One Year Professional Garden Design Diploma
ONE DAY PER WEEK IN SCHOOL PLUS HOMEWORK
Our flagship course is designed for those who are looking to pursue a career in professional garden design and develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to establish their own garden design practice.
Based on the Principal's extensive professional experience, this unique qualification corresponds to a higher-level - Level 4/5 - course within the National Qualifications Framework. Throughout the year, you will undertake four live design projects for real clients, working on a diverse range of sites and receiving expert guidance and regular feedback. By the end of the course, you will graduate with genuine client experience and a professional portfolio of completed design projects.
The course provides a route into employment and self-employment in professional garden design by developing a thorough understanding of the creative principles that underpin successful design practice. It also supports career development for those already working within the horticultural industry and provides a strong foundation for further study and professional development.
THERE IS STILL TIME TO JOIN US THIS SEPTEMBER, WITH A LIMITED NUMBER OF PLACES REMAINING ON THE COURSE.
Course begins Tuesday 15th September 2026.
Course Overview Video
In this detailed overview, we introduce our team, explain what makes our courses unique, explore the course structure and opportunities available to our students, and share insights from our graduates.
Use the chapter guide below to jump to the sections that interest you most.
Video Chapters
00:37 – About us and our team
Meet our Principal, discover more about our visiting lecturers, and learn about our external examination process.
04:37 – Why choose us?
Find out what makes the Cotswold Gardening School unique, from our inspiring setting and live projects to our creative approach to garden design. We also explore common concerns such as “I’m not creative”, “I can’t draw” and “I don’t have enough plant knowledge” — and how we help students overcome these barriers.
22:54 – The course
An introduction to our professional qualification, course structure, student experience, Units 1–7, volunteering opportunities, and how we prepare students for life after the Cotswold Gardening School.
49:52 – The next steps
Find out what happens after completing the course and how we support students as they progress.
51:42 – Our students share their experiences
Hear directly from our students about their journey, including how the course has shaped their careers, developing creativity, private tutorials, live projects, workload, online support, and real-life case study lectures.
External Assessment
Sophie Guinness - Head of Garden Design at Capel Manor College:
"The course is well set up and has clear assessment processes in place. The Project briefs are challenging and represent up to date, industry focussed scenarios. "
"The process of teaching garden design has been carefully considered and is well communicated by the professional and experienced staff to the students."
"Projects are very challenging and the quality of design from the strongest students is very good indeed."
"The school adopts an open culture of improvement which is impressive, they are keen to experiment with strategies that will improve experiences for their students."
Take a Closer Look
Explore our teaching, student work, course resources and graduate achievements.
See our students present their designs to real clients.
Testimonials
"I had a few doubts at the start that I could learn all the skills needed to become a Garden Designer within a year having no real experience in this area except as a hobby gardener. With Caroline’s enthusiasm and extensive industry knowledge, along with a team of visiting experts in their field and all the wonderful people I have met on the course, I have gone from sketches on the back of an envelope to full master layout plans and more. The one year diploma does exactly what it says on the tin, it's intense but a lot of fun and if you like a rollercoaster ride into a great new career this is the course for you."
Matthew Thomas - One Year Professional Garden Design Diploma Graduate 2024.
"Thank you for teaching me everything I now know about garden design! The course was such a wonderful experience, delivered with so much wisdom and passion. I know it has laid the foundation for an exciting new chapter in my life. "
Grace Jackson - One Year Professional Garden Design Diploma Graduate 2023.
"Thank you so much for passing on the clients' comments, it's really appreciated. I'm so chuffed to have been short-listed and secretly, genuinely over the moon for E. as I loved her shape work! It's such a privilege to be able to experience 'real' client requirements in this way. It's a fantastic opportunity and such a great course to be on."
Jess D-K - One Year Professional Garden Design Diploma Graduate 2023.
"Dear Caroline, Thank you so much for your support and guidance throughout the best 9 months. It's been a pleasure re-igniting my love of art and using that to create garden designs beyond anything I could have imagined. I have never worked so hard or enjoyed doing something quite a much as this course."
Anonymous - One Year Professional Garden Design Diploma Graduate 2023.
"When I signed up for the 1 year professional diploma in Garden Design I thought it would be a useful addition to my existing horticultural business - I didn’t expect to fall in love with the garden design process, but I absolutely have! I am thrilled with my progress over the year and I am ready to offer my garden design skills to my clients with complete confidence".
Nicola Hope - One Year Professional Garden Design Diploma Graduate 2022.
Professional Practice
By the end of the course, you will be able to produce competent garden designs and planting plans. Past students have taken on clients whilst still on the course and won RHS medals including gold and ‘Best in Show’ at the RHS Malvern Spring Festival. This course is suitable for those interested in a career in garden design. A very intensive course covering all aspects of garden design, it requires at least one day per week of homework in addition to your time spent at the school to ensure that you get the most out of your time with us - ideally more.
Experienced Tutors
Come and learn how to think and present like a designer with the help of our team of visiting lecturers. You will explore both drawing by hand and computer as well as the necessary equipment involved. Our visiting tutors are practicing experts in their fields and will help you to get the latest information on various topics. There are plenty of inspirational slide shows and informative handouts to guide you while studying at home. We also have lots of advice about good value suppliers and how to go about charging clients and marketing your new business.
Looking Ahead
Throughout the course, you will track your own progress with an individual learning plan that will lead to you creating your own five-year business plan. You will receive regular feedback via group & private tutorials as well as written feedback on your work. Even those with no previous creative experience find themselves drawing and designing like they never imagined possible and there are lots of ongoing garden design examples on hand from Caroline's busy design practice to help you to focus on the real experience of being a garden designer.
Student Success
We are very proud to share some examples of what our past students have achieved since graduating from our diploma courses.
Graduate Directory
As well as winning some prestigious awards, many of our graduates have gone on to successful careers in garden design.
Come and Try us Out on a Taster Course
Complete our three-day taster course and we will refund you the cost if you successfully apply for the full Professional One Year Garden Design Diploma Course.
Gateway to Garden Design Taster CourseFrequently Asked Questions
What Does The Course Include?
How Often Do I Come To The School ?
How Much Homework Will There Be?
Does It Matter If I Don't Have Any Experience?
Do I Need To Know Lots About Plants?
Help, I'm Not Creative!
What Equipment Will I Need?
What Will I Be Able To Do After The Course?
How Much Computer Work Will There Be?
What If I Can't Draw?
Which Topics Are Covered?
Who Is This Course Suitable For?
What Are The Class Hours?
What Does The Course Cost?
Application Form
Download an application form here. Please note that all potential students are informally interviewed as part of the application process.
Application Form