The Foundation Course has been specially written for anyone who is considering a career in garden design. It equips students with the skills and knowledge required to undertake a higher course in Garden or Planting Design.

Garden Design is a very complex subject and this course focuses on drawing, design and graphics, as well as horticulture and plant use and knowledge, and has proved to be the most successful entry route for those people wishing to progress onto the OCN Design courses.

On successful completion of this course, students can progress directly onto the OCN Garden Design or Plants and Planting Design courses.

The Course
The course runs for one year from September to June and students attend for one day each week. A wide range of topics and lectures are supported with slides, workshops, videos, studio sessions and garden walks.

Course Content
8 Specialist units will be studied during the year. 4 will focus on drawing and design and 4 will relate to horticulture plant knowledge, and use.

The units are:

• Introduction to drawing
• Influence of art and architecture
• Graphics and 3-D studies
• The design process
• Soil science
• Plant science
• Plant selection and use
• Plant knowledge

Assessment
Each of the units on the course is assessed separately through coursework and will include practical and written assignments, and presentations. There is an end of unit plant identification test.

These assessments will prepare students for their progression on to the City & Guilds Garden Design, or Plants and Planting Design courses.

Students need to allow up to one day per week for coursework which is completed at home.

Entry Requirements
Students should normally have achieved 4 GCSE's at Grade C. Alternative qualifications and relevant work experience will be considered. A keen interest in horticultural and design issues would be an advantage.

You are welcome to make an appointment with one of the relevant tutors at the College to discuss the course.

Course Dates and Terms
The course runs for 33 weeks with normal college holidays at Christmas, Easter and half terms. The day runs from 9.00am to 4.00pm.

Venue
The course will take place in the Garden Design Studio at The Storeyard, Inner Circle, Regent's Park, London.

The park provides an excellent teaching area for this course.

Course Costs
Apart from course fees you will need to buy drawing materials, books, and to pay for photographs.

There is a studio levy of £10 to cover the cost of drawing materials and books provided by the College.

Fees

Study		Day	Start Date	Course Time	19+ Annual Tuition Fee	19+ Reg Fee	Length
Part-time		T	Jan	9am-4pm	£319	£85	1 year

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

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