Landscape Design Course

Higher National Diploma (HND) in Landscape Design 

 

Introduction

Landscape Design is both creative and scientific. The Landscape professional very often works as part of a team, comprising architects, planners, civil engineers and others. Landscape Designers not only create new landscapes but they also rehabilitate and conserve derelict and existing ones. Landscapes are needed in projects such as housing, roads, sports and leisure complexes, parks and gardens and land reclamation. Site sensitive selection together with expert design creates new landscapes of quality and visual interest.

 

Career Opportunities

The current shortage of Landscape Designers means qualified people are in high demand. There are very few qualifying courses in Ireland and most professionals are educated in the UK and USA. SCD graduates progress to degree level at Gloucestershire University, Cheltenham which is recognised by the European Federation of Landscape Architects, enabling graduates to work abroad. Accreditation by this Institute is not available anywhere else in Ireland.

Opportunities exist to work in private practice as consultants undertaking commissions for both public authorities and private clients. There are also career opportunities in government departments, public bodies, local authorities, industry, sustainable development agencies and in the offices of architects, engineers and building contracting companies. Landscape Design offers an interesting, challenging and rewarding career for those with a talent for drawing, art and design and who have an interest in enhancing the natural environment.

 

 

Course Structure

The course is designed to enable graduates to undertake work in both the commercial and domestic markets. Studio projects develop design skills, critical facility and presentation skills. These projects introduce the student to an increasingly complex range of environmental design.

 

Core Elements

Year 1

• Landscape Design (studio projects are central to the course)
• Landscape Elements: principles, basic materials
• Construction: detailed construction of retaining/freestanding walls, barriers, surfaces
• Botany and Ecology 
• Draughtsmanship: measured drawings, plans, sections, elevations
• Surveying: methods of measurement, instrumentation
• Drawing and Colour Theory
• Autocad/Photoshop/Illustrator

Year 2

• Advanced Landscape Design (studio projects are central to the course)
• Construction: small structures, boardwalks and decks, roof gardens, street furniture
• Landscape Design in History: students research, analyse and present a variety of subjects
• Draughtsmanship: axonometric, one and two point perspectives
• Horticulture and Environmental Impact Assessment
• Professional Practice
• Digital Manipulation for Design: draughting and presenting design work using various computer programmes
• Work Experience
• Autocad/Photoshop/Illustrator
  

 

Course Code	LSD1 (first year)  LSD2 (second year)
Duration	2 years – full time September to May
Number of places	30 each year
Number of contact hours per week	22-26
Timetable contact	5 days

Support Elements

• Field trips - visits to sites of interest.
• A European city is visited each year.
• Study Skills
• Career Advice and CV Preparation
• Enterprise Workshop
  

Work Experience

A two-week work experience placement takes place in second year. While the College will provide assistance, it will be the learner's own responsibility to secure suitable work experience.

 

Assessment and Certification

• Upon successful completion of second year, graduates will receive a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Landscape Design certified by BTEC/EDEXCEL.
• SCD staff continually assess project work throughout the year. All work submitted by students becomes the property of the College.
  

 

Progression

Education/Training

This course is recognised by the University of Gloucestershire. Students who successfully complete the Higher National Diploma may apply to year 3 of the BA [Hons] Landscape Architecture at the University of Gloucestershire, Cheltenham.

 

Career

The Diploma course is designed to enable graduates to work as commercial and domestic landscape designers.
 

 

Entry Requirements

Year 1

• Leaving Certificate

Five passes at ordinary level (grade D or better)

• Leaving Certificate Applied and Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme

 Applicants should submit details of achievements.

• Mature Students (including VTOS and BTEA)

Applicants without formal qualifications will be considered on the basis of
experience and overall demonstrable ability.
 

• Other Requirements

All applicants will have an advisory meeting to offer guidance and to ensure course suitability.

It is not a requirement to bring a portfolio, however, a portfolio can be made up of a variety of work that reflects the applicant’s drawings,
paintings or any work that shows a keen interest in design.

Year 2

Applicants must have successfully completed Year 1 or equivalent.

 

Fees

• There are no tuition fees for EU students. At course commencement, students are required to pay for books, exams, a College registration fee and where applicable professional body registration fees.
• Students will also be required to purchase certain items, including drawing equipment.