UCF launches new blended learning MA in Garden Design

From September 2010, University College Falmouth is to offer a new Masters Degree in Garden Design aimed at designers who wish to explore new markets; to develop new areas of specialism; to challenge the way in which we use outdoor space; and to push the boundaries of garden design as a discipline.

If you are a garden designer wishing to diversify your practice; looking for new opportunities to design publicly-funded external spaces as well as privately-funded domestic gardens; a landscape architect seeking opportunities to specialise; or a designer with a sensitivity to outdoor spaces wishing to branch into gardens and landscapes, then this new MA could be just what you are looking for. The MA will further provide you with an entry into work with different sectors to develop expertise in inclusive design; design sensory gardens, gardens for play or performance environments; or create experimental/conceptual gardens for commissions. All of this happens within a lively environment where you can experiment, research, push boundaries and engage in discussion and debate about emerging ideas and the future role of gardens in the 21^st century.

Building upon Falmouth's highly successful undergraduate degree in Garden Design that has produced the Society of Garden Designer's Student of the Year for the past two years, this internationally unique Masters Degree is being launched in response to a growing demand from designers who wish to develop their own practice and seek new opportunities whilst in full-time employment or constrained by other commitments.

The part-time, two-year course will be taught by leading professionals, practitioners and academics from the worlds of landscape architecture, garden design, horticulture, architecture and interior design in collaboration with industry, public sector organisations and key research establishments, and will create a unique opportunity for students to pioneer new modes of practice within an academically rigorous environment.

Combining elements of distance learning (from a home or office base), the MA will be based around four 13-week study blocks that will focus on particular subjects and projects. Students will also attend four residential study blocks in Falmouth and one study block overseas where they will participate in intensive workshops, attend lectures, learn new skills and visit important gardens and landscapes.

Whilst at Falmouth, students will not only benefit from the School of Design's exceptional facilities and utilise professional software to communicate their ideas and proposals, but will also experience Cornwall's stunning natural environment.

Students will become part of Falmouth's vibrant design community and be supported continually through a virtual studio where they will be able to share in lively debate, interrogate ideas and test emerging designs with other students, tutors and practitioners through video links and web-based learning opportunities.

Focusing on people, place and environment, the course will build new areas of knowledge; introduce alternative design approaches; explore a range of research methodologies; build innovative business models; and develop skills in the communication of ideas at a professional level. It will also develop advanced understanding of the key issues facing garden and landscape designers including environmentally responsible design; ecological gardens; and specialist requirements for a range of users.

Importantly, the course will also offer an opportunity to work alongside, or in collaboration with, students, businesses and professionals from garden design, landscape and spatial design, architecture, interior design, product design and other design disciplines to build teams and new approaches to influence the design, use and enjoyment of private and public spaces.

"We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, as well as those with a first degree in a related discipline," explains Course Leader, Richard Sneesby, who is, himself, an award-winning landscape architect. "This MA will really help you break new ground and stand out from the crowd, so if you want to become part of the network that leads the future of garden design rather than follow in its wake, then UCF's new MA in Garden Design is for you."

For further information about MA Garden Design at University College Falmouth, visit www.falmouth.ac.uk, email admissions@falmouth.ac.uk or telephone Admissions on 01326 213730.

University College Falmouth is the only independent Higher Education institution in Cornwall with the powers to award degrees in its own name. It has two campuses in Cornwall - at Woodlane in Falmouth and Tremough in Penryn (which it owns, and jointly manages with the University of Exeter) - and a third campus at Totnes in Devon, following its merger with Dartington College of Arts in 2008.

This merger created a new institution focusing on the expansion of Falmouth's expertise in Art, Design and Media and Dartington's expertise in Choreography, Music, Theatre, Art and Writing. The Devon-based courses will relocate to a new, high-specification Performance Centre at Tremough in 2010, paving the way for a new specialist Arts University in Cornwall by 2012 that will be unique to the South West.

The College is a founding partner in the Combined Universities in Cornwall (CUC), a unique initiative to promote regional economic regeneration through Higher Education, funded mainly by the European Union, the South West Regional Development Agency, and the Higher Education Funding Council for England, with support from Cornwall County Council.

Ends

For further information about University College Falmouth, please contact Jilly Easterby MCIPR, Head of Public Affairs, Telephone: (0)1326 213792; or email: jilly.easterby@falmouth.ac.uk

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