Term One

Design Project 1: Chelsea Fringe Proposal
Design Project 2: Residential Garden

The year starts with exploratory design sessions; enabling students to get to know their tutors and classmates and immersing them in sketching and technical drawing workshops, as well as introducing design principles, planting and garden history.

The term continues with training in practical gardening skills such as pruning, training and propagation, as well as planting design and principles, including plans, schedules and using colour. Students are encouraged to develop their creative eye by keeping a plant sketchbook and learning to hand-render their plans and drawings. An overview of the design process is also given, with topics such as surveying a site, taking the client brief and project management all being introduced.

Term Two

Design Project 3: Hampton Court Garden Festival Conceptual Show Garden
Design Project 4: Commercial Project
Research Project 1: Plant Combinations File
Research Project 2: Construction File

Focusing on complex design situations and theory, including designing challenging sites, this term progresses students’ knowledge of garden design principles, creativity and concept work. Advanced visual communication techniques are introduced, such as one and two-point perspective drawing and computer-aided design software, such as SketchUp, Photoshop and Vectorworks Landmarks. Students experience what it is like to design a show garden with the Hampton Court Garden Festival Conceptual Show Garden project, in result, many students become inspired by this project and submit their designs to the Royal Horticulture Society (RHS) and show in future flower shows. A large scale commercial project follows where students design a part of the scheme as a therapeutic space whilst also considering sustainable materials, design and planting. This term includes two research projects to develop student’s plant library and to understand how to develop a construct file. A range of inspirational visits and lectures are also included in the course timetable to complement the ongoing projects.

Term Three

Design Project 5: Historical Garden Project

The course concludes with a large design project, incorporating all of the skills students have learnt so far, as well as further teaching on professional business practice; including specifications, contracts, project management, proposals and costing. Students are also offered portfolio advice and careers workshops to help them get started in the industry. The year then culminates in a final online Exhibition and graduation ceremony, with professionals from the garden design industry being invited to view students’ final projects.

2 days a week, plus 20+ hours per week outside of class

Four-day work placement

What will I study on the Garden Design course? 
The Garden Design course covers core design principles, planting design, drawing and digital skills, and practical horticultural knowledge. The course runs two days a week across three terms (about 30–36 teaching days per year). 

• Term 1: Focus on the basics. Students complete a full design project including site visits, surveying, and presenting professionally using Vectorworks and other tools. There are also 1–2 visits to West Dean Gardens per term to see seasonal changes. Easter break is used to consolidate and practise skills. 
• Term 2: Workload increases with two research projects and two major design projects. Students refine planting design, construction, and technical skills, while also engaging with industry events like Chelsea and Hampton Court. 
• Term 3: Students complete a major project over several months, with extended time to develop it fully. The focus shifts to producing a strong portfolio to support career opportunities. 

In short, the course structure builds progressively from learning the fundamentals, through repeated project practice, to developing professional-level work and a job-ready portfolio. 

Do students get help with plant knowledge? 
Yes, plant identification and planting design are a major part of the course. 

Do I need freehand sketching or drawing skills? 
No prior drawing skills are required. The course will guide you step by step, building confidence through weekly sketchbook exercises. The aim is not to create art, but to help you communicate ideas clearly on paper. Many students start with little or no experience and improve quickly through practice. The process is supportive and collaborative, with the emphasis on exploration rather than competition. 

Do we have any classes or visits to West Dean Gardens? 
Yes, there are 1–2 visits to West Dean Gardens per term to see seasonal changes. We also offer a 4-day work experience week during the Easter break.  

Will I learn digital design tools? 
Yes, training in industry-standard software is provided alongside traditional hand-drawing skills - InDesign, Photoshop, SketchUp and Vectorworks. 

Are there opportunities to work on live projects? 
Yes, students engage in real-world projects and collaborate with industry professionals. 

Do I need prior design experience to join? 
No formal prior experience is required, but a strong interest in gardens, design, and plants is essential. 

What career paths can graduates pursue? 
Graduates typically become garden designers, planting consultants, or work with landscape practices. 

Does the course help with industry connections? 
Yes, the school has strong links with the garden design profession, offering networking opportunities and career support. 

What is the learning environment like? 
Supportive, with small group teaching, access to tutors, and collaborative projects. 

Will I be able to juggle work alongside studying the course?  
The course runs two days a week but requires significant additional study time. Some students manage part-time work alongside the course, especially in the first term, but many choose to reduce or pause work commitments later to focus fully on their studies. It largely depends on your organisation, time management, and personal circumstances. 

What should I include in my application? 
A personal statement, evidence of creativity (this can be from any background, not only garden design), and enthusiasm for learning. You will be given a Creative Exercise to do which entails a montage of images, samples, drawings, etc. on a one-page PDF.