Graduate Certificate in Garden Design

The course has been developed to provide a qualification in garden design for those employed in the horticultural and landscape industries and for those in different careers wishing to gain employment in this area.

Students are provided with a solid basis in garden design theory and practice, an understanding of relevant horticultural principles, an understanding of plant use and selection in design and applications of sustainability thinking and practice in garden design and construction.

Course structure

To satisfy the requirements of the Graduate Certificate in Garden Design students must successfully complete four core subjects (each 12.5 credit points) a total of 50 points.

Entry requirements

1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed:

• either

– an undergraduate degree, or – a relevant TAFE or higher education advanced diploma or equivalent and three years of documented relevant work experience, or – a relevant TAFE diploma and four and a half years of documented relevant work experience, or – six years of documented professional work experience which demonstrates the capacity to successfully undertake the course. Meeting this requirement does not guarantee selection.

2. In ranking and/or assessing applications, the Selection Committee will consider:

• prior academic qualification and performance; and, if relevant
• the professional experience.

3. The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments.

4. Applicants are required to satisfy the university’s English language requirements for postgraduate courses. For those applicants seeking to meet these requirements by one of the standard tests approved by the Academic Board, performance band 6.5 is required.

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

For the purposes of considering a request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.The University is dedicated to providingsupport to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website. http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of the Graduate Certificate in Garden Design students should be able to:

• display skills, knowledge, understanding and competence in the area of residential garden design;
• assess and analyse problems and determine appropriate solutions in the preparation of design solutions for gardens;
• develop a holistic approach to garden design through a thorough understanding of the horticultural, landscape and design requirements;
• display graphic interpretation skills in the preparation of landscape plans.