HNC/HND Garden and Landscape Design – Part Time University

Course information

Based in specialist facilities at Cornwall’s Eden Project this programme is designed for those with an emerging passion for garden and landscape design. It will enable you to pursue a career within this creative industry and will also appeal to those who wish to gain a deeper understanding of garden and landscape design for more holistic reasons.

The programme integrates the creativity of art and design with a core understanding of horticulture, earth sciences and landscape technology. We recognise the world of garden and landscape design is diverse so you will work together with a specialist teaching team to reflect the need for graduates to have a wide range of skills. This team includes award-winning garden designers, artists, landscape architects, design historians and horticulturalists all of which combine private practice alongside their teaching commitments and have significant industry experience.

Students under the tutelage of the current team have won numerous awards including Sliver-Gilt and Gold at RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival (2024), as well as delivering a show Garden at the Cornwall Garden Society Spring Flower show.

Through real or ‘live’ projects during the course you will learn how to create stimulating and thought-provoking spaces in a variety of locations – from private gardens to public landscapes – whilst at the same time developing your own unique design identity and philosophy. Clients students have worked with recently include Penrice House, Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, The Eden Project, The Lost Gardens of Heligan, the National Trust as well as live Domestic projects across Cornwall.

Cornwall College University Centre offers a unique and fulfilling university experience with small class sizes, allowing for personal attention from tutors and a strong sense of community among students. The wrap-around support provided ensures that students receive the necessary guidance and resources to excel in their studies, while studying alongside likeminded individuals who share their passion for vocational technical skills. Located in one of the most beautiful and natural parts of the country, students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the stunning surroundings while developing practical skills that set them apart in the job market.

Want to learn more? Join us at our next open event!

Download HNC/D Garden & Landscape Design Programme Specification (2024-25) at https://www.cornwall.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/HNC-D-Garden-Landscape-Design-Programme-Specification-2024-2025.pdf  

What You Will Learn

Indicative Modules

Year 1
• Garden & Landscape Design 1: Foundations – Space, Place & User
• Design Communication: Tools & Techniques (including Computer Aided Design, InDesign, SketchUp and Photoshop)
• Plant Use in Design
• Horticultural Science
• Practical Horticulture for Designers
• Personal & Employability Skills Development

Year 2
• Garden & Landscape Design 2: Practice – Planning & People
• Contemporary Issues in Garden & Landscape Design
• Garden & Landscape History
• Professional Identity
• Negotiated Project

Modules are subject to change and availability

Entry Requirements

48 UCAS points from AS and A-Levels (at least 32 points must be at A2-level) or relevant level 3 qualification, ie BTEC National Diploma / BTEC Extended Diploma - PPP Grades required (specific unit grades may be requested). Access to HE Diplomas in a relevant subject - 45 credits at level 3 (specific unit grades may be requested). Plus GCSEs at grade C/grade 4 or above in English Language and Mathematics: alternatives at Level 2 may be considered.

Mature applicants with relevant experience but without the stated qualifications will be considered individually and are encouraged to apply.

We accept a variety of qualifications to include equivalent international qualifications.

All applicants are subject to wider entry requirements.

Data Sharing Agreement

As part of our interview process, it is essential that we obtain your formal permission to share aspects of your data with trusted work placement providers in order that reasonable adjustments can be made.

Criminal Convictions

You are not required to complete a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check or provide a Certificate of Good Conduct to study this course.

If you are currently subject to any license condition or monitoring restriction that could affect your ability to successfully complete your studies, you will be required to disclose your criminal record. Conditions include, but are not limited to:

• Access to laboratory facilities including chemicals
• Access to computers or devices that can store images
• Use of internet and communication tools/devices
• Curfews
• Freedom of movement
• Contact with people related to University Centre Eden or The Cornwall College Group

Progression

Top-up to the BSc (Hons) Horticulture (Garden & Landscape Design) also at the Eden Project (Dependant on the standard of individual design portfolio).

Possible Careers
• Garden & Landscape Designer
• Landscape Architect
• Garden & Landscape Consultant
• Horticultural Consultant
• Computer Aided Designer/ Professional Design Communicator
• Landscape & Amenity Manager
• Garden and Landscape Contractor
• Projects and Contracts Manager
• Interior landscape contractor

Cornwall College University Centre at the Eden Project

Cornwall College University Centre at the Eden Project

In partnership with the Eden Project, we’ve created a unique suite of university-level programmes that align with Eden’s mission to make the world a better place. Delivered by expert trainers from Cornwall College, these programmes are taught within Eden’s unique learning environment, offering students not only an academic education but also practical, hands-on experience at this globally renowned visitor attraction and garden. Our degrees, awarded by the University of Plymouth, provide an unparalleled blend of theory and real-world application. Discover more at our upcoming Open Day!

Find out more about studying with us

Events

Open Event

Cornwall College University Centre at the Eden Project

Cornwall College University Centre at the Eden Project Open Day

• 28 Jun 2025