Yes. The OCGD Residential Garden Design Diploma is delivered online, allowing you to study garden design from anywhere in the world. The course combines recorded lectures and structured course materials with weekly live tutorials, practical design projects and ongoing tutor support.

No. No previous garden design experience or formal design qualification is required to enrol on the Diploma.

The course is structured to develop your skills progressively, taking you from the fundamental principles of garden design through to the creative, technical and professional skills required for professional practice.

Students typically commit a minimum of 15 hours per week. Those looking to complete the Garden Design Diploma in approximately 12 months should expect to dedicate closer to 25–30 hours per week.

You will have access to course materials and tutor support for up to 36 months, allowing you to progress at a pace that suits you.

You should allow a minimum of 15 hours per week to study the Garden Design Diploma. If you want to complete the course in approximately 12 months, we recommend allowing around 25–30 hours per week.

The course is designed to offer flexibility, so you can adjust the pace of your studies around work, family and other commitments.

Yes. Throughout the Diploma you will develop a portfolio of garden design work demonstrating your creative and technical development.

Your projects take you through the design process from site analysis and concept development to master planning, technical information and planting design, giving you tangible evidence of the skills you have developed during the course.

The Diploma teaches Vectorworks, professional CAD software widely used within the garden and landscape design industry.

However, software is taught as a tool for communicating your designs rather than as a substitute for design thinking. The course develops both hand-drawing and digital skills alongside the fundamental principles of garden design.

Yes. Technical understanding is a fundamental part of the OCGD Diploma.

You will study site surveying, technical drawing, levels and drainage, materials, landscape construction and the information required to communicate how a garden should be built.

This technical training sits alongside spatial design, planting design and professional practice so that you understand both how to design a garden and how that design can be realised.

Both. Recorded lectures and course materials allow you to study flexibly, while weekly live tutorials provide regular contact with tutors and other students.

The live teaching gives you the opportunity to discuss your work, ask questions, receive feedback and develop your design thinking throughout the Diploma.

OCGD students have regular access to experienced tutors throughout the Diploma. Support includes weekly live tutorials, feedback on your design work and ongoing opportunities to ask questions as you progress through the course.

The online Studio also provides a space to discuss work, share progress and learn alongside your cohort rather than studying entirely in isolation.

The Diploma covers the complete residential garden design process, including site analysis and surveying, spatial design, technical drawing, planting design, landscape construction, levels and drainage, Vectorworks and professional practice.

You will apply this knowledge through practical design projects, developing both the creative judgement and technical understanding required within professional garden design practice.

Yes. The OCGD Garden Design Diploma is delivered online and students can study from anywhere in the world.

Recorded course content allows you to study flexibly, while live online teaching and tutor support provide regular interaction with the College throughout your studies.

The OCGD Diploma is designed to prepare students for professional garden design practice.

Alongside creative design skills, you will develop technical knowledge, experience working through realistic design projects, a professional portfolio and an understanding of professional practice. Graduates may go on to establish their own garden design practices, work within established studios or use the Diploma to develop an existing career within the garden and landscape industries.