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School of Horticulture - Kew Diploma
Kew Diploma |
Application Requirements
• a minimum of two years', broad-based, full-time work experience in a recognised horticultural establishment.
• formal horticultural training to at least National Vocational Qualification Level Two (or equivalent)
• two "A" levels, preferably in science subjects;
• GCSEs (or equivalent) in at least five subjects, including English, mathematics and an approved science;
Candidates with fewer formal qualifications, but with more practical experience are also encouraged to apply.
All candidates must show drive and enthusiasm with a determination to succeed. They should also be able to express themselves clearly and be willing to accept increasing responsibility.
Previous horticultural experience should be broad-based. There is a need for self-reliance and an ability to work with the minimum of close supervision.
For information on obtaining the required horticultural qualifications please refer to the Institute of Horticulture's website.
If you are seeking to change career, or have less horticultural work experience, please contact us so that we can discuss the best way forwards for you.
Application procedure
Please choose from the following downloads:
- Full
Application
Pack (single pdf document for printing and filling out by hand)
- Individual forms for completing electronically:
- guidance notes (pdf)
- application form (MSWord doc)
- reference form (MSWord doc - please complete two)
- equality & diversity questionnaire (MSWord doc)
You will need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the pdf format forms.
Alternatively please telephone, write or email us with your postal address and we can send you an application pack.
Completed application forms should be returned no later than 31st January in the year in which admission is desired, together with:
- a photograph;
- an essay of 250-500 words (see application form);
- two reference forms
Administrator, School of Horticulture, Royal Botanic Gardens,
Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AB, UK
Direct Line: +44 - (0)20 - 8332
5545
Fax, direct: +44 - (0)20 - 8332 5574
On the basis of the completed application forms and references, the selection board will make a short-list of applicants for interview. Only those candidates selected for interview will be contacted. Therefore if you have not heard from us within 3 weeks of the closing date, you should presume that you will not be called for interview. All short-listed applicants offered an interview (including those applicants from overseas), will be required to attend an interview at Kew in the spring. Kew is unable to assist candidates with the cost of travelling expenses.
Documentary evidence of qualifications will be required at the interview.
The Kew Diploma is a rigorous academic course which requires a high level of both written and oral communication in the English language. For candidates whose native language is not English, it is necessary to provide evidence that you have obtained a standard in both written and spoken English that is academically and internationally recognised.
For independent advice and information, please see www.ielts.org The International Language Testing System
Alternative opportunities at Kew
The practical Horticultural Internship Programme at RBG Kew is offered both to UK and overseas students and is purely practically based. The School of Horticulture coordinates internships lasting three months which consist of eighty percent unpaid, practical work experience in the garden and twenty percent group study time in the School of Horticulture and on study tours.