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A Level Results? We're Open For Clearing  -  BA (Hons) Interior Design Places Available  –  Study Online  -  Choose Any Start Date!  -  Earn While You Learn  –  Low Tuition Fees  -  Full UK Student Loans Available  -  
A Level Results? We're Open For Clearing  -  BA (Hons) Interior Design Places Available  –  Study Online  -  Choose Any Start Date!  -  Earn While You Learn  –  Low Tuition Fees  -  Full UK Student Loans Available  -  
A Level Results? We're Open For Clearing  -  BA (Hons) Interior Design Places Available  –  Study Online  -  Choose Any Start Date!  -  Earn While You Learn  –  Low Tuition Fees  -  Full UK Student Loans Available  -  

Online (via Zoom)
Fast-Track Diploma

Professional
Garden Design

Online (via Zoom)
Fast-Track Diploma

Professional
Garden Design

As a not-for-profit foundation, we are so confident in the price of our Diploma’s that if you can find the same level of education for less, we will match it!

Entry Requirements

No previous qualifications required, just an interest & enthusiasm for garden design

Course Duration

14 weeks of home study
including 20 x bi-weekly
online lectures (via Zoom)

Next Course Dates

3rd March - 11th June
10am - 12.30pm (UK Time)
Wednesday & Monday

More Dates

Assessment

No exams!
Tutor assessment only

Course Summary

With twice weekly live Zoom classes, the Online Fast-Tracked Diploma combines the intensive pace of the ‘In-Studio Fast-Track’ Diploma and the convenience of the ‘Online Flexible’ Diploma. This 14-week course is ideal for those students wanting to study from home and speed up their learning in a live environment.

The Level 3 Diploma in Professional Garden Design provides you with the skills and qualification to work professionally as a garden designer… without having to go back to school full-time allowing you to balance the demands of work and family life.

The skills you’ll learn can help you carry out design projects for yourself or for family and friends, prepare you for work as a designer, or enable you to pursue further studies in the subject.

This course is Ofqual Level 3 accredited and globally recognised, meaning you can work legally as a garden designer or gain enough educational credits to study a Bachelors Degree if you so choose.

COURSE FEES
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We have over 35 years of experience in teaching design, with over 35,000 alumni, this garden design course is a trusted way to help you pursue your passion and kick-start your career as a garden designer

Why Learn Online?

For students who want all the benefits of remote online learning, but are also looking for more structure and live interaction with tutors and peers, the ‘Online Fast-Track’ course offers an ideal mix.

Because the course is delivered fully online, it means students can study from anywhere in the world without the need to travel or commute and attend a full-time course. But it also adds the valuable element of live lectures online with tutors and other students, to cover key content and enable discussions.

  • Study part-time from anywhere in the world
  • Get a recognised professional UK qualification
  • Talk to and interact with tutors and peers
  • Feel motivated and part of a live learning community
  • Complete the course in as little as 14 weeks

What Will I Study?

You will study eight dedicated Units during this Professional Diploma

Garden Design & the Role of the Designer

This unit introduces you to the purpose of garden design and the development of key garden design trends. In addition, it teaches you about the role and responsibilities of the garden designer and the main principles garden designers work with in the present day. This unit also includes:

  • The history and development of garden design and key styles
  • The effect garden design history has on contemporary gardens
  • Skills required to fulfil the role of garden designer
  • Stages of the garden design process
  • The importance of the design brief
  • Working with clients and other professionals

Garden Design Principles

Within this unit, you will learn about the components that make up a garden, exploring core elements that are common within a successful design scheme. You will learn how these ingredients work together to influence the appearance, usability and function of a garden space. This unit also includes:

  • Applying techniques to create a sense of movement through the space or to highlight a focal point
  • Using scale and proportion that relates to the property and the practical use of space
  • The use of colour, texture and form to create a variety of moods in an exterior space
  • Creating a variety of effects using garden components: boundaries, structures, planting, soft & hard landscape
  • Creating balance, unity and cohesion within a scheme
  • Light and shade as part of the garden design

Exploring Site Surveys & Drawing Plans

Within this unit, you will learn how to measure a garden space and draw it to scale. You will also learn how gather important information about the site and how this information will influence your garden design decisions. You will develop drawing skills and produce your own site survey plan. This unit also includes:

  • Site surveying – how & what to measure or record on site
  • Surveying tools
  • Understanding scale
  • Developing site survey plans to scale, step by step
  • Hand drawn or CAD – students may produce either
  • Industry standard drawing conventions

Space Planning & Garden Design Development in a Professional Context

This unit will inspire your creativity by developing your garden design skills. You will develop spatial planning skills and explore innovative ideas related to the aesthetics and practicality of garden layout. You will learn how to produces sketches, technical plans and elevations, how to select your strongest designs in relation to client briefs, as well as how to present this information professionally to clients, trade or contractors. This unit also includes:

  • Developmental space planning techniques
  • Exploring layout composition
  • Traffic flow and effective zoning of space
  • Drawing plans to scale
  • Drawing elevations to show vertical dimensions and to propose elements such as boundaries, steps, raised beds, furniture and planting forms
  • Ensuring successful practical and creative designs for your clients

Hard Landscaping, Furniture, Lighting & Accessories

This unit focuses on products and materials for hard landscaping and water features, along with the items that provide the finishing touches to the garden space, such as furniture, lighting and accessories. You will explore products and materials for their practical, ethical, and aesthetic characteristics, making suitable choices for a garden scheme and presenting these to meet a client brief. This unit also includes:

  • Products and materials for hard landscaping, water features, furniture, lighting and accessories in garden design
  • Practical and aesthetic qualities and suitability for use in an outside space
  • Selecting, sourcing and using products and materials
  • Incorporating products and materials in your design
  • Visually communicating your ideas, the professional way

Planting Design

This unit will help you to understand plant biology, the environmental requirements of plants and the importance of selecting appropriate planting as part of your design. It looks at how you source your plants and the practical and aesthetic considerations to be considered when developing a planting plan to a design brief. In addition, you will learn how to present planting plans and specifications to a professional standard. This unit also includes:

  • Plant identification and plant features: flowers, fruits, leaves, stems
  • Plant names and classification
  • Basic plant biology and environmental requirements
  • The role of plants in the garden
  • Selection & design for site context, functionality and client requirements
  • Selection & design for visual aesthetics
  • Production of planting plans and specifications

Professional Practice in Garden Design

This unit explores the wide array of creative and technical roles and diverse possibilities for professional engagement and career progression in this dynamic and competitive industry. It will help to prepare you to work successfully in the professional environment, whether for an established practice or setting up a garden design business. With a focus on your personal and professional development, you will consider the steps you should take to achieve your own progression ambitions. This unit also includes:

  • Being employed, self-employed and setting up a garden design service
  • Portfolio development
  • Working with others in a professional environment
  • Effective marketing and promotion
  • How to cost garden design projects and services

Professional Garden Design Project

For the final unit of the course, you bring together all your newly learned skills by producing conceptual designs and a design pack to create a wonderful garden design for a new client. When complete, your work will form an asset to your developing portfolio to show future clients. This unit also includes:

  • Design development
  • Reflecting on the challenges to enhance your final concept plan
  • Preparing a rationale
  • Professional presentation techniques
DIPLOMA COURSE GUIDE
Unit 1

Garden Design & the Role of the Designer

This unit introduces you to the purpose of garden design and the development of key garden design trends. In addition, it teaches you about the role and responsibilities of the garden designer and the main principles garden designers work with in the present day. This unit also includes:

  • The history and development of garden design and key styles
  • The effect garden design history has on contemporary gardens
  • Skills required to fulfil the role of garden designer
  • Stages of the garden design process
  • The importance of the design brief
  • Working with clients and other professionals
Unit 2

Garden Design Principles

Within this unit, you will learn about the components that make up a garden, exploring core elements that are common within a successful design scheme. You will learn how these ingredients work together to influence the appearance, usability and function of a garden space. This unit also includes:

  • Applying techniques to create a sense of movement through the space or to highlight a focal point
  • Using scale and proportion that relates to the property and the practical use of space
  • The use of colour, texture and form to create a variety of moods in an exterior space
  • Creating a variety of effects using garden components: boundaries, structures, planting, soft & hard landscape
  • Creating balance, unity and cohesion within a scheme
  • Light and shade as part of the garden design
Unit 3

Exploring Site Surveys & Drawing Plans

Within this unit, you will learn how to measure a garden space and draw it to scale. You will also learn how gather important information about the site and how this information will influence your garden design decisions. You will develop drawing skills and produce your own site survey plan. This unit also includes:

  • Site surveying – how & what to measure or record on site
  • Surveying tools
  • Understanding scale
  • Developing site survey plans to scale, step by step
  • Hand drawn or CAD – students may produce either
  • Industry standard drawing conventions
Unit 4

Space Planning & Garden Design Development in a Professional Context

This unit will inspire your creativity by developing your garden design skills. You will develop spatial planning skills and explore innovative ideas related to the aesthetics and practicality of garden layout. You will learn how to produces sketches, technical plans and elevations, how to select your strongest designs in relation to client briefs, as well as how to present this information professionally to clients, trade or contractors. This unit also includes:

  • Developmental space planning techniques
  • Exploring layout composition
  • Traffic flow and effective zoning of space
  • Drawing plans to scale
  • Drawing elevations to show vertical dimensions and to propose elements such as boundaries, steps, raised beds, furniture and planting forms
  • Ensuring successful practical and creative designs for your clients
Unit 5

Hard Landscaping, Furniture, Lighting & Accessories

This unit focuses on products and materials for hard landscaping and water features, along with the items that provide the finishing touches to the garden space, such as furniture, lighting and accessories. You will explore products and materials for their practical, ethical, and aesthetic characteristics, making suitable choices for a garden scheme and presenting these to meet a client brief. This unit also includes:

  • Products and materials for hard landscaping, water features, furniture, lighting and accessories in garden design
  • Practical and aesthetic qualities and suitability for use in an outside space
  • Selecting, sourcing and using products and materials
  • Incorporating products and materials in your design
  • Visually communicating your ideas, the professional way
Unit 6

Planting Design

This unit will help you to understand plant biology, the environmental requirements of plants and the importance of selecting appropriate planting as part of your design. It looks at how you source your plants and the practical and aesthetic considerations to be considered when developing a planting plan to a design brief. In addition, you will learn how to present planting plans and specifications to a professional standard. This unit also includes:

  • Plant identification and plant features: flowers, fruits, leaves, stems
  • Plant names and classification
  • Basic plant biology and environmental requirements
  • The role of plants in the garden
  • Selection & design for site context, functionality and client requirements
  • Selection & design for visual aesthetics
  • Production of planting plans and specifications
Unit 7

Professional Practice in Garden Design

This unit explores the wide array of creative and technical roles and diverse possibilities for professional engagement and career progression in this dynamic and competitive industry. It will help to prepare you to work successfully in the professional environment, whether for an established practice or setting up a garden design business. With a focus on your personal and professional development, you will consider the steps you should take to achieve your own progression ambitions. This unit also includes:

  • Being employed, self-employed and setting up a garden design service
  • Portfolio development
  • Working with others in a professional environment
  • Effective marketing and promotion
  • How to cost garden design projects and services
Unit 8

Professional Garden Design Project

For the final unit of the course, you bring together all your newly learned skills by producing conceptual designs and a design pack to create a wonderful garden design for a new client. When complete, your work will form an asset to your developing portfolio to show future clients. This unit also includes:

  • Design development
  • Reflecting on the challenges to enhance your final concept plan
  • Preparing a rationale
  • Professional presentation techniques
DIPLOMA COURSE GUIDE

Student Gallery

A sample of work completed by our talented garden design students

How Is The Course Run?

The 14 week course consists of a 8-week study period that covers each of the 8 subject units in the Diploma course, one unit per week. Also up to 4 ‘Independent Study’ weeks within the duration to allow students to complete assignments.

Study Week Course Schedule

  • At the start of each week, students are provided access to course content for the relevant subject unit
  • A 2.5 hour live lecture is held by the tutor to cover key points in the unit
  • Students are given 2 to 3 days to go through the unit content and start their assignments in their own time
  • A 2.5 hour live lecture is held towards the middle of the week to allow time for discussions, questions and a review of progress made on assignments
  • All assignments relating to the unit are completed by end of the week or a following 'Independent Study' week
  • 1hr live zoom induction to the Virtual Learning Studio (VLS) and to meet your course Tutor before study weeks begin.
  • 2.5hr live lectures are organised two days per week for a 8 week study period.
  • Up to 4 'Independent Study' weeks within the duration of your course to complete any unfinished assignments.
Please Note: This is an intensive, fast-track course. If you are unable to commit to the course schedule, other study options are available.
MORE STUDY OPTIONS

Next Available Course Dates

International students (non-UK) – Please check the timings of each course in your country, using our handy Timezone Converter below. All courses are listed in UK (London) Timezone.
March to June Course
  • 3rd March - 11th June
    10am - 12.30pm (UK Time)
    Wednesday & Monday
View Full Schedule
September to January Course
  • 15th September - 5th January
    10am - 12.30pm (UK Time)
    Wednesday & Monday
View Full Schedule
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A Recognised Qualification

Accreditation

At the National Design Academy, we fully believe in the importance of accreditation. After all, what value is there in investing time and money into a course if it doesn’t offer a recognized qualification? The Diploma course is accredited by AIM Qualifications, an independent accrediting body for UK courses, and is recognised globally. It offers a level-3 UK qualification that allows to you work as a professional garden designer or start your own garden design business.

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  • UK Government Funding (Diploma)
UK residents pay approximately 50% course fees and funding from the UK government will pay the rest.

Online Fast-Track Diploma Course Fees

UK Students

Non-Funded
Course Fee £1,800
Less
UK Government Funding
NDA Funded Course Fee £1,200

There are two ways for UK students to pay for their Online Fast-Track Diploma:

One Payment

£ 1,200 On Enrolment
  •  
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3 x Monthly Payments

£ 450 Per Month*
  • £1,350 in total
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* Monthly payments include admin fee.

International Students

There are two ways for International students to pay for their Online Fast-Track Diploma:

One Payment

$ 2,425 ON ENROLMENT
  • Save $250 by paying in full
  • Limited spaces available!!
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3 x Monthly Payments

$ 2,675 IN TOTAL*
  • $1,125 on enrolment
  • + 2 x $775 monthly payments
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* Monthly payments include admin fee.

All International fees in US Dollars.

What Will I Need To Study?

Alongside a computer and an internet connection, there is also essential and recommended design equipment and resources required to complete your NDA Course, the majority are available through the online NDA Art Shop at student prices!

FIND OUT MORE

What's Next?

Higher Education

Successful completion of your NDA Diploma provides a guaranteed place on one of our online BA (Hons) degrees, such as BA (Hons) Design for Outdoor Living, with a generous Progression Scholarship. Degrees are validated by De Montfort University (DMU).

For those who wish to continue their study at an on campus university, all NDA Professional Diplomas carry a UCAS tariff point value. You can top up any existing UCAS points you may have with points from an NDA Diploma. 

Diploma in Professional Garden Design = 24 UCAS tariff points.

Find out more

Careers

The NDA Diploma in Professional Garden Design is designed to help you start your own Garden Design business. Like the Diploma course itself, you can work flexibly for your clients around your family commitments and gradually expand your business.

Many of our Diploma students start their own business and study for their degree flexibly alongside their client projects.

Student Success Stories...

More Success Stories

Ready to pursue your passion for Garden Design?

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What Our Students Say...

Hear what past and present students have to say about studying at the NDA

The course has given me a direction to follow that I am passionate about, which after 12 months of life being thrown into complete chaos is a relief. It’s an intense course, which has been great to keep my mind busy between days off of work. I’ve learnt many new skills in a quick space of time that I can take away and develop further. It’s also been absolutely lovely to meet other students (even if only via Zoom) for a couple of sessions of normality during a lockdown each week. Gill my tutor has been absolutely encouraging, offering advice when we reach out and giving me the confidence to continue on in a direction that was new to me.
Benjamin FosterOnline Fast-Track Diploma
I was very hesitant to join the fast track zoom course because I was afraid it would be intense and I wouldn’t be able to handle it. However, I truly saw the value in one-on-one time with my teachers and direct contact with my peers. While it was challenging, it was equally if not more rewarding to be a part of this course.
Najwa AlAmerOnline Fast-Track Diploma
The course gave a really comprehensive taste of the whole process with a client… I just couldn't commit to longer studying so this suited and definitely did the job… it was really good to have that personal element rather than just online learning.
HelenOnline Fast-Track Diploma
I wanted to study, but needed to find a course which would fit in with, and hopefully complement, my busy workload. After looking at different options, I decided the course at the NDA looked like the one for me as it covered a wide range of topics from gardening history and design through to professional practice.
Elizabeth WhiteheadOnline Diploma Student
It was an easy decision to study with the NDA. One of the things that made the whole process so much easier was the VLS platform. It's a great method of communication between student and tutor but also in terms of receiving work and submitting feedback.
John NivenOnline Diploma Student

Need Help?

From course information to application support, our support team are always here to help.

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Course Schedule

3rd March to 11th June 2025

Induction Session

1 hour Live Online Induction to the Virtual Learning Studio (VLS) and to meet your course Tutor before study weeks begin.

Monday 3rd March @ 10am (UK Time)

Study Week 1

Garden Design & the Role of the Designer

2.5 hour Live Online Tutorial
Wednesday 5th March @ 10am (UK Time)

2.5 hour Live Online Q&A Session
Monday 10th March @ 10am (UK Time)

Study Week 2

Garden Design Principles

2.5 hour Live Online Tutorial
Wednesday 12th March @ 10am (UK Time)

2.5 hour Live Online Q&A Session
Monday 17th March @ 10am (UK Time)

Study Week 3

Exploring Site Surveys & Drawing Plans

2.5 hour Live Online Tutorial
Wednesday 19th March @ 10am (UK Time)

Independent Study Week

Self-study to complete assignments
Week commencing 24th March

Study Week 3 Continued...

2.5 hour Live Online Q&A Session
Monday 31st March @ 10am (UK Time)

Study Week 4

Space Planning & Garden Design Development in a Professional Context

2.5 hour Live Online Tutorial
Wednesday 2nd April @ 10am (UK Time)

2.5 hour Live Online Q&A Session
Monday 7th April @ 10am (UK Time)

Study Week 5

Hard Landscaping, Furniture, Lighting & Accessories

2.5 hour Live Online Tutorial
Wednesday 9th April @ 10am (UK Time)

Independent Study Week x 2

Self-study to complete assignments
Weeks commencing 14th & 21st April

Study Week 5 Continued...

2.5 hour Live Online Q&A Session
Monday 28th April @ 10am (UK Time)

Study Week 6

Planting Design

2.5 hour Live Online Tutorial
Wednesday 30th April @ 10am (UK Time)

Independent Study Week

Self-study to complete assignments
Week commencing 5th May

Study Week 6 Continued...

2.5 hour Live Online Q&A Session
Monday 12th May @ 10am (UK Time)

Study Week 7

Professional Practice in Garden Design

2.5 hour Live Online Tutorial
Wednesday 14th May @ 10am (UK Time)

2.5 hour Live Online Q&A Session
Monday 19th May @ 10am (UK Time)

Study Week 8

Professional Garden Design Project

2.5 hour Live Online Tutorial
Wednesday 21st May @ 10am (UK Time)

Independent Study Week

Self-study to complete assignments
Week commencing 26th May

Study Week 8 Continued...

2.5 hour Live Online Q&A Session
Monday 2nd June @ 10am (UK Time)

Additional Q&A Week

Ad-hoc Q&A sessions if required
3rd - 10th June

Course Completion

Final hand-in of assignments
Wednesday 11th June

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Downloadable Version

Course Schedule

15th September 2025 to 5th January 2026

Induction Session

1 hour Live Online Induction to the Virtual Learning Studio (VLS) and to meet your course Tutor before study weeks begin.

Monday 15th September @ 10am (UK Time)

Study Week 1

Garden Design & the Role of the Designer

2.5 hour Live Online Tutorial
Wednesday 17th September @ 10am (UK Time)

2.5 hour Live Online Q&A Session
Monday 22nd September @ 10am (UK Time)

Study Week 2

Garden Design Principles

2.5 hour Live Online Tutorial
Wednesday 24th September @ 10am (UK Time)

2.5 hour Live Online Q&A Session
Monday 29th September @ 10am (UK Time)

Study Week 3

Exploring Site Surveys & Drawing Plans

2.5 hour Live Online Tutorial
Wednesday 1st October @ 10am (UK Time)

Independent Study Week

Self-study to complete assignments
Week commencing 6th October

Study Week 3 Continued...

2.5 hour Live Online Q&A Session
Monday 13th October @ 10am (UK Time)

Study Week 4

Space Planning & Garden Design Development in a Professional Context

2.5 hour Live Online Tutorial
Wednesday 15th October @ 10am (UK Time)

2.5 hour Live Online Q&A Session
Monday 20th October @ 10am (UK Time)

Study Week 5

Hard Landscaping, Furniture, Lighting & Accessories

2.5 hour Live Online Tutorial
Wednesday 22nd October @ 10am (UK Time)

Independent Study Week

Self-study to complete assignments
Week commencing 27th October

Study Week 5 Continued...

2.5 hour Live Online Q&A Session
Monday 3rd November @ 10am (UK Time)

Study Week 6

Planting Design

2.5 hour Live Online Tutorial
Wednesday 5th November @ 10am (UK Time)

2.5 hour Live Online Q&A Session
Monday 10th November @ 10am (UK Time)

Study Week 7

Professional Practice in Garden Design

2.5 hour Live Online Tutorial
Wednesday 12th November @ 10am (UK Time)

2.5 hour Live Online Q&A Session
Monday 17th November @ 10am (UK Time)

Study Week 8

Professional Garden Design Project

2.5 hour Live Online Tutorial
Wednesday 19th November @ 10am (UK Time)

2.5 hour Live Online Q&A Session
Monday 24th November @ 10am (UK Time)

Additional Q&A Weeks

Ad-hoc Q&A sessions if required
25th November - 12th December

Independent Study & Christmas

Self-study to complete assignments & Christmas break
15th December - 4th January

Course Completion

Final hand-in of assignments
Monday 5th January

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Downloadable Version