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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

Vocational Diploma

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

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)

Or

16 evenings, Thursdays

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

£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 SCHEDULES

8 full days, Saturdays

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

Or

16 evenings, Thursdays

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

£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.

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.

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.

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.

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

TUTORS

Meet Our Garden Design Educators

All our tutors are creative professionals working in the industry.

FAQ

Can't find what you need?

Find answers to commonly asked questions about admissions, programs, financial aid, and more. If you have a question that's not listed here, feel free to reach out to us directly.

Once you have registered on a course, you will receive login details to the student area of our website called the Online Learning Centre. This is where you will be able to access all your course materials which include: practical, instructional videos; written content on a variety of topics tailored to your subject area; and vocationally relevant assignments. All course materials are created by industry experts.

When you register for a course, you will be assigned your tutors and be given login details to the student area of our website called the Online Learning Centre. Your supportive tutors will guide you through the learning process and you can contact them directly by email or through the forum which can be accessed through the Online Learning Centre.

If you have any issues or questions about the Online Learning Centre, your payments, your student card or upgrading your course, you can contact Student Services.

Yes. All course training videos include subtitles and our tutors are dedicated to providing a seamless learning experience for all students. If you have any specific learning requirements, please contact Student Services at the earliest opportunity.

No. There is no requirement to attend all classes if you are doing a classroom-based course. However, we recommend that you attend as many classes as possible so that you can get the support you need to help you complete your course.

By choosing one of our classroom-based courses, you have the benefit of attending classes either every other Saturday or one evening a week. Whatever option you choose, you'll receive the guidance and support of our expert tutors, while also being able to complete the assignments at your own pace. This approach ensures that you receive the optimum support and knowledge required, with the least amount of disruption to your personal schedule.

Assignments are designed to be vocationally relevant to your area of study. In general, the skills you demonstrate in your first assignment will be built upon as you work through each assignment. This progression will ensure you can confidently use these skills in real-world scenarios. With the careful guidance of your tutors, you will be asked to submit a range of work which will include written assignments, practical work, presentations and more.

Completed assignments are uploaded to our Online Learning Centre. You will get access to the Online Learning Centre once you register for your course.

We provide student cards at no additional charge. Simply request a student card by contacting Student Services or through the Online Learning Centre, which you will be given access to once you register for your course. You will then receive your student card by post within two weeks. While you don't need a student card to attend class, we recommended requesting one as many retailers will offer discounts to student card holders.

The British Education and Training Council (BTEC) has been the most successful applied learning brand for over 25 years. BTEC is administered by Edexcel who are owned by Pearson Education, the world's largest education brand.

BTEC courses are vocational courses which allow students to gain the practical skills needed to enter directly into the workforce. You can also use the credits awarded on our BTEC courses towards advanced entry into a university degree.

The National Academy of Creative Arts is a BTEC Approved Centre and an Edexcel Approved Centre. Our staff, tutors and courses have been thoroughly vetted and are continually monitored by Edexcel, who are owned by Pearson, the world's largest education company.

In addition to this, we run BTEC accredited courses (BTEC Higher National Certificate and BTEC Higher National Diploma) which allow students to gain the practical skills needed to enter the workforce or to use the credits awarded by this qualification towards advanced entry into a university degree.

We are also recognised by the International Approval and Registration Centre (IARC) and the British Accreditation Council (BAC).

All students will need to purchase their own materials for their course. We encourage students to avail of any discounts by using their National Academy of Creative Arts student card, and to shop around for the best deals.

Yes, but there are certain requirements depending on the course you are looking to do.

All you need to begin is an interest in the subject. Our Certificate, Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma courses have no minimum educational requirement. No matter which course you choose our expert tutors will provide you with all the necessary support and guidance that you need to succeed.

BTEC Higher National Certificate, BTEC Higher National Diploma, and Degree courses
If English is not your first language, or if you have not completed your last two years of schooling through English, we recommend you pass an English language proficiency test to enrol on these courses. There are many options available and we have listed some below.

  • IELTS: 5.5 (reading and writing must be at 5.5)
  • TOEFL iBT: 70 (total score)
  • PTE Academic: Minimum score of 51
  • Cambridge CPE (pre-Jan 2015): Grade A, B, C, C1
  • Cambridge CAE (pre-Jan 2015): Grade A, B, C, Level B2
  • Cambridge CPE & CAE (post-Jan 2015): CEFR Level B2 or above Grade A, B, C, Level C1 or C2
  • Cambridge ESOL: Cambridge English Scale score 162 or above
  • TEEP (University of Reading): 5.5
  • OIBEC: Pass at Level B2 or above
  • Trinity College ISE: Pass or above on the following ISE qualifications: ISE II, ISE III, or ISE IV

If you do not meet the English language level requirements for the BTEC higher national courses, we do offer other course options. To discuss the option that best suits your needs, please contact us and our experienced team will help you choose the course which is right for you.

Our courses have been carefully designed to provide an up-to-date and practical educational experience to ensure that our students are primed to succeed upon graduation. Our comprehensive course materials have been developed in collaboration with leading industry experts.

Our BTEC Higher National Certificate and BTEC Higher National Diploma courses focus on the relevant skills required for employment within the profession or to gain advanced entry to a university degree.

Yes. Graduates of the National Academy of Creative Arts Postgraduate Diploma, BTEC Higher National Certificate, BTEC Higher National Diploma, and Degree courses are eligible for an optional work placement. All placements are made in the greater London, Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh areas. Please note that you need to be eligible to work in the united Kingdom to avail of this opportunity.

Once you register for your course you will be given access to the Online Learning Centre where you will find all your course resources. Home study students have access to these resources for three years from the date of enrolment. Classroom-based students have access to these resources for three years from the date of their first class.

If you are doing the BTEC Higher National Diploma course you will have access to the Online Learning Centre for four years from the date you enrolled (home study student), or from the date of your first class (classroom-based student).

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