Writtle has two new courses in horticulture which aim to provide a very much more flexible approach to study.

In the past five years many land-based colleges and universities have detected an increasing interest from mature students to study on higher education courses. However, many of these potential students cannot fit into the usual mould of taking a two year full-time foundation degree, or a three year honours degree in horticulture, due to family commitments and financial constraints. There are many reasons why this is the case:

Some mature students already have a degree in another subject and cannot afford a further three years of study;

They may have a horticultural qualification and just wish to update certain areas or take additional modules as part of a CPD (continuing professional development) programme;

Others only have limited time available, due to work commitments or in the case of some international students, they wish to experience a short period of study in the UK.

In response to this change, Writtle launched two new courses with a commercial focus last summer. These were the:

Higher Certificate in Horticulture, which requires students to pass 120 credits from the undergraduate scheme;

Certificate of Continuing Education in Horticulture, that needs 60 credits.

These courses attracted 12 students in the first year, with each student following a personalised study programme.

Erich Dauzacker (pictured) was one of the full-time international students, and was attracted to Writtle by the very flexible nature of the courses. With a Master’s degree in engineering, Erich plans to move into commercial horticulture on his return to Brazil. He enrolled on the Higher Certificate course and took eight specialist modules in Plant Production, Organic Crop Production, Glass and Nursery production, Tropical Horticulture, as well as supporting modules in plant science. Erich completed his course successfully and has now left the UK for his home country.

Both the Higher Certificate in Horticulture and the Certificate of Continuing Education in Horticulture are available as part-time courses and can be provided as a CPD programme. Entry to both courses can be in October or February each year. Details of both courses can be found on Writtle’s website www.writtle.ac.uk l

Supplying Industry with Motivated New Graduates

Writtle College held its Graduation ceremonies on Thursday 13th and Friday 14th September at Chelmsford Cathedral with more than 350 students attending.

The second of the three ceremonies honoured graduates from Horticulture courses. Alan Titchmarsh MBE, Writtle College patron and famous gardener, broadcaster and author, was guest of honour to present degrees to the graduates. Also in attendance was the University of Essex’s Professor Nigel South, Pro Vice-Chancellor Academic and Regional Development.

During the Friday ceremony, the Writtle College Students’ Union presented cheques to their chosen charities, from money raised from RAG events which took place throughout the academic year. The charities selected this year included the Freeplay Foundation and Cancer Research UK.