change.

My other work in the sector is aimed at supporting and encouraging the next generation of horticulturists and promoting the strength and visibility of horticulture as a field of work and study.

Get in touch

Cayla Smith

Lecturer at RBGE

I joined the RBGE team in 2026, teaching ‘Plant Biology’, ‘Plant Taxonomy’, and ‘Plant Geography’ modules on the HN/BSc Horticulture (Plantsmanship) programme.

I completed my undergraduate degree in Plant Science and Horticulture at the University of Minnesota. Before moving to Scotland, I had experience in a variety of roles including plant breeding, wetland conservation and prairie restoration, and glasshouse production. In 2023 I completed RBGE’s MSc in Plant Taxonomy and Biodiversity at University of Edinburgh and have made Scotland my home ever since. I am passionate about our connection with nature and observing the natural world through the lens of science and art.

Get in touch

Johanna Lausen-Higgins

Lecturer at RBGE

I started my horticultural training in the Alps and, after moving to the UK, worked in various gardens, sparking a lasting interest in garden history and heritage fruit.

After studying the BSc (Hons) Horticulture with Plantsmanship and developing an interest in native plants and bryophytes, I completed the MA in Garden History at the University of Bristol. In 2020 I became the course lead for the RBGE garden history diploma and I’m horticultural consultant for Dunbar’s Close Garden, Edinburgh.

I’m fascinated by how gardens reflect changing relationships between people, nature and landscapes.

Get in touch

Fees and funding

Tuition fees for this programme:

Detailed information about these fees can be found on our higher education fees page.

Eligible full-time students studying BSc (Hons) Horticulture (Plantsmanship) should apply to SAAS for fees and funding. A student loan is also available to help students with living costs.

If you do not apply, you will have to pay your fees yourself and if you have studied at HNC/D/degree level before SAAS may not pay your fees.

Funding available:

Scottish students: you may be eligible to apply for a tuition fee loan through SAAS. Learn more
RUK students: you may be eligible to have your tuition fees paid as part of a bursary through your local government department. Learn more
International students: you may be eligible for international student scholarships through SRUC. Learn more

BSc (Hons) Horticulture (Plantsmanship)

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