Horticulture - Sports Turf Science & Maintenance
This module will equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence to manage all of the factors that influence the development, quality & maintenance of sports turf in Ireland. The course is designed for anyone already employed in the area of sports turf management, in particular golf courses, sports fields/pitches, equestrian or any other facility using natural turf. It is particularly suited to those who are embarking on a career in sports turf & who wish to develop a greater understanding of the sciences underpinning all aspects of its maintenance.
| Award Name | Level 6 Component Award (Level 6 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Minor |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 6 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 6 Component Award (Level 6 NFQ) | Minor | QQI | Level 6 NFQ |
Duration
16 weeks
Nov - July , Mondays & Tuesdays
Entry Requirements
Level 6 Component courses (part-time modules which are worth 15 or 30 credits) are open to:
Entry Requirements (under 60 Credits):
Students who have successfully achieved a QQI Level 5 Certificate in Horticulture (recognition of prior learning must be submitted with application), or persons currently working within the horticulture industry with relevant experience
Those who do not hold a Level 5 Cert or equivalent must provide a letter from their current employer outlining experience to date. A competency based interview must also be completed with Teagasc, in order to demonstrate knowledge, skills & competency required to successfully participate in Level 6 modules.
Entry Requirements (over 60 Credits):
Those who wish to participate in multiple modules that total greater than 60 credits must have successfully completed the Level 5 Certificate in Horticulture program, or equivalent.
'Equivalence' is established via the Teagasc RPL ("recognition of prior learning") process. Previous qualifications earned by a student must be comparable to at least a Level 5 major award type and level on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)
Prospective students with a qualification from institutions abroad (outside of Ireland) may assess equivalence & request a comparability statement via NARIC Ireland.
Careers / Further progression
This course is particularly suited to those who are embarking on a career in sports turf & who wish to develop a greater understanding of the sciences underpinning all aspects of its maintenance.
This subject is worth 30 credits which can be counted towards further studies at Level 6. By taking other Level 6 modules, students may be able to build towards a full major award of QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Horticulture.
Progression opportunities from the Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Horticulture include;
Horticultural Apprenticeship (Level 6 Higher Certificate) specialist streams
Bachelor of Science in Horticulture degree (Level 7) SETU Degree Programme - advanced entry into Year 2
Further information
Running from November to July
€420
A work-based project will form part of the overall assessment.
QQI Level 6 Component Cert courses are offered on a part-time bases at our college in the National Botanic Gardens and campus at Ashtown, Dublin 15.
Our Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Horticulture offers a stream choice which provides a direct qualification in a specific horticultural area as follows:
Landscaping
Nursery Stock Production
Sports Turf
Food Production
To achieve a full Level 6 Advanced Certificate a person would have to reach 120 credits in a chosen Stream. Completing all common modules is a pre-requisite for those who wish to complete the full Advanced Certificate.
Each common module is delivered for a period of 16 weeks.
Please note: The full course is delivered over a 32 week period throughout the academic year. Specialist elective modules require 8 or 16 weeks of a practical learning period (PLP) - this is a mandatory work placement required for successful completion of certain modules.
Module Content
Understand the growth and development of grass
Assess meteorological effects on the development of grass
Identify pests, diseases & weeds and implement IPM practices
Formulate nutritional programmes for turfgrass systems
Manage turf-grass and safely operate turf maintenance equipment
6N3622 - Sports turf science and Maintenance
Award
Sportsturf Science and Maintenance Level 6 Component Award – QQI 6N3622 - 30 Credits
For further details contact:
• Teagasc College of Amenity Horticulture,
National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin,
Dublin 9.
Tel: 01 8040201
Email: botanic.college@teagasc.ie
• Teagasc College of Horticulture,
Kildalton, Piltown, Co Kilkenny.
Tel: 051 644400
Email: kildalton.college@teagasc.ie