Horticultural Correspondence College - www.hccollege.co.uk

Enrolled and received coursework quickly but no communication when trying to get coursework feedback. Sent for next lesson in post and did t receive anything. I lost money on this.

Good course structure though some of the study materials are outdated.

I completed a Level 2 ABC in Arboriculture June 2020 to June 2022. The course material was adequate but some units badly needed updating. Some portfolio questions were very confusing and didn't match the course material. I had to change my original Tutor as he was on a bit of an 'ego-trip' but moderation found he was asking for unnecessary detail. Communication within HCC seemed poor e.g. my final portfolio of work went missing because somebody signed for it without informing the office. The management team didn't inform the office of moderation dates so they couldn't give information out. My work finally went for "emergency moderation" 4 months after hand-in. (I think this was due to the assessment officer being on maternity leave?) Some of the office staff were rude on occasion. (I was chastised for phoning repeatedly to try to find out moderation dates.) They rarely called me back and didn't seem to know what was happening behind the scenes. Overall, I've enjoyed the course but it's been a source of unnecessary stress on too many occasions. I would recommend the Level 2 ABC but not with HCC.

The information supplied as part of the course is very informative and provides the basis for the questions that need to be answered. Research is required to fully answer thé questions and also to be understood for the various topics in each section. I will use this information supplied going forward as a guide and also to refresh my memory.

The questions were marked and good feedback giving within a short timeline and some of the comments were helpful in that I looked at the questions a little differently which improved how I researched the next questions slightly differently so that I had an improved understanding and also the marks achieved improved.

I fully understood the range of subjects within the course as a relative had already started and gave me feedback

I was attracted to this course because of the flexibility of distance learning and the variety of subjects to choose from. I was able to contact the college and my tutor very easily when I had any queries. I was surprised about how much depth the course modules went into but enjoyed the challenge very much and found some aspects fascinating. On completion of the course, I felt a real sense of achievement and had learned so much. I think, before embarking on such a course, I would strongly advise potential students to be absolutely sure that they really want to do this. You need to be very disciplined!

Im having great fun and really enjoying my current course with the HCC. It does take time and there is far more to it than I envisaged. I initially found it slightly difficult to get into doing the research, but as I progressed I learnt to handle research slightly smarter, albeit sometimes I do still find it frustrating, but I am learning so much more than I ever thought I would.

So far, I have done this on my own and I do think it would be much easier if I had a buddy or buddies to confer with, although my tutor is always at hand if I need help.

One of the hardest things is knowing where to go for information, this can sometimes take up alot of time.

As my current course is on Allotments, in Spring I intend to touch base with our local allotment association, which I'm sure will make this course even more enjoyable and perhaps easier. I also hope by then to have my own Allotment prepared for lift off! That's when I can put my learning into practice.

The course material itself was incredibly detailed and helpful, though I did notice in some instances that the pages repeated themselves in some sections.

The reason I wouldn't reccommend this college is because the "tutor support" they offer is fairly subpar. Tutors may take a week to respond to your questions by email, and mine even complained that I'd asked too many (I sent 8 across for the entire first lesson of 200 pages) and that he did not have the time to answer them.

When I emailed the college they promised a prompt reply, but have so far not responded after a week. I'd say for distance learning, the material is good provided you don't need much support. And do not expect anything prompt.

Well since my last review, I am on the last lesson of my conservation studies-countryside course.

I have enjoyed studying with the college again.

The college staff have obviously changed due to the founder passing away and staff moving on to new jobs, I have found that the new staff are just as easy to get on with.

As for people saying that the admin staff and tutors don't reply or it takes ages for completed and marked work to come back, well that's just not true, I've never had any problems with my completed work, I've send my work via the post and via email, so I can find any fault with this.

The tutors have been super helpful as and when I have asked for help when stuck on a question, the course material is very well written and presented.

This course is a 2 year course, and I've managed to almost complete it before the 2 year mark, which for me is September 2019.

There isn't anything that I have not liked about this course, the course price is so much better than my local college.

I attended the HCC as an external RHS Level 3 student. I was studying the theory certificates via distance learning and the HCC is an exam centre close to Plymouth, where I was based last year. I took 4 exams at the HCC and found the staff there very helpful over the phone, via email and in person. The exams were well organised and overall I was very pleased with the service I received. I would highly recommend the HCC for this purpose.

I have reviewed this college before, and as I'm doing the Conservation studies - countryside and OMG I'm loving it. It is the second time I've done this course and I wasn't able to finish it the first time round, but I'm on lesson 7 and just loving it.

I'm a full time mummy to an amazing little boy who loves walking in the woods and love nature just as I have always done. The college is super helpful and the tutor that i have is just amazing.

As i knew the costs of the courses before i re enrolled on the course that i'm currently doing and it was just fab.