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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.

COURSE DETAILS

About this course

Course Level

N/A

Course Duration

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

Course Assessment

This course is assessed via 10 practical assignments.

UPCOMING

Diploma courses

Date START DATE:
ANYTIME
HOME STUDY

SCHEDULE

Online Self-Directed Study

£875 Payment plans available
Enrol now
Date START DATE:
FEBRUARY 14TH
clock 09:30 - 16:30
LIVE ONLINE

SCHEDULE

8 full days, Saturdays

View schedule

LOCATION

Virtual Classes

£2,095 Payment plans available
Enrol now
Date START DATE:
FEBRUARY 17TH
clock 18:30 - 21:00
LIVE ONLINE

SCHEDULE

16 evenings, Tuesdays

View schedule

LOCATION

Virtual Classes

£2,095 Payment plans available
Enrol now
Date START DATE:
FEBRUARY 14TH
clock 09:30 - 16:30
CLASSROOM BASED

SCHEDULE

8 full days, Saturdays

View schedule

LOCATIONS

£2,195 Payment plans available
Enrol now
Date START DATE:
FEBRUARY 17TH
clock 18:30 - 21:00
CLASSROOM BASED

SCHEDULE

16 evenings, Tuesdays

View schedule

LOCATIONS

£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

Select from home-study, live-online, or classroom-based courses to fit your schedule and learning style.

Home Study courses at the National Academy of Creative Arts allow you to learn at your own pace.
As a Home Study student you will receive access to our Online Learning Centre with in-depth course materials including instructional videos, written content, and carefully crafted assignments. You will also have a dedicated tutor to support you on your learning journey.

Home Study

Classroom-based courses at the National Academy of Creative Arts are the best option for those who prefer studying with others in a physical classroom environment.
As a Classroom-based student you will join other aspiring Interior Designers in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh, Belfast, Cardiff or Bristol for exciting part-time evening or Saturday classes taught by an industry professional. You will also have access to our Online Learning Centre.

Classroom Based

Live Online courses at the National Academy of Creative Arts provide all the flexibility of online learning with the collaborative benefits of the classroom.
As a Live Online student you will join a small group of students for online classes taught by an industry professional. You will also have access to our Online Learning Centre with course materials including instructional videos, written content, and carefully crafted assignments.

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.

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Hallam Conference Centre
44 Hallam Street
London
W1W 6JJ

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Peel Building
The University of Salford
The Crescent
Salford
Manchester
M5 4WT

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Edinburgh Training and Conference Venue
16 St Mary's St.
Edinburgh
EH1 1SU

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The Studio
7 Cannon Street
Birmingham
B2 5EP

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Stranmillis University College
Stranmillis Road
Belfast
Co. Antrim
Northern Ireland
BT9 5DY

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Central Cardiff
Location to be confirmed

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University of the West of England (UWE) - E Block
Frenchay Campus,
Bristol,
BS16 1QY

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.

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
Academic Catalog

TUTORS

Meet Our Garden Design Educators

All our tutors are creative professionals working in the industry.

See all tutors
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