Garden Design BA(Hons)

Why study BA(Hons) Garden Design at University College Falmouth?

BA(Hons) Garden Design course leaflet (1.84 MB)

Garden Design is different from other types of design; the final product is not a finished piece, but something that grows, blossoms and matures. For us, good design is about encouraging great thinking; we take inspiration from our environment, different cultures and communities, so that your designs for 21st century living are innovative and groundbreaking.

This unique Garden Design course addresses the discipline from a visual, social and environmental perspective, and connects the design of inspirational places to the needs and aspirations of their users. BA(Hons) Garden Design at Falmouth is also intrinsically linked to the Cornish landscape and its communities, with over 80 significant gardens, dramatic coastlines, industrial heritage, moorlands, and species rich wooded valleys on your doorstep.

University College Falmouth is working closely with the Design Council, Cornwall County Council and SWRDA in the development of DOTT Cornwall, a programme of design activity, education and showcasing events that we hope to bring to Cornwall from 2009. For more information on the Design Council, see http://www.designcouncil.org.uk/ and to find out information on DOTT 07 see http://www.dott07.com/

DOTT Cornwall Flyer 175.30 KB

Tell me more about the BA(Hons) Garden Design course

Garden Design: This is Design!
Microsoft Power Point Presentation (50.44 MB)

Garden Design at Falmouth engages you with a range of practices and encourages you to explore the possibilities of outdoor spaces in the 21st century. Gaining inspiration from working alongside artists and designers from other creative disciplines, you'll explore ideas and concepts over a variety of projects, including working with external clients and communities on real sites.

With an emphasis on designing both private gardens and public spaces, you'll use different communication methods including verbal, written and graphic to produce responsible and sustainable design strategies.

Located within our impressive Design Centre, you'll enjoy a dynamic and creative environment that encourages you position yourself as a designer within a broader context. The course acknowledges that most garden designers work in teams, and will give you confidence in collaborating and communicating your ideas to a range of audiences. You'll also work with specialist computer software, Computer Aided Design (CAD) and model making equipment to ensure your ideas are communicated effectively and professionally.

Our established partnership with Duchy College also ensures that you'll receive expert tuition in horticulture, organic practice, conservation, plants, soil and the underlying principles of garden making. From conception and planning to creating and managing landscapes, you'll master all stages of the garden design process - making models and prototypes as well as producing a variety of graphics to convey your designs. You'll also spend time working with the local community, designing rural estates, urban spaces, sculpture parks and show gardens.

Whether considering future employment as a garden, landscape or environmental designer, or in a multidisciplinary design studio, our experienced lecturers and high-profile guest speakers will provide you with the perfect recipe for garden design success. Why not find your inspiration on the most visual garden design course in the country?

“There is a liveliness about the student work and a freshness of approach which is most encouraging. This is undoubtedly one of the best, if not the best, resourced courses in garden design that I have seen.” Andrew Wilson, External Examiner, landscape architect and former Chairman of the Society of Garden Designers

In the news

The Guardian, Saturday 7 March 2009

Cornwall Today, October 2008 (2.71 MB)

Facilities

• High-specification, open plan Design Centre
• Industry standard milling machine
• Rapid prototyping machine
• Model making equipment
• Laser cutter
• Precision casting equipment
• ICT teaching suite

Course outline

Level 1

• Space & User
• Design Foundation
• Place & Practice
• Design Connections

Level 2

• Design Identity
• Professional Identity
• Experimentation & Production
• Critical Theory & Practice

Level 3

• Personal Exploratory Research Project
• Dissertation Project
• Comprehensive Design Project

Profile events

• Attendance at the 2007 Chelsea Flower Show
• Chelsea Flower Show online press story

Taster days

In light of changes to the UCAS system, and the resulting increase in applications to our courses, we are offering a taster day on Friday 27 November 2009 to assist students considering making an application to courses in the School of Design at Falmouth.

Taster days in the School of Design aim to provide prospective students with an insight into the course they are considering studying at degree level. Working within our design facilities with course tutors, and in many cases alongside existing students, attendees will be given plenty of time to ask questions about the course, Falmouth or university life, and the chance to view our campuses. A number of courses will be offering a portfolio review as part of the day and campus accommodation will be available for those who wish to stay overnight.

If you are interested, please email designtasterdays@falmouth.ac.uk, stating clearly your name and choice of taster day. You will then receive further information and booking details.

The taster days offered on 27 November are:

BA(Hons) 3D Design
BA(Hons) Contemporary Crafts
BA(Hons) Fashion Design - joint taster day with BA(Hons) Performance Sportswear Design
BA(Hons) Garden Design - joint taster day with BA(Hons) Spatial Design
BA(Hons) Interior Design
BA(Hons) Textile Design

A second taster day on 5 February 2010, will include BA(Hons) Graphic Design as well as the above courses.

More information about open days and postgraduate fairs can be found here

Answers and advice about the course

If you have any queries about the course please visit our HelpMe Forum

HelpMe Forum

Career opportunities

Our unique blend of horticultural knowledge, environmental management and innovative design practices in our undergraduate garden design degree prepare you for a career in:

• Garden, landscape or environmental designer
• Specialist horticulture position
• Freelance designer
• Teaching
• Postgraduate study

Course entry requirements

Foundation Diploma or National Diploma, AVCE/Advanced GNVQ, or other appropriate level 3 qualifications/experience.

For further information about BA(Hons) Garden Design at University College Falmouth, please email admissions@falmouth.ac.uk or telephone Admissions on 01326 213730.

Interview dates and selection process

Interviews will commence in February.

The interview will include a half day group session and an individual interview. Applicants will be expected to bring a portfolio of recent work mounted on card, plus sketchbooks, notebooks and a sample essay.

Location: Tremough Campus

Related courses

• Interior Design BA(Hons)
• Spatial Design BA(Hons)
• Design MAs