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Garden Design

Professional Diploma

Start and run a garden design business - master advanced design, technical detailing and end-to-end project management across 15 practical assignments with expert guidance.

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Why this course?

Turn your passion into a professional practice. This advanced programme prepares you to start and run a successful garden design business, building the creative, technical and commercial skills to deliver real-world projects from brief to handover.

Structured around fifteen practical assignments, you'll progress to a confident, professional workflow: site appraisal and surveying; concept development and masterplanning; shaping space and circulation; hardscape detailing (paving, levels, structures, lighting and irrigation); grading, drainage and sustainable water management; and planting design for structure, seasonality and biodiversity. You'll produce scaled drawings, construction details, planting plans and schedules, specifications and persuasive client presentations.

Alongside design practice, you'll master the business essentials - positioning and services, pricing and proposals, scope and contracts, estimating and budgeting, supplier and contractor coordination, procurement, scheduling, risk and health & safety, site supervision, quality control, handover and aftercare. You'll build reusable templates and a repeatable process so you can manage projects end-to-end with confidence.

You'll learn with expert-created resources - video tutorials, written guides and project briefs - and receive timely tutor support with detailed feedback on every submission. By the end, you'll have a polished portfolio, a practical business plan and the know-how to launch and grow your garden design practice.

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Work placement - Graduates of this course are eligible for a one month work placement with a garden design company. All placements are made in the greater London, Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh areas.

COURSE DETAILS

About this course

Course Level

Vocational Professional Diploma

Course Duration

This course typically takes Approximately 9-18 months to complete.

Course Assessment

This course is assessed via 15 practical assignments.



Graduation & what to expect

UPCOMING

Professional 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

£1,425 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

12 full days, Saturdays

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

View schedule
Or

24 evenings, Thursdays

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

View schedule
£2,185 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

12 full days, Saturdays

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

View schedule
Or

24 evenings, Thursdays

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

View schedule
£2,865 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

Embark on a captivating journey through the history of garden design and discover how timeless traditions shape modern landscapes. This enriching exploration will offer you valuable insights into designing gardens that reflect the elegance and wisdom of the past while embracing contemporary innovation.

Key learnings:

  • Mesopotamia: The Cradle of Gardens
  • Egyptian Elegance in Landscape
  • Persian Paradise and Empire Gardens
  • Greek Harmony and Proportions
  • Roman Grandeur in Garden Design
  • Indian Heritage and Spiritual Landscapes
  • Chinese Harmony with Nature
  • Japanese Minimalism and Precision
  • Spanish Vibrancy and Flora
  • Monastery and Castle Gardens: Hidden Treasures
  • Italian Renaissance: Artistry in Design
  • French Tradition: Elegance and Precision
  • English Traditions: Picturesque and Practical

Transform your garden into a stunning masterpiece by mastering the essential elements of garden design. Our comprehensive guide will empower you to create harmonious and aesthetically pleasing outdoor spaces. Dive into the art of plant selection and explore vibrant colour schemes that reflect your style.

Key learnings:

  • Balance and Proportion
  • Unity and Repetition
  • Movement or Rhythm
  • Contrast
  • Colour
  • Focal Points
  • Simplicity
  • Know Your Materials
  • The Seven Principles of Plant Selection

Transform your outdoor space into a stunning oasis with our comprehensive guide on professional garden design. Discover the secrets of creating enchanting outdoor rooms that reflect your style and meet your needs. Whether you're envisioning serene pathways or vibrant garden themes, we're here to help you bring your vision to life.

Key learnings:

  • Path and Patio Planning
  • Decks
  • Living Floors
  • Lawns
  • Garden Walls
  • Living Walls
  • Hedges and Shelterbelts
  • Seaside Themes
  • Cottage Style
  • Mediterranean Style
  • Modern or Architectural Garden
  • Fragrance Garden
  • Wildlife Garden
  • Vegetable Border Garden
  • Rockeries
  • Japanese Gardens

Unlock the secrets to creating stunning outdoor spaces with our comprehensive guide. Discover how to understand and meet your client's unique desires while presenting compelling design ideas. Start with foundational plans and advance to detailed concept and working drawings that transform visions into reality.

Key learnings:

  • Understanding the Garden Area
  • Mastering Effective Measuring Techniques
  • Exploring Above and Below Ground Elements
  • Evaluating Existing Plants and Trees
  • Tracking Sunlight and Shade Patterns
  • Incorporating Hardiness and Microclimates
  • Analyzing Soil Conditions
  • Understanding pH Levels
  • Utilizing the Client Questionnaire
  • Essential Drawing Tools
  • Developing a Base Plan
  • Creating a Professional Title Block
  • Designing an Impactful Bubble Plan
  • Using Landscape Symbols
  • Crafting a Concept Drawing and Working Plan

Transform your passion for garden design into a thriving business with our comprehensive guide. Discover essential strategies to launch a successful garden design venture and stand out in the industry. From mastering the art of pricing to delivering exceptional customer service, you'll gain the knowledge and tools to elevate your business. Learn how to streamline your day-to-day operations and explore the benefits of working from home, all while tapping into valuable business supports, information, and entitlements that drive success.

Key learnings:

  • Business Essentials
  • Getting Started
  • Pricing and Selling Your Services and Products
  • Customer Service
  • Day-to-Day Operations
  • Working from Home
  • Business Supports, Information, and Entitlements

Immerse yourself in the art, craft, and science of garden design, where you'll master the essential elements that bring gardens to life. Discover how to harmonize the intricate details of plant anatomy with the beauty of blooms and the practicality of soil and water management. Our course empowers you with the expertise to create breathtaking gardens that thrive.

Key learnings:

  • Understanding Plant Structure and Function
  • Unleashing the Power of Flowers
  • Plant Physiology: The Mechanics Behind Plant Growth
  • Breeding and Genetics: Cultivating Excellence
  • Optimizing Soil and Water for Healthier Gardens
  • Mastering Plant Propagation Techniques
  • Combating Plant Diseases and Pests
  • Managing Weeds in Lawns and Gardens
  • Exploring the Environment and Ecology of Gardens

TUTORS

Meet Our Garden Design Educators

All our tutors are creative professionals working in the industry.

See all tutors
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