Course modules
Year 1
Business Management
This module introduces key areas of management activity such as human resource management, leadership, marketing and finance to allow students to develop further knowledge and skills to improve future employability in land based industries.
Principles of Design and Photography Technical Skills
This is a very creative and inspiring module where the principles and elements of design are studied along with photographic technical skills. This will provide you with the underpinning knowledge in design and photography which will be applied to all other practical modules on the two year programme. You will explore each of the principles and elements in practical sessions using a variety of media and abstract forms.
Professional Commercial Floristry (Double module)
This module is a largely practical one. You will develop professional commercial skills in the design and construction of a range of commercial floral pieces for different occasions. Native floral design styles, influences and key floral designers will be studied. You will develop a portfolio of the design work completed in the first year of the course. You will also gain experience in demonstrating and communicating your knowledge. This module must be supported with time spent in industry.
Year 2
Academic and Vocational Skills
Working in industry will require florists to develop a range of practical and professional skills. This module provides you with first-hand work related experience of a range of practical and technical skills as well as developing your ability to present information in a suitable academic and professional style. You will be encouraged to evaluate and reflect on your own personal development throughout the module. The module will provide the foundation for further development of individual skills through independent study in the ‘Industry Project’ module.
Floristry Workroom Management
The basic principles involved in preparation, care, conditioning, installation, storage and maintenance of flower and plant material and floristry products is studied. A working knowledge of plant identification will be gained. Sustainability, countries of production and Health and Safety policies within the floristry industry will also be covered.
International Floral Trends (Double module)
This module builds on the foundations laid in the ‘Principles and Elements of Design’ module from Year 1. You will experiment with all aspects of international floral design to develop your own style and flair. A variety of international designers from a range of design disciplines will be studied for inspiration.
Year 3
Industry Project
You will use the skills developed in earlier modules to identify a suitable industry related project. Through planning, executing and then reporting on the project outcomes, you will be encouraged to use the industry project to develop your own personal skills as well as professional working relationships with industry contacts. Theories and skills of project management will be developed through supporting lectures.
Research Development
You will gain the ability to undertake investigative research for the floral design industries. You will develop research skills that will be useful in the professional context should you wish to become self employed, as well as the academic context should you continue with further study. Topics include market research skills, research methodology, information collection techniques, information analysis and writing skills.
Wedding and Event Floral Design (Double module)
This specialised double module focuses on bridal party flowers, both traditional and contemporary in style. You will create a wide range of practical wedding designs for the bridal party, venues and receptions including large scale event designs, period, modern and experimental pieces. You will also study the underpinning knowledge of wedding consultations and event planning, creating client specifications and costing your work for the commercial market in order to excel as a freelance florist. This module must be supported with time spent in industry.
Entry requirements & additional information
- Entry requirements
- Learning and assessment
- Progression
- Careers
- Professional accreditations
- Special requirements
Entry requirements
5 GCSE passes at Grade C (4) or above (including Maths and English or equivalent)
Plus 48 UCAS Tariff points from one or more of the following:
· 2 A-levels (A2), at least one at C or above
· BTEC/C&G Level 3
· 2 Scottish Highers at C or above
· 3 Irish Highers at C or above
· International Baccalaureate at 24 points
· NVQ Level 3 in a relevant discipline
AS levels, BTEC Subsidiary Diploma and Scottish Intermediate 2s may be used to contribute to entry requirements but they are not sufficient for entry on their own. Alternative equivalent qualifications will also be considered positively.
Applicants who believe they may be eligible for Accreditation of Prior Certificated and/or Experiential Learning (APCL/APEL) for certain modules will be considered on an individual basis.
Applicants for whom English is a second language must be able to demonstrate proof of International English Language Testing System (IELTS) at level 6.0 (with no component score lower than 5.5) or equivalent. All offers may be subject to successful interview
Learning and assessment
Learning Environment:
On-line lectures, video seminars, live briefs, peer involvement, study tour, exhibitions and competition work.
Assessment:
Portfolio design, digital journaling, practical time constrained exercises, variety of working industry documents, viva, presentations, team work and communication assessments.
Additional Information:
Myerscough College host an Annual Floral Art & Design Exhibition. All students studying the Professional Floristry and Floral Design courses exhibit at this departmental project.
Study tours may include:
• British Floral Association FleurEx Trade Show
• Holland Study Tour
• Covent Garden/London Study Tour
• Brugge ‘Winter Happenings’ Fleur Creatif Show
• Finland Cultural Exchange with sister college
• RHS Tatton Flower Show
• RHS Chelsea Flower Show
• Harrogate Spring & Autumn Flower Shows
• WorldSkills competitions
• World Association of Flower Arranging Societies Annual Show
• National Association of Flower Arranging Societies shows/club nights
• American Institute of Floral Design Annual Symposium – USA
• Hong Kong Flower Show
What work experience can I get?
Students are required to undertake relevant industry experience in a floristry or floral design enterprise. The course is structured to ensure that lectures are built around the peak periods of Christmas, Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day to enable students to gain real life experience at these times. A variety of opportunities are constantly given to students to work as part of the floral events team at Myerscough.
Progression
Successful students may apply for an Honours Degree in related subjects, for instance the BA (Hons) Professional Floristry and Floral Design (Top-up) at Myerscough College (College-based) or other design discipline.
Careers
The course aims to provide students with the opportunity to work at graduate level in the floral design industries. It promotes an ethos of self-development and reflection of practical and technical floristry and enterprise skills. Module content emphasises the importance of career development and planning throughout.
Examples of possible careers include:
• Senior Florist/Shop Manager
• Self-employed with own business
• Freelance Floral Designer
• Exhibition work
• Window dressing
• Demonstrator
• Buyer/designer for multinational stores
Professional accreditations
British Florist Association, City & Guilds, National Association of Flower Arranging Societies.
Special requirements
Additional costs for items that are essential for the course include:
- Floral design tools and equipment - £350
Additional costs for opportunities and items that are optional for the course include:
- Camera and tablet - £200
- Field trips and visits (including possible overseas trips) - £750