Professional Certificate in Landscape & Garden Design

Career Opportunities

The Design Ecademy and Edexcel are the joint awarding bodies for this qualification. This Professional Certificate is accredited at Level 4 by Edexcel and has 60 associated learning hours. Edexcel International are recognised worldwide and their qualifications are highly sought after by students and employers alike.

This Professional Certificate qualification has 120 GLH (Guided Learning Hours)

In addition to this academic recognition, our qualifications are well respected within the industry. All of our courses have been carefully structured to meet all the standards and requirements of the industry itself, as well as those set by independent training and education organisations around the world. All of our courses have been developed by a dedicated team of Professional Designers/ Consultants, Industry Experts and Training Consultants, so you can be sure that your course is both up to date and relevant. The high standard of work that our students produce continues to gain a strong reputation in this industry, and by the time you have completed this course, you will have built up a portfolio of work which will act as a clear testament to your ability and your professionalism.

This course would be extremely helpful for anyone working in garden related industries and career opportunities may also be available at nurseries and garden centres. Most garden designers work on a freelance basis, and you may consider this option yourself or working alongside a more senior designer in specialist garden design firms. Other possible opportunity are listed below:

• Garden design consultancy services offered through nurseries and garden centres
• In-house garden designer at architectural firm, providing a total design service to clients
• Freelance consultancy service for local authorities and area development agencies

On successful completion of this course you will have a strong portfolio, which is one of the best tools you can have to help you impress potential clients and/or employers.

Professional Associations

After successful completion of this course, students may apply for membership in the following associations:

		Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA) The Design Ecademy students can become members of the ALCA, which is an association dedicated to providing the education and government representation resulting in the enhanced professionalism of members and the public’s perception of Landscape Contractors and the “Green” Industry. The ALCA provide services and benefits to members that can reduce their cost of doing business. Visit the ALCA website
		PLANET - Professional Landscape Network The Design Ecademy students can become members of PLANET which is an International Association for a Professional Landscape Network, serving design professionals, installation & build professionals, lawn care professionals, exterior maintenance contractors and interiorscapers. PLANET provides its members with a good business foundation to help them evaluate, plan and better manage their companies. Member firms have direct access to marketing tools, industry specific business publications, updates on legislative issues and networking opportunities that can assist them in becoming more profitable. Visit the PLANET website
		Garden and Landscape Designers Association (GLDA) Students of The Design Ecademy who are studying the Landscape and Garden Design course can join the GLDA as Friends of the GLDA. Full membership can be applied for after gaining three years practical experience in garden design and submission of a detailed portfolio for assessment, which is carried out by an independent Assessment Panel. Full membership is awarded to designers who demonstrate high standards of professionalism in garden and landscape design. Visit the GLDA website.