Cornwall College

BSc (Hons) Horticulture (Plant Science)

UCAS course code 3W21
Institution code C78
Duration

3 years
Course type

Full-time, Part-time route available
Study location Duchy College (Rosewarne) and The Eden Project
Apply at UCAS.com
The Cornwall College Group offers a wide range of undergraduate courses across seven campuses throughout Cornwall and Devon, including Bicton College, Cornwall College, Duchy College and Falmouth Marine School. We offer specialist courses designed with employers and delivered by industry professionals. During your studies you will get the opportunity to work on live projects and start your career before you even graduate.

Course details

  • Year 1

  • Core modules

    CORR159
    Plant Use in the Landscape

    CORR161
    Applied Horticultural Practices

    CORC1273
    Soil Science and Plant Nutrition

    This module focuses on the structure and chemistry of soil, its role as a rooting medium and the importance of soils for mineral nutrition in plant growth.

    CORC1274
    Introduction to Botany

    This module introduces the student to the basic metabolic and synthesis processes of living plant cells and looks at plant cell biology and how this determines the overall structure of the plant.

    CORC1275
    Classification and Taxonomy

    The module covers the various methods used to classify and name organisms. The evolution of life forms is revealed through taxonomic relationships and students are equipped with the skills to recognise the major types of life. Emphasis is placed on organisms that play a role in horticulture; from symbionts to pests and pathogens.

    CORC1281
    Academic and Professional Skills in Sustainable Horticultural Development

    The module will introduce and draw upon contemporary academic practice to help students prepare for higher education study. These skills will be contextualised through the introduction and review of the underpinning global sustainability goals and policy that will inform decisions on how society will build a better future for all. Professional and personal development are supported through tutorials and workshops focusing on transferable skills for study and employment.

  • Year 2

  • Core modules

    CORR2024
    Research Methods

    CORR2026
    Plant Production and Propagation

    CORR2029
    Ethnobotany

    CORC2258
    Plant Growth and Development

    This module investigates the regulation of the growth and development of plants. The regulation of growth and development by both internal and external environmental factors is discussed. The different mechanisms by which signalling factors are recognised and signals are transduced are contrasted and compared. Physiological adaptations of plants to different environments are investigated.

    CORC2259
    Plant Ecology

    Plants play a key ecological role and form the primary producers of many ecosystems. Plant adaptations, distribution and responses to environmental stresses are investigated. Also considered are the interactions of plants with other organisms with emphasis on interactions with potential pathogens, pests and symbionts. The ecological impact of climate change on plants and their interactions with other organisms is discussed.

    CORC2260
    Plant Pathology

    This module allows the student to research and familiarise themselves with the wide range of pests and disease a causing pathogens that affect plants. Methods of monitoring and predicting infestations and discussed and control measures are outlined. The genetics and mechanisms of disease resistance is also examined.

  • Final year

  • Core modules

    CORR309
    Honours Project

    CORR310
    The Contemporary Horticultural Environment

    CORR313
    Advanced Ethnobotany

    CORC3014
    Sustainable Horticultural Enterprises

    This module will allow the student to critically engage with and discuss issues around sustainability and enterprise management within the horticultural industry. An understanding of sound business management approaches will be developed. Critical Analyses of good and best practise will be undertaken and external perceptions and drivers will be considered and discussed within the context of policy making and strategic prioritisation for businesses.

    CORC3016
    Plant Conservation and Collections

    Plant conservation is increasingly important as a means of reducing extinction rates amongst plant species. This module looks at modern plant conservation and, in particular the importance of collections, methods of maintaining collections and implications for diversity of restricted gene pools.

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Fees, costs and funding
As this course is delivered by one of our partner colleges, please contact the college directly for information on fees and funding.

* UK Government announcement on tuition fees

On Monday 4 November 2024, the UK Government announced a proposal to increase tuition fees for home undergraduate students from £9,250 to £9,535 per annum from September 2025 onwards. The University of Plymouth intends to apply this new fee from September 2025. However, implementation of this increase will be subject to parliamentary procedure. This change applies to new students starting their studies in September 2025. For current and returning students, the University is reviewing fees and will update you as soon as possible.

How to apply
All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).
UCAS will ask for the information contained in the box at the top of this course page including the UCAS course code and the institution code.
To apply for this course and for more information about submitting an application including application deadline dates, please visit the UCAS website.

Our partnership with Cornwall College
The University of Plymouth has developed partnerships with institutions around the world with the sole purpose of making higher education more accessible to those people who need something just a little different.

Our Academic Partnerships enable students to enrol for a degree at a partnership institution closer to home, or engage in distance learning – even when they’re in the middle of the ocean. They are there for those people looking to return to education, or enhance their professional development. Full- or part-time; foundation degree to masters-level – we cater for a huge variety of needs and aspirations.

Many of our partners offer specialist degrees, unique facilities, and smaller class sizes at a competitive price. And as a student of two institutions, you get the best of both worlds; a supportive learning environment as part of a close-knit community, and a university-level qualification awarded by the University of Plymouth. You’ll enjoy not only the facilities and services your partnership institution provides, but also all of the additional support and resources you need from us, and you’ll automatically become a member of our Students’ Union, too.

We are continuing to grow the number of partner institutions and expand our academic community to new locations around the UK and overseas. Why not visit the Academic Partnerships page on our website for a full list of partners and for more details on studying with us?

One of our partners delivers this particular course – so please visit their website for full course details, entry requirements, tuition fees and information on what student life is like there. 

Open days

Partner college open days

This course is run at one of our partner colleges. Open days are held at the college and more details of these can be found on the college website. You'll find contact details below, on this page.

University of Plymouth open days

You are also very welcome to attend a University of Plymouth open day, to get a flavour of the courses you can progress to from a partner college. There will however be limited information on this specific course and college.

Studying with Cornwall College

Looking to study a specialist subject at university level? Want to do it in one of the most beautiful places in the world? Our wide range of courses gives you the chance to pick up the skills and experience you’ll need for your chosen profession.
Plymouth students working on a group project