Overview
This is a niche course and not a mainstream clinical qualification. It usually brings together ideas from horticulture, health and social care, psychology and community work, and looks at how structured activity in green spaces can benefit people living with physical illness, mental health difficulties, learning disabilities, dementia or social isolation. You will typically study the evidence base, how to design and run programmes safely, and how to evaluate their impact. It does not make you a registered health professional, and it is not a route to clinical registration. Modules, entry rules and fees vary by university, so confirm the details on the official course page.
For students in Biratnagar, Genius Grove can help you judge honestly whether this specialist field fits your background and goals. Because it is a small field with few providers, we help you check where courses are offered, who they suit, and how the degree might connect to work in wellbeing, care, horticulture or community settings back home or abroad.
Who this course is for
- People from health, social care or wellbeing backgrounds interested in nature-based support
- Horticulture, gardening or environment graduates wanting a people-focused direction
- Community, charity or care workers who run or want to run garden-based programmes
- Applicants drawn to a genuine but niche field, with realistic expectations about jobs
Related UK programmes
Universities list this subject under several programme names. Common examples include:
- MSc Social and Therapeutic Horticulture (general)
- Emphasis on mental health and wellbeing
- Emphasis on older adults and dementia care
- Community gardening and social inclusion emphasis
What you study
Modules vary by university, but an MSc Social and Therapeutic Horticulture usually covers:
- Principles of social and therapeutic horticulture
- Health, wellbeing and nature-based approaches
- Programme design, facilitation and safe practice
- Working with specific groups (mental health, disability, older adults)
- Research methods and evaluating impact
- A supervised project or dissertation
Entry requirements
Usually a bachelor's degree (often 2:2 or above, or the equivalent) in a relevant subject such as horticulture, health, social care, psychology or a related area. Some courses accept relevant work or voluntary experience. Confirm with the specific course.
A recognised English test is usually required, commonly IELTS 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0. Alternatives to IELTS exist at some universities. Check your course and intake.
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- A personal statement explaining your interest in nature-based wellbeing work
- One or two references
- A CV, with any relevant care, community or horticulture experience
Fees
Indicative tuition for international students is often from around £11,000 to £20,000 per year, depending on the university. This is a guide only. Confirm the current fee, deposit and payment stages with the university's official page before you commit.
Scholarships and funding
- Many UK universities offer international or merit scholarships that reduce tuition by a set amount or percentage.
- The Chevening Scholarship and Commonwealth Scholarships support some postgraduate students from Nepal, subject to their own eligibility rules.
- Always read the award's official terms, who can apply and the deadline. Keep confirmed funding separate from scholarships you have only applied for.
Careers after the course
- Social and therapeutic horticulture practitioner or coordinator
- Programme or activity lead in care homes, charities or community gardens
- Wellbeing or green social prescribing support roles
- Project roles with charities working in health, disability or inclusion
- Further study or research in nature-based health and wellbeing
Frequently asked questions
What exactly is social and therapeutic horticulture?
It is the planned use of gardening, plants and green spaces to support people's health, wellbeing and social inclusion. It is a real field with its own evidence base and practitioner community, often linked to care and community programmes.
Does this degree make me a registered health professional?
No. It is a specialist master's, not a clinical qualification, and it does not grant professional registration. It suits people who want to design and run nature-based wellbeing programmes, often within or alongside care teams.
Who is this course best suited to?
People from health, social care, psychology, horticulture or community backgrounds who are interested in how structured garden activity can help others. It is niche, so job opportunities depend on the sector and setting you want to work in.
Is it a realistic choice from Nepal?
It can be if you have a genuine interest and realistic expectations. Because few universities offer it and the field is small, plan carefully and research the roles and settings where this work exists before you commit.
Planning from Biratnagar
Talk through the MSc Social and Therapeutic Horticulture with our team.
Bring your results and questions to Genius Grove in Biratnagar. We will help you compare UK universities for this course, check the entry requirements and plan the application and costs with your family. Your first consultation is free.
Book a free consultationOfficial places to check
University rules, fees and visa requirements can change. Use the current official pages when you plan.
British Council: Study UKGOV.UK: Student visaUCAS: Postgraduate