Level 1 Garden Design Course. Study online. You study at your own pace, which makes it easier to fit around work or other commitments. The course runs over 11 weeks and covers the fundamentals of garden design, including drawing and planning. You'll need GCSE Maths and English (or equivalent) to enrol, and you must be 19 years old or over. This level 1 garden design qualification is awarded by Gateway Qualifications.
Who this course is for
This short, introductory course is ideal for complete beginners, new to drawing. We offer this course in-person at a variety of our campuses, and there is an online-only option for those that may find online lessons easier to commit to.
Entry requirements
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.
What you will learn
You'll learn the basic principles of garden design.
You'll develop introductory drawing skills for planning garden layouts.
You'll explore how to assess and measure outdoor spaces.
You'll study how plants, materials, and features work together in a design.
You'll study through online lessons delivered by Capel Manor College. Learning is structured across 11 weeks. Assessment is based on coursework and design tasks completed during the course. You'll submit work online for review.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Capel Manor College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Garden designer assistant. Support qualified designers on residential and commercial projects.
Gardener. Maintain and develop private or public gardens.
Grounds maintenance operative. Care for parks, estates, and green spaces.
Landscape gardener. Carry out planting and layout work from design plans.
Garden centre advisor. Help customers choose plants and plan their gardens.
What you could study next
Level 2 Certificate in Garden Design. Builds directly on this course with more detailed design and planting knowledge.
Level 3 Diploma in Garden Design. A deeper qualification that can support work as a professional garden designer.
RHS qualifications in horticulture. Recognised by employers across horticulture and landscaping, and a natural step alongside design study.
