Professional Development Diploma in Social and Therapeutic Horticulture

The Professional Development Diploma in Social and Therapeutic Horticulture has been designed by Coventry University in partnership with Thrive.

Mode of study

This part-time distance learning course is offered over one year, commencing in September and finishing the following July. It is delivered on a flexible learning basis, comprising a combination of workshop blocks and study packs.

The workshop blocks are offered at Coventry University, Pershore College and the Thrive National Office, near Reading, depending on the module being studied. The blocks vary in length from one day to five days.

The study packs have been designed to be completed at home or in the work place. They include reading materials and work-based activities to facilitate the students' application of their learning.

A person tutorial system has been established and students are actively encouraged to network with each other. This facilitates staff and peer support through the course.

Aims of the course

The course has been designed to enable students to:

• develop as innovative and effective practitioners in the field of social and therapeutic horticulture

• transfer their core skills proficiently and safely within the practice setting, so potentially serving a wider client group

• understand the context of the service and so operate efficiently as a therapist and a social and therapeutic horticulture unit manager

• be responsible for their own learning and recognise the contribution of ongoing education to their own personal and continuing professional development (CPD) 

• participate in professional networks to promote the understanding and efficacy of horticulture as a therapeutic medium.

The course team assists students in extending their understanding of the sciences which underpin social and therapeutic horticulture and in refining their own skills in using horticultural activity as therapy. Successful students will also be able to appreciate the complex social and political context of service delivery, thus becoming more confident and competent therapists/unit managers. It is also anticipated that students, through their sharing of experiences and learning, will contribute to the growing body of knowledge which provides a foundation for the practice of social and therapeutic horticulture.

Course structure and curriculum

The course comprises of five modules, made up of a combination of half and single modules. They are studied at Level 2 and Level 3. The chart below shows each module by size, level and location of workshop blocks.

Accreditation of prior learning (APL)

Candidates may apply for accreditation of prior learning. For example, if the candidate holds a diploma/degree in horticulture, he/she may be exempt from studying the Horticulture module.

On successful completion of the Diploma, you will have the opportunity to attend one of the Universities' graduation ceremonies (Faculty of health and life sciences - STH). These are formal ceremonies that take place in Coventry Cathedral.

For further information and an application form please contact:

Michelle Richardson, Admissions and Marketing Unit, School of Health and Social Sciences, Coventry University, Priory Street, Coventry CV1 5FB, Telephone 024 7679 5957, Email: m.richardson@coventry.ac.uk