Horticulture

A QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Horticulture equips you with practical and theoretical knowledge of plant science, crop production, and landscape management. You study soil science, plant health, propagation techniques, and sustainable growing methods across glasshouses, polytunnels, and outdoor plots. Specialist areas include amenity horticulture, landscape design, nursery stock production, and commercial food growing. A typical week combines classroom sessions with hands-on work in college grounds, market gardens, or ornamental gardens — Teagasc's Botanic Gardens and Kildalton College are renowned for their practical training environments. Work placements with commercial nurseries, local authorities, or food producers are a core part of the programme, giving you real industry experience before you graduate.

Entry typically requires a Leaving Certificate with a minimum of five passes, including English and either Irish or another language. Subjects such as Agricultural Science, Biology, or Geography are useful but not always mandatory for entry. This is a Further Education and Training route, so CAO points are not required; applications are made directly to the Teagasc college. Applicants without a full Leaving Certificate may be considered on the basis of a QQI Level 5 Certificate in Horticulture or a related area, making this a strong progression route from PLC study. Mature applicants over 23 are welcomed and assessed on relevant work or life experience. HEAR and DARE access routes are not typically applicable here, but Teagasc colleges aim to support a wide range of learners.

Demand for qualified horticulturalists in Ireland is steady and is growing in areas such as sustainable landscaping, green infrastructure, and local food production. The industry has experienced a persistent skills shortage, meaning job-ready graduates with practical training are highly sought after by employers. Starting salaries in the region of €28,000 to €35,000 are typical, with experienced supervisors and managers earning €40,000 or more. Self-employment and contracting are also viable paths, particularly in landscaping and garden design.