The Course
The course runs for one year from September to July. Students attend for one evening each week. A wide range of topics and lectures are supported with slides and workshops and the gardens are also used when light evenings permit.
Assignments are supported through tutorial time in the studio.

The course covers some of the knowledge and skills required by a practising garden designer. It follows on from the Introduction to Garden & Planting Design and may be taken either before of after completing the OCN Planting Design course. The emphasis of the course is always on
professionalism and a high standard of presentation is expected for all work.

There is no plant study in this course so students wishing to work as garden designers need to take the Planting Design course as well.

Course Content
4 Specialist units will be studied during the year.

The units are:

• Design Principles
• Design Development
• Visualisation Techniques
• Design Detailing

The topic areas include:

• Principles of garden design
  
• Geometry in design
  
• Surveying and site analysis
  
• Graphics and presentation
  
• Plant drawing and colouring
  
• Hardlandscape materials
  
• Construction drawings
  
• Structures and features
  
• Water
  
• Section-elevations
  
• Axonometric drawing

Assessment
Each of the units on the course is assessed separately through coursework. Projects will include survey and site analysis plans, presentation plans, axonometric drawings, construction drawings and a written report.

Students need to allow between five and eight hours per week for coursework to be completed at home.

There will be two Saturday sessions in the year to allow for surveying and design analysis.

Entry Requirements
You are welcome to visit the college to discuss and identify a suitable programme of study with one of the course tutors.

Students who lack formal qualifications will be expected to take the Introduction to Garden & Planting Design course before being considered for the Garden Design course. Students who have completed the RHS General Certificate but have no drawing or graphic experience will be expected to take the OCN 8 week Drawing & Graphics course which will be on offer during the summer term.

The entry requirements are:-

• Introduction to Garden & Planting Design (OCN evening)
• Foundation Course for Garden Design (OCN daytime)
• RHS General Certificate in Horticulture plus the OCN 8 week
  Drawing & Graphics course (summer term only)

Course Dates and Terms
The course runs for 33 weeks with normal college holidays at Christmas, Easter and half terms.

The evening runs from 6.30 pm to 9.30 pm.

Course Costs
Apart from course fees you will need to buy drawing materials and books. The purchase of a drawing board is optional but is a good investment for those who are likely to pursue a career in this field. There is also a £10 studio levy to help cover the cost of paper and books provided by the College.

Venue
This course takes place in one of the well-equipped Design Studios.

Fees

Study		Day	Start Date	Course Time	19+ Annual Tuition Fee	19+ Reg Fee	Length
Evening		M	Sept	6-9.30pm	£265	£45	1 year

Please note that exam fees may be subject to change by the awarding bodies

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