The RHS Master of Horticulture (MHort) Award allows those that choose to study to explore a diverse range of sectors within the horticultural industry, pushing candidates outside their comfort zone to consider new possibilities and grow knowledge of the macro issues facing the horticultural industry on a global scale.
The degree-level equivalent MHort has been offered for over 100 years, and is highly regarded in the industry worldwide. It is designed for professional horticulturists, with at least four years industry experience, with one at supervisory level, looking to advance their knowledge and grow further in their careers.
Completed over three years, the award offers an affordable and high-quality research experience with exposure to different sectors of the horticultural industry, and provides improved business and managerial skills, both sought after and highly transferable. In the third year, candidates get to write a dissertation linked directly to their own organisation or area of interest.
Sarah Millington has been working in her family’s nursery, Hillview Hardy Plants, founded in 1987, since she was three. In 2017, she decided to complete the MHort, something her father John had previously achieved. She said: “I learnt more about the management aspect of horticulture, and I have taken my dissertation ‘Alternatives to black plastic pots. Their lifespan and suitability for growing and keeping hardy stock’ into an aspect of horticulture that is not only interesting to me, but that will be useful to the nursery in future years.
“Initially, it was difficult to integrate some of the skills I learnt into practice, but I am now able to structure any ideas or projects much more cohesively.”
Mainly completed online, the programme is flexible, allowing candidates to study and expand their career alongside work or other commitments. At under £6k total, the MHort costs considerably less than degrees, and the RHS have introduced a range of easy payment options, including monthly, to help spread the cost.
By the end of the award, successful candidates will have developed a better understanding of business and operational strategies, management planning, and awareness of scientific, economic and social issues within the horticultural industry on a global context. Alongside this, they will have developed improved research, analytical, communication and decision-making skills that will provide a better understanding of horticultural challenges and appropriate management strategies.
Open to candidates from around the world, with graduates from the USA, Hong Kong, China, Australia, Singapore, Europe, and the UK, the award links candidates to a range of professional networks and provides a great opportunity to increase global connections.
Holders of the award may use the designation MHort (RHS) after their name.
Annual applications are now open until the 1 August for an October start.
Email: mhort@rhs.org.uk
Website: rhs.org.uk/mhort
Twitter: @RHS_Learning
