Plant Science

Could you find innovative solutions to solve our global food production issues? Make your mark with our plant science degree course.

By 2050 the global population is predicted to increase to more than 9 billion people and the horticultural produce required will be more than double of that today. The world needs more horticulturalists!

With only 22% of the fruit and veg we consume in the UK being grown on home soil, the horticultural sector needs forward-thinking, talented graduates who can develop sustainable solutions to our food production problems by using innovative technologies.

Based at our £9million National Centre for Horticulture, the Environment and Sustainable Technology, you will have access to state-of-the-art, industry standard facilities.

Our award-winning, internationally successful team of staff will help you to develop your academic knowledge and gain valuable experience in ornamental and large-scale crop production techniques.

We work with leading producers of fresh produce, protected ornamentals and nursery stock and you will build essential employability skills with off-site visits and international study tours.

The average salary for a nursery manager in the UK is over £25,000

Source: payscale.com

72% of businesses in the horticultural sector are struggling to recruit graduates especially for technical, academic and managerial roles

Source: rhs.org

Courses

Full-time

BSc (Hons) Applied Plant Science and Production Technology

Industry focused, career ready…

Our degree course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Horticulture and has been expertly designed with input from our professional advisors and employers.

We are committed to providing you with industry experience and you will benefit from our working relationship with leading growers, suppliers and organisations such as the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), The Chartered Institute of Horticulture (CIH) and Plant Heritage.

Our facilities are a research hub for horticultural trials within the crop production industry and you will have the opportunity to participate in industry-led crop trials.

Find out more

Careers

Where could your degree take you?

As a graduate with relevant industry experience, this sector can offer many rewarding career routes that combine scientific knowledge and technology with applied practical skills.

With a national skills shortage reported, there has never been a better time to follow a career in this growth industry.dies.

Here are just some of the careers available:

Commercial production manager
Retail buyer
Retail manager
Horticulture entrepreneur
Plant biotechnician
Horticultural consultant
Glasshouse production manager
Nursery manager

Facilities

Where will you be studying?

You will be studying in our dedicated National Centre for Horticulture, the Environment and Sustainable Technology and working across a number of aspects of the horticultural industry, including primary food production and nursery stock production.

You will have access to cutting edge facilities inside our commercial production unit which includes a micropropagation unit to support the study of plant tissue culture and biotechnology, three full-automated glasshouses with ‘Priva’ computer controlled hydroponic systems, LED top and intercrop lighting and a computerised environmental control system.

Our campus boasts 21-hectares of formal gardens and grounds which form the perfect learning environment for the study of plant science and contain specialist plant collections including the national collection of Enkianthus, rare tree species, designed landscapes, agricultural land and sports amenities.

Experience

Your University Centre Reaseheath Experience

We want you to make the most of your university experience. You will be learning in smaller-sized seminar groups with like-minded people who share your passion for the industry and expert lecturers will be on-hand to support you throughout your academic career.

You will gain valuable experience with visits to ornamental growers, businesses and commercial producers and get the chance to join on international study tours to the Netherlands.