Each session of the course extends over forty weeks, including the thirty weeks of the ordinary college session, together with ten weeks of practical work only, arranged to suit the convenience of individual students.
The diploma with distinction in special subjects is awarded to students who, having gained the diploma, spend a third year at the college pursuing special studies, and who pass the examination prescribed. The course is adapted to the requirements of those who may become teachers of horticulture or specialists in some particular branch of horticulture.
Note.—The above diplomas are granted by the Oxford and Reading Joint Committee, on which are represented the college, the University of Oxford, the Royal Agricultural Society, and the Royal Horticultural Society.
The certificate in horticulture (granted by the college) is awarded to students who have followed a one-year course at the college (forty weeks) and have satisfied the examiners in the subjects of the first year examination for the diploma.
The subjects of examination for the diploma and certificate are as follows:—
Diploma (First Year) and Certificate
1. Theory and practice of horticulture (including composition of soils, cultivation, the use of tools and manures; the vegetable garden, flower garden, rose garden, rock garden; orchard, lawn, shrubbery; aquatic and bog plants).
2. Botany (theoretical and practical).
3. General chemistry and physics (theoretical and practical).
4. Book-keeping.