Sustainable Horticulture / Permaculture
(Level 5)

INTRODUCTION:

Course Code: 5M2586

Sustainable Horticulture / Permaculture is a science based course offering a practical and wide-ranging learning experience in a unique and thriving college community.

Kinsale has a strong tradition of food and farming, as well as providing a near-idyllic environment for exploring ecology and the natural environment. The course is a mixture of classroom-based talks, practical activities, site visits, master classes from a range of visiting specialists and group project work.

The practical aspects of the course includes:

• The development of the college grounds along permaculture design principles.
• Working in the college herb and vegetable gardens.
• Landscaping and practicing green building techniques.

The emphasis of the course is on practical skills that students can apply in their own lives and gain professional qualifications to access employment, developing their careers or continuing to 3rd level courses in horticulture, landscape design or related subjects.

The course is useful to anyone interested in landscape design, organic horticulture, community development, environmental education and sustainable resource management, and can lead to work or further training in these areas.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

• Leaving Certificate or equivalent. For mature applicants appropriate experience will be considered
  in lieu of formal qualifications.
• All applicants will be required to attend an interview.
• An offer of a place on this course means the applicant has met the minimum entry requirements set out and attended for interview.

DURATION:

This is a one-year course. Timetables vary from year to year please contact the college directly for detailed timetable information.

CERTIFICATION:

• QQI Level 5 in Sustainable Horticulture / Permaculture (5M2586).

COURSE CONTENT:

The following subjects may be offered:

HOW TO APPLY & APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Applications for all our courses will be available on the website and in the college from in January 2025 for all courses commencing in September 2025.

Interviews will be held for all courses throughout the college year. To apply, simply click HERE. Alternatively you can ring (021) 4772 275 for assistance with your application.

EDUCATION PROGRESSION OPPORTUNITIES:

Students who successfully complete the Level 5 Award in Sustainable Horticulture will be eligible to apply for the Level 6 Award in Kinsale College.

• Tipperary Institute: BA in Sustainable Resource Management.
• MTU Cork: BSc Horticulture.
• MTU Cork: BSc Herbal Science.
• WIT / Kildalton College: BSc Horticulture.
• WIT / National Botanic Gardens: BSc Horticulture.
• UCD: BAgrSc Hons Horticulture, Landscape and Sports Turf Management.
• UCD: BSc Hons Landscape Architecture.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES:

Graduates from the course will be well equipped to pursue a range of employment and business opportunities. Several past students now supply fresh vegetables from their market gardens to customers and restaurants around the Kinsale area. Other opportunities are available in diverse fields including ecology, environmental education, plant nurseries, garden centres, landscape design and sustainable resource management.

WORK EXPERIENCE:

Participants will be required to undertake 40 days of work placement in a suitable environment. The College will assist participants in identifying suitable placements.

TESTIMONIALS & HIGHLIGHTS:

Donal Chambers

Course Co-Ordinator