Introduction to Garden Design (Level 1)

Course overview

This short, introductory course is ideal if you would like to acquire the skills needed to design your own garden.

You can choose to study this course to gain the foundation knowledge needed to then progress to further studies in garden design, or as a taster course if you are considering a career change.

You will be assessed through the completion and submission of coursework assignments. This will include a design of a garden space including a variety of sketches and plan drawings. Successful completion of all three modules will guarantee a pass for this course. You will need to allow time for additional research, study and work at home each week.

If you have a Level 2 horticulture qualification, you can also use this course to progress to a Level 3 garden design course.

You will learn

  • Drawing and graphics skills
  • How to apply simple design principles
  • How to use plants in garden design
  • How to work from scale
  • The use of hard landscaping materials
  • How to create a simple garden layout and planting plan

Certificate in Garden Design – Gateway Qualifications Limited
Reference: 60365432

No previous experience is required but applicants need to have at least basic Maths and English to GCSE qualification (or equivalent) together with a good standard of literacy and numeracy. You must be aged 19 and over to enrol on this course.

After successfully completing this course, you may be able to progress to the Garden Design Certificate (Level 2) or one of the RHS Level 2 Certificates.

This course is part-funded by the ESFA (Education and Skills Funding Agency) or Greater London Authority (GLA) for those that are eligible.

If you are aged 16, 17 or 18 at the start of the course, your tuition, exams and materials fees will be paid for you in full as long as you meet some basic criteria for UK residence (more information can be found on our Fees and Funding page).

If you are aged 19 or over on the day your course starts, you may be entitled to help with tuition fees subject to criteria. If you receive employment benefits, have a low income, or are studying towards your first substantial qualification, you may be entitled to free tuition. You may need to pay a materials fee if applicable to your course. Find further information about help with tuition fees on our Fees and Funding page.

For some of our courses, we offer a discount for current students. If this is the case, you will see the reduced fee when you select your chosen course campus and start date. To qualify for this discount, you must already be studying another course at Capel Manor College, and be adding this course to your existing programme.

Zoe’s story

Zoe studied the Garden Design Certificate (Level 2) at Capel Manor College before progressing on to the Certificate in Plants and Planting for Garden Design (Level 3), and the Certificate in the Principles and Practice of Garden Design (Level 3). Zoe’s story