What's included in the course kit?
Your course will be composed of four course books and all the study materials you need. The study pack also includes some key garden design tools,
- Handy portfolio
- 30m surveyor's tape
- Colour wheel
- Pen and pencils
- DVD Tutorial
Is the course accredited?
Yes, The Garden Design Academy of Ireland has earned accreditation from the Open and Distance Learning Quality Council (ODLQC). Full details of our accreditation and affiliations can be found here.
What will the assignments be like?
You will write essays, do free-hand drawings, and draft planting plans. As you progress, you will also learn how to communicate with your prospective clients. This is an essential part of instruction that you won't get with other correspondence courses. Whether you're writing a proposal or merely preparing an invoice, superior presentation and communication skills are a must. The object of all assignments and teaching methods used in this course is to provide you with the skills you will need not only to bring your designs to life, but also to succeed on the business aspects of your new career.
How are the assignments submitted?
You have total flexibility when submitting assignments. You may post them, email them or upload them via the student section of our website. Your results will be both posted and emailed to you.
Must I be good at drawing?
No, you do not need to be good at freehand drawing. Drawing plans with pencils and rulers is a technical skill that you will learn during our course. We will evaluate your skill level during the first and second lessons and if drawing skills are not your strong suit, alternative ways of presenting to your clients will be suggested.
How long will it take to complete the course?
The course is designed to be completed at the pace you set. On average, students typically take about six months from start to finish, but many complete the programme much faster. During the course you'll study the four course books provided and complete a total of ten assignments. Your final examination will be a project that's set specifically for you on completion of the first nine assignments. Your personal tutor will provide tips and encouragement to help you stick to a pre-arranged study schedule.
What level of education should I have in order to successfully complete this course?
All you need to begin is an interest in garden design. Our course is set up to bring success to students from a wide variety of backgrounds. We closely monitor all students' efforts for the duration of the course and give advice and backup support when needed. A recommended reading list will also be provided to assist you with extra material.
Why should I choose a correspondence course?
A correspondence course in garden design offers you the flexibility to complete your assignments when it's convenient for you. You can work at your own pace and spend as much or as little time on an assignment as you need. Through the process you'll always have the support of a tutor who will be personally assigned to you, and who can be reached via phone or email.
Will I have support from the academy during the course?
In addition to your own personal tutor, our team of experienced designers will be on hand to assist you at any time during the duration of the course.
What initials may I use after completing the Diploma course?
After successfully completing the course, you may put the initials 'Dip GD (GDAI)' after your name.