SHOWCASE YOUR CREATIVE FLAIR These courses are designed for anyone who loves flowers and plants and has an interest in creating floral displays.
Department Overview
If you love flowers and plants and have an interest in creative design, floristry could be the career for you. Learn how to create stunning floral pieces for a wide range of occasions and events. Our students can explore their creative side and gain the practical skills and knowledge required for a career in the floristry industry.
We offer floristry courses at our York Campuses. Our students can choose from a range of courses aimed at developing professional skills and enhancing career development. We also have provision for recreational learners who want to expand their knowledge of floristry. In addition to practical and theory-based lectures, there are opportunities to observe the auction houses in Holland and the contemporary skills of the Dutch Masters. The department also invites professionals from the UK industry to present their design skills.
Our floristry students regularly win prizes at major shows. Students are encouraged to further their professional development by attending numerous competitions such as the Harrogate Flower Show and UK Skills.
Scholarships and Bursaries
The Student Services Team has more information for students who would like to receive financial assistance during their study with us.
Employer Information
Partnerships
At Askham Bryan College we have strong links with florists and retailers throughout the region as well as with wholesalers and markets. Our students regularly compete in regional and national competitions, winning prizes at Harrogate Spring Flower Show. In 2021 the department won ‘Training Provider of the Year’ award from British Florist Association. The floristry teams have links within the industry supporting Interflora at World Cup held in Manchester 2023, as well as flower festivals at All Saints North Street, York in conjunction with Heritage lottery, as well as events at Newby Hall, Castle Howard and York Minster.
Preparing For Your Course
Students studying on floristry courses will need a toolbox and a range of tools and equipment. A list will be supplied at enrolment and or Taster Days.
A keen interest in the industry is essential with links to local florists through Instagram and Facebook, an understanding of the roles and benefits of British Florist Association and Interflora.
Books to support the course: Professional Floristry Manual by Lynda Owen and Cut Flowers, Cut Foliage’s and Houseplants by Su Whale (Jago Publishing)
Student Finance
Degree level students ( Student Finance England)
Under 19s in full-time education (FREE)
Work Placements
All our students at level 2 and level 3 complete 150 hours work placement hours as part of the study programme. This placement is selected by the student and can include retail florists, freelance florists, flower farmers and event florists. We will provide support to students to find a suitable placement.
As job vacancies and work experience opportunities arise, these are displayed within the department.
Learning Support
The college offers a range of assistance and guidance through our Assisted Services Team.
Courses
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Course Type
Further Education, -
Length
15 weeks, -
Location
York,
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Course Type
Further Education, -
Length
1 Year, -
Location
York, Middlesbrough,
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Course Type
Further Education, -
Length
1 Year, 2 Years, -
Location
York,
-
Course Type
Further Education, -
Length
15 weeks, -
Location
York,
-
Course Type
Further Education, -
Length
1 Year, -
Location
York, Middlesbrough,
-
Course Type
Further Education, -
Length
1 Year, 2 Years, -
Location
York,
-
Course Type
Further Education, -
Length
15 weeks, -
Location
York,
-
Course Type
Further Education, -
Length
1 Year, -
Location
York, Middlesbrough,
-
Course Type
Further Education, -
Length
1 Year, 2 Years, -
Location
York,
Oustanding student experience
We are a specialist land-based provider developing talent for both college and university students
Apply now
Our facilities are better than ever
- Lecture rooms
- Floristry workshops/classrooms
- Floristry shop
- Access to extensive glass houses
- Links with RHS facilities
- Opportunities to display and compete in regional and national competitions
Floristry at Askham Bryan College
Student Stories
Siobhan’s Story
“Askham Bryan College is a fantastic college. It has been a pleasure learning here. All the tutors are willing to go above and beyond to ensure you have the best knowledge possible. I would recommend this college to anyone wanting to become a Registered Veterinary Nurse. ”
Ryan’s Story
“Choosing the level 3 Arboriculture course was a big decision being a 31-year-old self-employed landscape gardener. I am now at the end of my first year and there is no looking back. I have come on leaps and bounds professionally. I have already expanded my business into arboriculture with the skills and knowledge I have learnt. Askham Bryan College has been an eye opener and I've learned skills that I will take through my entire life.”
Ellie’s Story
“I chose Askham Bryan College because I liked what the course covered especially Anatomy & Physiology and Coaching. I enjoy taking part in training and I am hoping to go on to further coaching courses in football at University. The course is great to prepare me for this career.”
FAQs
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What is a typical week like? How much time is practical? How much is theory?
At all levels the split is 70% practical and 30% theory.
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Where have past students ended up? What jobs could I do?
Many past students are now working in a florists in full and part time positions. Some have set up their own business. Others have established a flower farm, or are working as a freelance florist for events and weddings.
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How many hours work experience do I need to do? How do I find a work placement? Do you find it for me?
150 hours work experience are required on both Level 2 and 3 programmes. Our Employability Team can assist in sourcing placements.
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What grades do I need?
Grade 4 (old grade C) in Maths and English plus two other GCSEs at grade 4.
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Are there any exams?
Yes – multiple choice Health & Safety exam, multiple choice Theory exam and Synoptic exam (Practical)
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How many UCAS points would I get?
Not applicable
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What size are the classes?
Currently 17 is the maximum group size, the average class is 12 students.
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What previous experience do I need?
Keen interest in art, floristry, flowers and plants
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Is there a uniform? Is PPE provided?
A college floristry apron only, sensible footwear and warm clothes