Horticulture
This course is geared for students who want to be involved in the horticulture industry, varying in scale from intensive plant fruit and vegetable cultivation to providing organic fruit and vegetables for the family.
| Award Name | Level 6 Advanced Certificate (Level 6 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 6 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 6 Advanced Certificate (Level 6 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 6 NFQ |
Duration
This is a one year, full time course, from September to May.
Entry Requirements
Education: NFQ Level 5 in a relevant discipline when accessing a Level 6 programme. CERFL proficiency at B2 for access to Level 6 courses for those whose first language is not English Mature learner entry requirements available via the local ETB pathway Additional requirements may apply to non-EU/EEA Applicants and may be subject to full international fees (Please refer to Information for International Learners)
Aptitude: Applicants must have a motivation to learn, an interest in the subject and the ability to acquire the knowledge, skills and competencies set out in the course.
Previous Experience: Applicants must be able to demonstrate a broad range of knowledge, skills and competencies relevant to the course and be able to exercise initiative and independence when carrying out course activities.
Careers / Further progression
Course Progression
Students may opt to continue their education in Institutes of Technology through the Higher Education Links Scheme, or seek employment directly in the Horticulture Industry. Examples of progression courses include:
Bachelor of Science in Horticulture – Level 7, Kildalton College & National Botanic Gardens
Bachelor of Science in Horticulture Honours Degree – Level 8, Dublin City University - DCU
BSc in Land Management in Agriculture/Forestry/Horticulture – Level 8, Waterford Institute of Technology - SETU Waterford
Career Opportunities
Vegetable & Crop Production Management
Tree Surgery and Arboriculture
Landscape Construction and Design
Entrepreneur Opportunities
Parks and Gardens Supervisor
Sales and Marketing
Golf & Sports Turf Management
Floristry and Floriculture
Garden Centre Management
Further information
Course commences 7th September 2026
Mayo College of Further Education & Training is offering no tuition fees for September 2026, which covers exam fees, student consumables, and journals. This includes courses across campuses in Ballina, Castlebar, and Westport, aimed at relieving the cost of living crisis. Some specific courses or materials might still have costs, but tuition is free.
Mayo College students are eligible to apply for a SUSI grant. SUSI is Ireland’s national awarding authority for further and higher education grants. They offer support to eligible students in approved, full-time courses at PLC. Please visit http://www.susi.ie/for more information and to make an application.
This course is geared for students who want to be involved in the horticulture industry, varying in scale from intensive plant fruit and vegetable cultivation to providing organic fruit and vegetables for the family. Students are taught all aspects of the business end of the Horticulture Industry. The science, technology and business involved in plant cultivation is covered.
This one year Level 6 QQI course in Horticulture provides a foundation in Horticulture Studies and provides the opportunity to progress to employment or further study in the Horticultural area. The course contains a mix of practical and theory elements with trips throughout the year. There is an opportunity to partake in Erasmus+ placements.
Tree & Shrub Management (6N3624)
Communications (6N1950)
Business Management (6N4310)
Entrepreneurship (6N1941)
Market Gardening (6N3614)
Organic Crop Production (6N3621)
Sustainable Horticulture (6N3626)
Additional Activities
Guest Lectures on from local producers
Participation in the Westport Edible Landscape Scheme
Day trips to Organic Centres
Grafting and Budding Workshops
Involvement with Westport Tidy Towns
International Horticulture Trip
6M4334 - Horticulture.
Award: Successful completion of this course will result in a QQI Level 6 Certificate in Horticulture, 6M4334.
Facilities
‘The Compound’ as it is affectionately referred to by the students, is organically certified by IOFGA and provides an ideal working environment for learning. With irrigation, composting units, fruiting areas and indoor crop production, it offers the students an enhanced training resource on individual systems. It also provides experience on open field systems, garden nursery propagation systems, and crop rotations. All skills required from bringing the produce from seed to shelf are fully undertaken on a variety of crops from herbs, salad crops, tomatoes, potatoes, maize and garlic during the duration of the course.
Westport Campus Newport Road,
Westport,
Co. Mayo,
F28TP82
Tel: 094 90 75000
Email: westport@mayocollege.ie