The courses web pages are currently being updated
Advanced Diploma in Horticulture
Programme of Study offered on Full Time basis as per MCAST Course Offering – Prospectus 2026/27
It is recommended that you visit
How to Apply
for further information regarding how to submit an online application, as well as important Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
MQF / EQF LevelLevel 4
Duration2 Years Full-Time Total Number of ETS Credits 120 ECTS credits Total Learning Hours (25 Total Learning Hours for each ECTS credits) 3,000 hours Target Audience Age 16+ eligible for course Target Group (the type of learners that the educational institution anticipates joining this programme) – Programme Fees There are no fees applicable to Maltese and other EU Nationals (as will be evidenced by their Identity Document) Fees apply for other International Applicants or TCNs who may already be residing in Malta*… for fee information and any related updates it is best to communicate with MG2i International through applyinternational@mcast.edu.mt The following is a Tuition Fee Payments’ Schedule, for paying students; <a href="https://mcast.edu.mt/wp-content/uploads/Payment-Schedule-2026-2027-Dates-Amended.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://mcast.edu.mt/wp-content/uploads/Payment-Schedule-2026-2027-Dates-Amended.pdf</a>. Where any tuition fees remain pending and unpaid, the student with pending payments will be stopped from continuing with studies, and this may also lead to any Qualification / Award Certification to be withdrawn, accordingly. *One may consider checking about possible eligibility or otherwise for any exemption from fees by contacting the relevant section within MEYR (Floriana) – or visit the servizz.gov.mt website here Date of Next Student Intake For further information regarding upcoming student intake and applications’ time windows for same, kindly click here It is very important that applicants read the information provided in the Admissions Time Window on MCAST website, as well as any Frequently Asked Questions which may refer to their case or stage of application; <a href="https://mcast.edu.mt/important-information/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://mcast.edu.mt/important-information/</a> For Full Time programmes of study, International applicants are to submit a full and complete course application (including all required documentation) by the end of June…. Refer to applyinternational@mcast.edu.mt Maltese, EU Nationals (even if not yet residing in Malta) as well as any TCNs with a Maltese Residency Permit, are kindly asked to ensure that they submit a full course application (complete with all qualifications and any other required documents) during the Main Call for Applications (see <a href="https://mcast.edu.mt/application-online-ft-mcast-courses/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://mcast.edu.mt/application-online-ft-mcast-courses/</a>). Should applicants achieve better results during the September MATSEC Sitting, applicants may wish to make a transfer of course to where they will be eligible at that point in time… however it is essential that during the Main Call, they would have submitted a full and complete application for a course for which they would have the required entry eligibility – and following which they would have become a Registered MCAST Student according to eligibility. Language of Instruction The official language of instruction at MCAST is English. All notes and textbooks / learning material, are in English (except for language courses, which will be in the respective language being instructed). Assignments’ submission (all forms and types leading to Assessment) will also be in English. As may be required by the nature of the particular class cohort, code switching during lecture delivery, may be resorted to. International candidates will be requested to meet English language certification requirements and tested proper practical proficiency for access to the course….. Besides the set documentary evidence which is required at Admissions’ stage by the English Proficiency requirements for eligibility vetting, MCAST may also request international applicants or other applicants who would not have studied in Malta for at least the past five years, to sit for and successfully achieve such Practical Proficiency Instruments. This is implemented in order to help the course applicant ensure that one possesses the right proficiency in view of the Language of Instruction adopted during the programme delivery. Guidance as to whether the applicant would require to take any additional actions, information about dates of instruments one will be found as needing to sit for, etc, will be provided by MCAST throughout the Admissions’ vetting process, wherein communication with applicant will be ongoing as may be necessary. Application Method and Information about Admissions process Applications to full-time courses are received online via the College Management Information System. Applicants can log-in using Maltese Electronic ID (eID) credentials in order to access the MCAST Admissions Portal directly and create one’s own student account with the identity being verified electronically via this secure service. Non-EID applicants need to request account creation though an online form after that they confirm that their local Identification Document does not come with an EID entitlement. Official documents attesting this, needs to be made available from the official National Authority (namely Identita Agency or its direct official replacement) Once the identity of the applicant is verified and the account is created on behalf of the applicant, one may proceed with the online application according to the same instructions applicable to all other applicants. For more information about how to apply online for a course at MCAST, please visit: <a href="https://mcast.edu.mt/how-to-apply-online-2/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://mcast.edu.mt/how-to-apply-online-2/</a> Likewise information and ongoing updates about the various scenarios involved in the Application Process, is a touch-of-a-button away from reviewing related Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS) through <a href="https://mcast.edu.mt/important-information/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://mcast.edu.mt/important-information/</a> Important Notes: Admissions is an individual process for each and every course application successfully submitted. Incomplete and improper Course Applications will not be considered for proceeding with subsequent steps, such as vetting etc. MCAST cannot be held responsible for any communications sent to the email address the applicant provides at application submission stage, and which is issued at different stages as part of the ongoing and lengthy Admissions’ process, but which remain unanswered to or unacted upon by the communication receiver (the applicant). Not receiving the email for any reason as well as making use of an email address different from the one which would be showing on the applicant’s profile at application stage, are not considered as justified reasons for applicants not to take note of, or take necessary action on any communication issued. This is also relevant to clearly devised deadlines, which would be communicated but not respected by the course applicant. Information for Non-EU Nationals Non-EU candidates require a study visa in order to travel to Malta and join the course applied for (on a Full Time delivery mode). For further information re study-visa please access <a href="https://www.identitymalta.com/unit/central-visa-unit/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.identitymalta.com/unit/central-visa-unit/</a>. Further information International / TCN applicants should take note of before requesting to being considered for a programme of studies at MCAST, can be obtained through the respective FAQ found on <a href="https://mcast.edu.mt/important-information/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://mcast.edu.mt/important-information/</a> IMPORTANT note to Non-EU Nationals / TCNs including those already residing in Malta In instances where a TCN is applying for an MCAST programme of studies which includes Apprenticeship / Placement / Internship, it is the applicant’s responsibility to check with the relevant Maltese Authority whether one would be eligible to have the necessary permits to be able to carry out the accredited Apprenticeship / Placement / Internship, success from which is expected in order to be able to successfully complete the selected programme of studies. Further information can also be obtained through the respective FAQ found on: <a href="https://mcast.edu.mt/important-information/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://mcast.edu.mt/important-information/</a> Address where the Programme will be Delivered MCAST has four campuses as follows: MCAST Main Campus Triq Kordin, Paola, Malta All courses except for courses delivered by the Institute for the Creative Arts, the Centre of Agriculture, Aquatics and Animal Sciences and the Gozo Campus are offered at the Main Campus address (above). Courses delivered by the Institute for the Creative Arts, the Centre of Agriculture, Aquatics and Animal Sciences, or the Gozo Campus, are offered in one of the following addresses as applicable: Institute for the Creative Arts Mosta Campus Misraħ Għonoq Tarġa Gap, Mosta Institute of Applied Sciences Centre of Agriculture, Aquatics and Animal Sciences, Luqa Road, Qormi Gozo Campus J.F. De Chambray Street MCAST, Għajnsielem Gozo In the case of courses delivered via Online Learning, students will be following the programme from their preferred location/address. Programmes delivered via Blended Learning, and which therefore contain both an online and a face to face component shall be delivered as follows: Face to Face components – as per above address instructions Online components – from the student’s preferred address. Course Description (Refer to Programme Specification) This programme of study provides learners with an understanding of the horticultural industry including crop management of a wide range of crops, an introduction to garden design, floristry, pest and nutrient management, and studies in rural development and agricultural policies. The programme of study offers a wide perspective on the latest technologies used in the agricultural sector as well as its interconnectivity with entrepreneurship, business and the hospitality sector in relation to garden design and agri- and ecotourism. Learners will be encouraged to relate theory to practice at all stages of learning through assignments, projects and practical work. Scheduled practical crop husbandry duties form an integral part of the curriculum. Deskrizzjoni tal-Kors (Refer to Programme Specification) Dan il-programm ta’ studju jipprovdi lill-istudenti fehim dwar l-industrija tal-ortikultura, inkluż il-ġestjoni ta’ firxa wiesgħa ta’ għelejjel, id-disinn tal-ġonna (introduzzjoni), il-produzzjoni u l-bejgħ tal-fjuri, il-ġestjoni tal-pesti u tan-nutrizzjoni, u studji tal-politika dwar l-iżvilupp rurali u l-agrikoltura. Il-programm ta’ studju joffri perspettiva wiesgħa dwar it-teknoloġiji l-aktar riċenti użati fis-settur agrikolu, kif ukoll ir-rabta tiegħu mal-intraprenditorija u s-setturi kummerċjali tal-ospitalità fir-rigward tad-disinn tal-ġonna, l-agrituriżmu u l-ekoturiżmu. L-istudenti jiġu mħeġġa jorbtu t-teorija mal-prattika fl-istadji kollha tal-kors permezz ta’ assignments, proġetti, u ħidma prattika. Dmirijiet skedati fil-kura prattika tal-għelejjel jiffurmaw parti integrali mill-kurrikulu. Career Opportunities: Horticulture Assistant Inspector, Garden Design Assistant, Vegetable/Fruit Grower, Rural Development Operator Entry Requirements (Refer to Prospectus / Course Page on MCAST website) Internal Progression Route…. Any MCAST MQF Level 3 Diploma OR 4 subjects at SEC / SSC&P / SSQP, or equivalent, with a Pass Grade / Level 3 Other Notes related to this Programme, and which are to be taken note of An Applicant aged 21 years and over, and not in possession of the above Entry Requirements, may wish to apply via the Maturity Clause route. Applicants under Maturity Clause must still present clear documentation showing that they have a number of achievements in hand together with their School Leaving formal Certificate / document (to confirm their successful completion of compulsory schooling). Age is not the only eligibility factor in such instances. Besides documents showing their past achievements, applicants must present a detailed CV using the Europass format, as well as the most recent official JobsPlus Employment History. Further important information can be found under the respective Admissions FAQ <a href="https://mcast.edu.mt/maturity-clause/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://mcast.edu.mt/maturity-clause/</a>. Programme Learning Outcomes (Refer to Programme Specification) At the end of the programme the learner will be able to: 1. Understand a number of scientific and technical aspects in the subject-areas chosen. 2. Understand the anatomy, physiology, behaviour and health issues related to plants. 3. Undertake work-related experience and practical work in the land-based sector. 4. Develop business ideas and carry out investigative projects in the land-based sector. Teaching, Learning and Assessment Procedures The programmes offered are vocational in nature and entail both theoretical lectures delivered in classes as well as practical elements that are delivered in laboratories, workshops, salons, simulators as the module requirements dictate. Each module or unit entails a number of in person and/or online contact learning hours that are delivered by the lecturer or tutor directly (See also section ‘Total Learning Hours). Access to all resources is provided to all registered students. These include study resources in paper or electronic format through the Library and Resource Centre as well as tools, software, equipment and machinery that are provided by the respective institutes depending on the requirements of the course or module. Students may however be required to provide consumable material for use during practical sessions and projects unless these are explicitly provided by the College. All Units of study are assessed throughout the academic year through continuous assessment using a variety of assessment tools. Coursework tasks are exclusively based on the Learning Outcomes and Grading Criteria as prescribed in the course specification. The Learning Outcomes and Grading Criteria are communicated to the Student via the coursework documentation. The method of assessment shall reflect the Level, credit points (ECTS) and the schedule of time-tabled/non-timetabled hours of learning of each study unit. A variety of assessment instruments, not solely Time Constrained Assignments/Exams, are used to gather and interpret evidence of Student competence toward pre-established grading criteria that are aligned to the learning outcomes of each unit of the programme of study. Grading criteria are assessed through a number of tasks, each task being assigned a number of marks. The number of grading criteria is included in the respective Programme Specification. The distribution of marks and assessment mode depends on the nature and objectives of the unit in question. Coursework shall normally be completed during the semester in which the Unit is delivered. Time-constrained assignments may be held between 8 am and 8 pm during the delivery period of a Unit, or at the end of the semester in which the Unit is completed. The dates are notified and published on the Institute notice boards or through other means of communication. Certain circumstances (such as but not limited to the COVID-19 pandemic) may lead Institutes and Centres to hold teaching and assessment remotely (online) as per MCAST QA Policy and Standard for Online Teaching, Learning and Assessment (Doc 020) available via link <a href="https://www.mcast.edu.mt/college-documents/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.mcast.edu.mt/college-documents/</a> The Programme Regulations pertaining to this Programme’s MQF/EQF level available at: link <a href="https://www.mcast.edu.mt/college-documents/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.mcast.edu.mt/college-documents/</a>, apply. Grading System All MCAST programmes adopt a Learner-centred approach through the focus on Learning Outcomes. The assessment of MCAST programmes is criterion-referenced and thus assessors are required to assess learners’ evidence against a pre-determined set of Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria. For a student to be deemed to have successfully passed a unit, a minimum of 50% (grade D) must be achieved. All full time units are individually graded as follows: A* (90-100) A (80-89) B (70-79) C (60-69) D (50-59) Unsatisfactory work is graded as ‘U’. Work-based learning units (where applicable) are graded on a Pass/Fail basis only. Some units which follow industry standards and regulations may also be graded on a Pass/Fail basis as per programme regulations referred below. Detailed information regarding the grading system may be found in the Programme Regulations pertaining to this programme’s MQF/EQF Level available at: <a href="https://www.mcast.edu.mt/college-documents/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.mcast.edu.mt/college-documents/</a> (Refer to DOC 003, 004 and 005) Exit Point (where and as applicable) Where a student will not make it to the Final Certification achievable from this Programme of Studies (as per Programme Regulations), one might wish to look into Exit Point possibilities as may be applicable to this programme for studies. Further information, is available at <a href="https://www.mcast.edu.mt/college-documents/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.mcast.edu.mt/college-documents/</a>, kindly refer to DOC 077 Procedure for the processing of Claims for Certificates at Interim Exit Points. Contact details for Further Learning Opportunities The MCAST Career Guidance Team, offers the service of qualified and experienced Career Advisers who will be very willing to discuss with potential applicants the course which best achieves one’s career ambitions, as well as exploring one’s education route, or similar. MCAST Career Guidance Tel: 2398 7135/6 Email: career.guidance@mcast.edu.mt Regulatory Body/ Competent Authority Contact Details (where applicable – in the case of a programme leading to Regulated Profession) Not Applicable Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) (further detailed information is available in detail, online through the RPL (RPCL + RPEL) Policy and Procedures Those applicants who wish to explore the possibility of going through the process of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) with a view of achieving certain exemptions from units during their programme of studies, are to take note of the following initial brief info: Once an application would have been formally submitted during the Open Admissions Window, kindly get in touch via email with rpl@mcast.edu.mt clearly identifying oneself, and explaining briefly the reason for the communication. The reply to that communication, by the RPL Section, will provide basic initial information as well as the actual policy and procedural documents governing RPL [RPCL + RPEL procedures] policies. Only RPL requests submitted directly by applicants / students, formally to the mentioned email address, and as per set procedure, will be acted upon accordingly. There is a limit to the
ECTS Credits
Work Based Learning
Placement
Course Description
This programme of study provides learners with an understanding of the horticultural industry including crop management of a wide range of crops, an introduction to garden design, floristry, pest and nutrient management, and studies in rural development and agricultural policies. The programme of study offers a wide perspective on the latest technologies used in the agricultural sector as well as its interconnectivity with entrepreneurship, business and the hospitality sector in relation to garden design and agri- and ecotourism. Learners will be encouraged to relate theory to practice at all stages of learning through assignments, projects and practical work. Scheduled practical crop husbandry duties form an integral part of the curriculum.
Career Opportunities
- Horticulture Assistant Inspector,
- Garden Design Assistant,
- Vegetable/Fruit Grower,
- Rural Development Operator
Entry Requirements
Internal Progression Route….
- Any MCAST MQF Level 3 Diploma
OR
4 subjects at SEC / SSC&P / SSQP, or equivalent, with a Pass Grade / Level 3
Other notes related to this programme
An Applicant aged 21 years and over, and not in possession of the above Entry Requirements, may wish to apply via the Maturity Clause route. Applicants under Maturity Clause must still present clear documentation showing that they have a number of achievements in hand together with their School Leaving formal Certificate / document (to confirm their successful completion of compulsory schooling). Age is not the only eligibility factor in such instances. Besides documents showing their past achievements, applicants must present a detailed CV using the Europass format, as well as the most recent official JobsPlus Employment History.
Further important information can be found under the respective Admissions FAQ https://mcast.edu.mt/maturity-clause/.
Course Finder
Your name and answers are logged to improve course guidance. Do not enter sensitive information.
MCAST Main Campus 
+356 2398 7100
information@mcast.edu.mt