Professional Online Garden Design Training
The Oxford College of Garden Design provides professional online garden design training for students looking to build the creative, technical and professional skills required for a career in garden design.
Our online Garden Design Diploma combines structured course content with live teaching, individual tutor support and practical design projects.
Access the Diploma Prospectus
September 2026 Enrolment Open for our
Residential Garden Design Diploma
Join our next Diploma intake and begin your journey towards a career in professional garden design.
Study flexibly from anywhere in the world with expert tutor support, live teaching, and a thriving student community.
Residential Garden Design Diploma
Our professional online Garden Design Diploma guides you through the full design process, from early concept thinking to real-world application, building the creative, technical and professional skills needed to work in garden design.
Design Thinking
Develop a clear, structured approach to designing outdoor spaces
Technical Confidence
Gain confidence in the construction and build elements behind every scheme
Real Projects
Build a professional garden design portfolio through realistic, design-led project work.
Led by practising designers
The courses are led by Duncan Heather and Hannah Smith, combining years of professional practice with a structured approach to teaching.
Students are guided through real design scenarios - from early concept thinking through to technical design and buildable detail.
The focus is on developing confident, design-led thinking alongside a clear understanding of how gardens are delivered in practice.
Join our next free, live Q&A
Tuesday 1st September, 2:00pm-3:00pm BST
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Thinking about studying garden design?
Meet Hannah and Duncan live, see how the Diploma works, ask your questions and discover whether the course is right for you.Â
No obligation. No sales pitch.Â
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Structured training that leads to real-world design work
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Students develop skills across spatial design, site surveying, technical drawing, planting design, landscape construction and professional practice, applying them through realistic design projects.
Our students go on to start their own garden design practices, work for other designers, collaborate with architects and landscapers, and build professional portfolios.
Access the Prospectus
Instant access - no download required
We’ll send you access to the prospectus along with a small number of follow-up emails about the course. You can unsubscribe at any time. Your details will not be shared with third parties.
"Studying at the Oxford College of Garden Design has been a wonderful start to my journey into garden design.
The learning curve has been steep, but I’ve really enjoyed the challenge and seeing how much I’ve progressed along the way.
Although the course is based on independent study, I never felt like I was learning alone. Being part of a close-knit group, learning from each other’s work and mistakes, and coming together for the weekly live sessions made a huge difference.
I now feel I have gained both the knowledge and confidence to start my new career as a garden designer."
Anne Weingarten, Student 2025
Find out about our Graduates...
Graduate StoriesStudent Work
Projects developed during the course
"The course takes you on an incredible journey. Although fast-paced, the skills build in clear, logical steps."
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"An incredibly comprehensive course, supported by video tutorials, live sessions and expert guidance throughout."
A professional route into garden design
Residential Garden Design Diploma
A comprehensive, design-led course covering concept development, masterplanning and planting design
Do I need any previous experience?
Is the course suitable for a career change?
How is the course delivered?
How much time do I need to commit?
Will I be able to design real gardens after completing the course?
Do you cover the technical side (levels, drainage, construction)?
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How do I find out more?
Find the latest articles, videos and podcasts in our Knowledge HubÂ
View the prospectus
Instant access - no download required
We’ll send you access to the prospectus along with a small number of follow-up emails about the course. You can unsubscribe at any time. Your details will not be shared with third parties.
Photos by Ben Crowther
www.bencphotography.com
