Course description
BA (Hons) Garden Design
Do you love gardens, plants and being outdoors? Do you wonder why some gardens stand out from the rest and want to know the secrets behind creating these havens?
BA (Hons) Garden Design at OCA will guide you through the garden design process, exploring the principles that underpin good design and how to apply these principles to your own ideas. You will tap into your creative side and be encouraged to experiment, unlocking your potential to create your own unique designs.
All aspects of the profession will be covered, including business development, technical knowledge such as surveying and tendering, and skills in drafting and rendering so you can create professional-quality plans and visuals. Throughout the course, you will gradually become an expert in planting design, understanding how to select the right plant for the right place. You’ll learn how to create harmonious or energising planting combinations, and how to specify and purchase plants and other materials.
The course will also challenge you academically, considering the development of garden styles through history and what relevance these have to design today. Current concerns around sustainability and biodiversity will be addressed, and you can choose design specialities that interest you, such as drought-tolerant planting or water management. There is also a strong social component, considering the wellbeing benefits of gardens and how these can be maximised through design.
Through model-making, drawing and self-reflection you’ll be encouraged to develop your own creative approach to garden design. The course supports you to develop the skills you need to become a confident professional, working with clients to capture spirit and essence.
Start your journey today!
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Upcoming start dates
Suitability - Who should attend?
Garden Design is an open access degree; this means that there are no formal qualifications or experience required to join the course. All you need is a passion for the arts, and willingness to learn.
All OCA courses require students to be IT literate, have a good internet connection, and have a good standard of English equivalent to CEFR B2.
For more information about admission requirements, please visit the institute website.
Outcome / Qualification etc.
Final Award Title and Type: BA (Hons) Garden Design
Upon successful completion of the course students are able to:
- Demonstrate proficiency in a comprehensive range of 2D and 3D design and technical skills (digital and analogue).
- Have detailed knowledge of spatial design strategies and the ability to critique, reflect and contextualise the strategies of application.
- Demonstrate an awareness of the wider social and cultural contexts that influence and shape garden design and how we use space.
- Critically and objectively evaluate own work (and the work of others).
- Demonstrate a breadth of inventiveness, ideas generation and techniques in the creation of garden designs, exploring and realising a range of different cultural, social and environmental issues.
- Produce convincing and challenging garden designs that communicate your intention, demonstrating a high level of visual and technical accomplishment whilst adhering to garden design conventions.
- Use abstract concepts to inform the design process and integrate them using critical research and contextualisation to realise garden designs.
- Articulate own personal voice and evidence a developed and purposeful visual identity.
- Engage in appropriate professional practices such as marketing, self- presentation and negotiation skills.
- Operate in professional contexts that are relevant to your practice, requiring the application of specific interpersonal, professional and business skills within an ethical framework
Course delivery details
As a flexible degree, you can complete the programme in 4–9 years, with a maximum of three years to complete each level of the course.
Expenses
UK 2020/21 Fees
- Foundations: £900 per course
- Level 1 (HE4): £4,050 for the level
- Level 2 (HE5): £3,340 for the level
- Level 3 (HE6): £3,340 for the level
Outside of the UK 2020/21 Fees
- Foundations: £1,050 per course
- Level 1 (HE4): £4,500 for the level
- Level 2 (HE5): £3,690 for the level
- Level 3 (HE6): £3,690 for the level
Continuing Studies
By studying the OCA BA (Hons) Garden Design degree, you can kick-start your career in the creative and horticultural industries by working part-time or doing an internship whilst gaining your academic qualifications at the same time.
Achieving a degree in Garden Design prepares you for a career in a variety of fields. Through the broad practical and theoretical skills you will have acquired during your studies, you will be highly employable not just for a career specifically in the fields of Garden Design, but in a range of industries and sectors. As well as a career in as a Garden Designer, you will have careers such as teacher, lecturer, amenity horticulturist, commercial horticulturist, horticultural consultant, horticultural therapist amongst many more, open to you.