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Garden Design

Diploma

Become a garden designer - build professional skills across ten practical assignments, from site analysis and masterplanning to planting design, construction details and client presentation.

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Why this course?

Launch your career as a garden designer. This practice-based programme equips you to plan, communicate, and present complete garden design projects to a professional standard.

Structured around ten practical assignments, you'll progress step by step: surveying and analysing a site (levels, soil, aspect, microclimate); developing concepts and masterplans; shaping space and circulation; designing hardscape (paths, terraces, structures) and selecting materials; addressing grading, drainage and sustainable water management; and crafting planting for structure, seasonality and biodiversity. You’ll produce scaled drawings, planting plans and schedules, construction details, and compelling client presentations - gaining the workflow and industry awareness needed to deliver real projects.

You'll learn with expert-created resources - video tutorials, written guides and project briefs - and receive regular tutor support with detailed feedback on every submission. By the end, you'll have a confident process and a portfolio that demonstrates your capability as a garden designer.

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COURSE DETAILS

About this course

Course Level

Vocational Diploma

Course Duration

This course typically takes Approximately 6-12 months to complete.

Course Assessment

This course is assessed via 10 practical assignments.



Graduation & what to expect

UPCOMING

Diploma courses

View the next available start dates for this course and choose the option that works best for you, including Home Study, Classroom Based and Live Online study. Select a course below to see the schedule, location and fees.

Date Start Date:
ANYTIME
HOME STUDY
The Home Study course allows you to learn entirely at your own pace and can be started anytime.

Best for: Students who want complete flexibility and prefer to study independently.

SCHEDULE

Online Self-Directed Learning

£875 Payment plans available
Enrol now
Date Next Intake:
JUNE 2026
LIVE ONLINE
Live-online classes are available as either full-day Saturday sessions or weekday evenings.

Best for: Students who want live teaching and interaction with other students while studying from home.

LOCATION

Virtual Classes by Zoom

AVAILABLE SCHEDULES

8 full days, Saturdays

Starts: June 13th (09:30 - 16:30)

View schedule
Or

16 evenings, Thursdays

Starts: June 18th (18:30 - 21:00)

View schedule
£1,675 Payment plans available
Enrol now
Date Next Intake:
JUNE 2026
CLASSROOM BASED
In-person classes are available as either full-day Saturday sessions or weekday evenings.

Best for: Students who enjoy learning practical skills in a classroom environment alongside other creatives.

AVAILABLE LOCATIONS

AVAILABLE SCHEDULES

8 full days, Saturdays

Starts: June 13th (09:30 - 16:30)

View schedule
Or

16 evenings, Thursdays

Starts: June 18th (18:30 - 21:00)

View schedule
£2,195 Payment plans available
Enrol now
info

Entry requirements: To enrol on this course, you must be over 18 years of age.

BAC

BAC

Accreditation

The National Academy of Creative Arts is an accredited provider of the British Accreditation Council (BAC), a leading authority in quality assurance for independent education in the UK. Recognised globally by students, agents and government bodies, the BAC mark represents the highest standards in teaching, student welfare and institutional management.

STUDY MODES

Explore Our Flexible Learning Paths

Not sure which learning format is right for you? Compare our flexible study modes to understand how Home Study, Classroom Based and Live Online courses work, and how each option supports your learning.

Choosing your study mode

Home Study courses allow you to learn entirely at your own pace.

You will study through the Online Learning Centre, which provides access to instructional videos, written lessons, and course assignments, working through course materials and assignments independently while receiving feedback and guidance from your designated tutor.

There are no scheduled classes or assessment submission dates, giving you maximum flexibility to study around work, family, or other commitments.

Best for: Students who want complete flexibility and prefer to study independently.

Home Study

Classroom courses combine flexible online learning with in-person practical classes.

You will complete your course materials and assignments through the Online Learning Centre, guided by a designated tutor while also attending practical classes taught by an industry professional.

These sessions focus on hands-on skills, demonstrations, and practical techniques, rather than assessment delivery.

Students attend 12 monthly classes held on Saturdays, or 24 weekly sessions, held in the evening.

Classes are available in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh, Belfast, Cardiff, and Bristol.

Best for: Students who enjoy learning practical skills in a classroom environment alongside other creatives.

Classroom Based

Live Online courses offer the same structure as our classroom courses, but with live teaching delivered online.

You will complete your course materials and assignments through the Online Learning Centre, guided by a designated tutor while also attending practical classes taught online by an industry professional.

These sessions focus on demonstrations, practical skills, and discussion, helping you apply what you are learning in your course.

Students typically attend 12 monthly classes or 24 weekly sessions in a small group environment.

Best for: Students who want live teaching and interaction with other students while studying from home.

Live Online

MAP

Class Locations

The National Academy of Creative Arts runs in-person classes in the following locations. Live-online and home-study courses are also available and can be completed from the comfort of your own home.

View Upcoming classes

OUTCOMES

What will you learn?

Understand landscape design fundamentals: balance, proportion, unity, rhythm, and focus

Learn to apply these core design principles to outdoor layouts, creating visually balanced and harmonious exterior spaces.

Plan simple outdoor layouts and functional pathways

Gain skills for designing practical outdoor spaces - drawing paths, patios, decks, and structuring yard flow effectively.

Select appropriate plants and materials for cohesive outdoor schemes

Learn how plant choices, color palettes, and hardscape materials work together to create inviting exterior environments.

Use basic presentation tools: sketches, layout drawings, and mood boards

Develop visual communication skills to express your outdoor design ideas clearly and confidently.



Our teaching approach

PROGRAM

Course Overview

Discover the fascinating journey of garden design through history and see how ancient traditions shape our modern landscapes. Dive into the rich stories and intricate designs of various cultures that have paved the way for contemporary gardens. This immersive experience will transform your understanding and inspire your future designs.

Key learnings:

  • Mesopotamian Garden Innovations
  • Majestic Egyptian Gardens
  • Persian Empire's Timeless Beauty
  • Greek Garden Philosophies
  • Roman Epoch's Architectural Gardens
  • Exquisite Indian Gardens
  • Chinese Harmonious Landscapes
  • Traditional Japanese Zen Gardens
  • Spanish Vibrant Gardens
  • Monastery and Castle Garden Majesty
  • Italian Renaissance's Elegant Designs
  • French Formal Garden Tradition
  • English Landscape Garden Artistry

Transform your garden into a stunning masterpiece with our comprehensive guide on garden design. Discover the art of selecting the perfect plants and crafting color schemes that breathe life into your outdoor space. This module will empower you to create a harmonious garden that captures attention and exudes beauty.

Key learnings:

  • Balance and Proportion
  • Unity and Repetition
  • Movement and Rhythm
  • Creating Contrast
  • Mastering Color
  • Designing Focal Points
  • Simplicity in Design
  • Material Mastery
  • The Seven Principles of Plant Selection

Transform your outdoor spaces into stunning, professionally designed gardens with our comprehensive guide to essential garden elements. Whether you're looking to create a relaxing patio or a vibrant themed garden, we provide expert advice on planning and styling to meet your unique vision. Discover how to master the art of designing your dream outdoor rooms.

Key learnings:

  • Path and Patio Planning
  • Decks and Outdoor Flooring
  • Living Floors and Lawns
  • Garden and Living Walls
  • Creating Seaside and Cottage Themes
  • Mediterranean and Modern Gardens
  • Fragrance and Wildlife Gardens
  • Vegetable Border Gardens
  • Rockeries and Japanese Gardens

Unlock the secrets to transforming your client's vision into a stunning reality with our comprehensive guide. Learn how to effectively assess their needs and wow them with compelling presentations. Start with simple base plans and evolve to create captivating concept drawings and finalized working plans.

Key learnings:

  • Exploring the Garden Area
  • Steps to Effective Measuring
  • Understanding Above and Below Elements
  • Assessing Existing Plants and Trees
  • Recording Sun and Shade Patterns
  • Factoring in Hardiness and Microclimates
  • Analyzing Soil Conditions
  • Understanding pH Levels
  • Client Questionnaire Insights
  • Utilizing Drawing Tools
  • Creating a Solid Base Plan
  • Incorporating a Title Block
  • Developing a Bubble Plan
  • Using Landscape Symbols
  • Crafting Concept Drawings and Working Plans

TUTORS

Meet Our Garden Design Educators

All our tutors are creative professionals working in the industry.

See all tutors
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