Horticultural Correspondence College Reviews 

I emailed months ago about not being able to see the content properly due to a dark watermark on every page covering text and images. I was told I need to purchase the paper book in order not to have that. I haven't completed any of the course and so I'm basically stuck paying for something I'm not doing. Better off searching for a college in your area like I have so you don't have these marks blocking you from doing it.

I'm regretting choosing HCC as the provider for my RHS level 2 distance course, and wish I'd looked at various reviews across the Internet first, warning against it. I suppose this is why it was so much cheaper than other ones: the course material is clunky and doesn't feel comprehensive, its only when I read elsewhere that I feel I manage to understand anything. It both misses out and repeats things. There are no exercises to help test or embed your learning - the few questions there are with in the material are very general, things like "reflect on what you've learnt", "use the internet to research...". The few pictures are bad quality, and sometimes bad copies of the images provided within published books about botany. When I contacted my tutor for help, they *did* try and answer my questions (whilst conceding that the material was written in a really confusing way), but said that their role is only really to mark the test papers we send in at the end of each unit. Because of this I felt like I couldn't really contact again with more specific questions.

I'm actually weighing up whether to pay for the course with another provider...

I really enjoyed the Professional Gardening course at HCC College. The tutors were knowledgeable, supportive, and always willing to answer questions. The course was well organised and provided a good balance of practical gardening skills and useful theory.

I gained confidence in plant care, garden maintenance, and the correct use of gardening tools. The hands-on experience was particularly valuable and helped me apply what I learned in real situations.

Overall, I found the course enjoyable, informative, and worthwhile. I would recommend it to anyone interested in developing gardening skills, whether for personal interest or future employment. Thank you to all the staff for making it such a positive learning experience.

Excellent content, detailed practical information that i have been able to put into practice both at home and work
Patric's feedback was always constructive and positive
Being allowed to work at my own pace helped as no timeline pressures

I completed the HCC certification for the "Complete Gardener" course and it provided me with invaluable information and knowledge in truly all aspects of horticulture (and beyond). Besides that, I especially valued that I was able to study at my own pace and receive an 'offline' print out to limit my screen time.
A special shout out to Teresa, their admin, who provided absolute top level assistance with any question I had regarding the course - she is such a star!

I agree with the other one star review! Once I've received the materials for my course, I realised how much of a scam and a waste of my time this is. I emailed them specifically saying I would like to cancel my course but they wouldn't listen to me and kept trying to charge me afterwards for a month straight! Please don't sign up to these money hungry scammers!

Really unhappy with this company. The course material is dated. Wrote in Victorian times. Really boring, really confusing and not easy to get on the course modules or even log in! I struggled my way through my first unit to have the worst feedback I've ever had. The tutor was obviously having a bad day. Quick to call me out on mistakes but absolutely no encouragement on what I got right, just ok. Then telling me at 43 I need to do better 😡. I'm disgusted at the lack of compassion I've never done this course before. I'm now trying to get my money back or at least cancel the remainder of my course. I'm now with learn direct on the same course which is fantastic. Steer clear of these their just after peoples money 😡😡😡

Really enjoyed doing a distance learning qualification with horticultural correspondence college. It's a lot of work and commitment but I found it a positive way to fill spare time and improve on skills!

I would highly recommend this course to anyone seeking a recognised qualification in horticulture whilst having the freedom to study at your own time.
The course packs alot of information that is split into eight sessions that can be studied at your own pace.
Initially I was in two minds to enrol on a self- study course as I associate it with online studying (I tend to lose focus when I am constantly staring at a screen), so having sessions delivered via post was really refreshing.
I found the tutor feedback very helpful when completing my assessments and preparing me for the exams. (I would recommend taking notes of key info as you go through the sessions to help with revision).
Though I have completed the course, I still refer back to the sessions to help refresh my knowledge.
Overall I fully enjoyed my time studying the course, it gave me the confidence in kickstarting my career in horticulture.

I just wanted to share a bit about my experience studying the Level 3 (Arb) Diploma at HCC.

From the very start, the support has been excellent. Teresa in particular has been incredibly helpful — always approachable, quick to respond, and genuinely invested in making sure students feel confident as they progress. The promptness in communication makes such a big difference; whenever I’ve had a question or needed some guidance, I’ve had answers straight away.

The course itself is laid out clearly, and with the level of support available it really does feel manageable, even alongside work and other commitments.

I’d definitely recommend HCC for anyone considering the diploma route. The structure, resources, and above all the supportive team help turn what could feel like a challenge into something achievable and motivating.

The HCC are an excellent, old fashioned correspondence college. I love that my course is on paper and not online. My coursework is being properly marked by a tutor (Kelvin) who is giving good, honest, constructive feedback that I can work from, and that if I call the phone is answered by someone who knows what they are doing and is helpful. Lessons are sent one at a time, each with a progress test; once the test is received at the college, the next lesson is sent so that you're not overwhelmed by receiving it all in one go. You have 2 years to complete the course and RHS exams, so plenty of time to learn and revise. I'm thoroughly enjoying it and learning a lot too as it's at my pace

Highly recommend. I completed the garden course. The course is easy to follow and understand, the tutor is highly skilled and knowledge.
It’s the second course I have completed, and will definitely be undertaking another one very soon.

THE COURSE AND PEOPLE ARE NOTHING SHORT OF BRILLIANT.
FOR THE MONEY AND PAYMENT OPTIONS YOU CANT GO WRONG.

The lady I spoke to (Teresa) was just so helpful in talking through the course that I was interested in and answering all of my questions, can't recommend HCC enough as a way to study, it's a long time since I found anywhere with such excellent customer service.

The information I received was very informative.

Really helpful staff and a good and easy to use system

I am more than happy to promote this company. The coursework is clear and easy to understand and if you need help they are just a phone call away. The tutor was very constructive with his comments. I feel I have taken a big step in my life by completing my third course with them and hopefully I will be doing more in the future

I have recently joined the course and the information and guidlines are easy to follow i have telephoned them
for information on a few questions i didnt understand
they are so polite and helpful