Skip to main content

Foundation Certificate Professional Floristry and Floral Design Part Time

About the course

The course is delivered at University Centre Myerscough and awarded by the University of Central Lancashire. The course is a step forward for the floral designer, designed as an introduction to the commercial aspects of floral design at a professional standard. Traditional, period, contemporary and experimental designs will be studied. Incorporated within these designs are the latest trends in the manipulation of fresh plant material and experimental designs using modern decorative accessories.

Specialist design modules include: professional commercial floristry, principles of design and photography techniques. You will also develop knowledge of essential workroom management processes, business management for small enterprises, and research methods for the design industries. Students are given the opportunity to develop their skills for industry and work on many live briefs to develop a varied and specialist portfolio throughout the course.

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 you to develop further knowledge and skills to improve future employability in land based industries.

Academic and Vocational Skills

Working in industry will require horticulturalists 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.

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.

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.

Entry requirements & additional information

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:

Lectures, seminars and studio professional development, live briefs, peer involvement.

Assessment:

Portfolio design, digital journaling, practical time constrained exercises, variety of working industry documents, team work and communication assessments.

Additional Information:

Myerscough College host an Annual Floral Art & Design Exhibition. Students studying the Foundation Certificate Professional Floristry and Floral Design course gain exhibition experience during this event.

Study tours may include:

· British Floral Association FleurEx Trade Show

· Holland Study Tour

· Covent Garden/London Study Tour

· Brugge ‘Winter Happenings’ Fleur Creatif Show

· 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 encouraged 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. Students.

Progression

On successful completion of the course, students may apply for Foundation Degree in related subjects, for instance the FdA Professional Floristry and Floral Design course at Myerscough College.

Careers

The floristry industry is reaching far beyond the confines of high street retailing – employment opportunities continue to grow. The course equips students to develop and specialise within the following practical and commercial areas in the floral design industry:

Examples of possible careers include:

· Florist/Shop Manager

· Freelance Floral Designer

· Window dressing

· Floristry Instructing

· Buyer for multinational stores

· Curator for Historical Home/Venues

· Demonstrator

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