Why Study BSc in Horticulture (National Botanic Gardens / SETU)

Choosing this programme offers you several unique advantages:

1. Distinct location & prestige — The programme “BSc in Horticulture (National Botanic Gardens)” is delivered in collaboration with Teagasc’s College of Amenity Horticulture in the National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, Dublin. You will have direct access to the Botanic Gardens’ plant collection, expertise, and facilities. 

2. Hands-on, practical training — It balances lab/lecture work with extensive field, greenhouse, and practical modules. 

3. Work placement built in — In Year 2, students complete a 15-week paid work placement with a registered horticultural employer either in Ireland or abroad (UK, Europe, USA, etc.). 

4. Flexibility of location — You may study either in Dublin (Botanic Gardens / Ashtown) via SE507 or in Waterford / Kildalton via SE506. 

5. Recognition & professional credentials — Graduates get the equivalent of the ‘Green Cert’ (useful in land transfer, farming, etc.) and eligibility for certain spraying / plant protection certifications under Irish Department of Agriculture (DAFM). 

6. Pathway for further study — After completion, you can either exit with the Level 7 award or progress to a Level 8 “add-on” or honours programme (e.g. BSc (Hons) Land Management in Horticulture).

 

Programme Details & Structure

Below is a comprehensive breakdown of how the BSc in Horticulture (National Botanic Gardens) at SETU is organized.

Feature	Detail
Level of study / Award	Level 7 — BSc in Horticulture (Ordinary)
Duration	3 years full time (36 months)
Credits / Points	The course is structured as a 3-year programme; the precise ECTS credit total is not explicitly listed on the SETU course page, but most 3-year Irish full-time degrees align with ~180 ECTS equivalents (confirm with SETU).
Location / Campus	Dublin (National Botanic Gardens / Ashtown) for the Botanic Gardens stream (SE507)  Waterford / Kildalton College, Co. Kilkenny, with shared delivery between SETU Waterford and Kildalton (SE506)
Mode / Delivery	Primarily on-campus / face-to-face for lectures, labs, and especially practical modules. Some modules may include field visits, guest lectures or blended supports, but the core is in person.
Work Placement / Internship	Semester in Year 2 (15 weeks) with an approved employer (in Ireland or abroad). Students often continue employment beyond this period.
Intake / Start date	The course uses the September intake (standard for Irish undergraduate programmes) International application windows will close earlier to allow visa processing.
Entry criteria / prerequisites	• Leaving Certificate / secondary school equivalency: at least 5 subjects at O6/H7 level including English (or Irish) and Mathematics.  • Entry to Year 2 is possible if you hold QQI Level 5 & Level 6 Horticulture awards (with merit in one).  • Applicants with former National Diploma / Certificate in Horticulture (Teagasc, ACOT, etc.) may apply for entry to Year 3.  • Advanced entry, mature student route, or non-EU applications accepted in some cases.  • English language requirements will apply (see below).
Subjects / Modules / Programme Structure	While the full module list (year by year) is in the student handbook, key components include: • Plant Biology / Botany • Plant Propagation • Soils, Media & Nutrition • Plant Protection / Pest & Disease Management • Greenhouse / Protected Cropping • Nursery Production & Ornamentals • Landscape & Amenity Horticulture • Horticulture Building & Infrastructure • Business & Enterprise in Horticulture • Communication, ICT, Research Methods • Field work, field trips • Placement / Internship (15 weeks in Year 2) Students also specialize in two major streams (e.g. landscape, food production, nursery) during the programme.
Disciplines / Specialisations offered	Students typically select two special streams, such as: production horticulture (fruit/veg), ornamental / nursery production, landscaping / amenity horticulture, protected cropping, plant protection / integrated pest management.

 

Career Outcomes & Highlights

• High employability: In a survey of alumni, 88% of graduates secured full-time employment within 3 months. 

• Diverse job roles: Graduates may become greenkeepers, nursery producers, landscape designers/contractors, garden maintenance staff, horticulture teachers, food producers (fruits/vegetables), sales/marketing roles in horticultural supply, arboriculture, parks & estates management, and more. 

• Further study / progression: After the 3-year degree, you may graduate or progress to a Level 8 honours “add-on” (for example** BSc (Hons) Land Management in Horticulture**, code SE522) to gain an honours qualification and then pursue MSc or research. 

• Professional certifications: The degree confers Green Cert equivalency and eligibility for DAFM spraying certification. 

• Unique facility access: In the Botanic Gardens route, you train and learn directly on one of Ireland’s major living plant repositories; in the Kildalton route you benefit from extensive glasshouses, orchards, machinery and a free shuttle service between campuses.

• Industry links & mobility: With strong ties to Teagasc and horticultural employers, students often get overseas internships and sometimes job offers.

 

Latest Updates & Special Requirements / Notes

• International application status: At times, the “International Applicants” status for these courses may be marked as closed (depending on the year). Always check the SETU “courses” or “international application” pages for current status. 

• Bridging study requirement: For those entering via Level 5 / 6 horticulture awards, a short bridging module may be required to align knowledge. 

• English language and non-EU requirements: Non-EU applicants must satisfy English language criteria, provide validated transcripts, meet immigration/visa requirements, and possibly provide additional documentation. (SETU’s international pages would specify the accepted tests & minimum scores.) 

• Fees update: The global fee rates are reviewed annually; always verify the latest fee for your intake year.

 

Summary & Advice

• The BSc in Horticulture (National Botanic Gardens / SETU) is a 3-year, practice-oriented programme combining theory, lab work, field work, and a 15-week paid internship.

• You may choose either the Dublin/Botanic Gardens route or the Waterford/Kildalton route.

• International fees are relatively high (14,500/year) but scholarships / entry awards are available.

• Entry requires strong secondary credentials plus meeting English language requirements.

• Graduates enjoy good employability, industry connectivity, and the option to progress to honours or postgraduate study.

• Visa, immigration, and documentation are critical — start that process early once you receive your offer.