Advanced HCC Course in Garden Planning

Your first set of course materials will be sent to you when you enrol. You can start as soon as you want and progress through the course at your own pace (you have 2 years to complete it), studying when and where you choose. This flexibility makes it easy to fit learning around work and family commitments.

The extensive course materials have been developed by gardening experts and are clear and straightforward, so your studying is easy and enjoyable. As you complete each lesson, your tutor will promptly return your marked assignment with constructive feedback and guidance. (You can also contact your tutor or the support team for help at any point during your studies.)

All the required study materials are included.

There is no formal examination. On successful completion you will be awarded an HCC Certificate and the Certificate of Achievement at QLS Level 3. You have 2 years to complete the course.

The Advanced HCC Course in Garden Planning is an in-depth study programme aimed at advanced learners who wish to pursue a horticultural career, are already working in this field or are a keen amateur.

You will explore the principles, elements and history of garden design and how styles have developed over time in a ‘potted’ guide to garden design styles!

Discover how to choose suitable plants depending on specific garden designs and styles – whether you are working with domestic gardens or specialist garden areas.

You will also consider the client/garden designer working relationship and how to ascertain both what the client wants and requires.

The course asks you to think about ‘who uses the garden?’ and teaches you how to best meet your client’s needs through surveying and recording the appropriate information.

After study of this preliminary work, you will go on to learn about the practical aspects of designing a garden.

This will include how to identify hazards and carry out risk evaluation and assessment before going on to look at setting out a site, how to level a garden and how to move and store soil.

The course also covers constructing various garden features including surfaces (paths, patios, driveways, steps, ramps), ponds and rock gardens, and includes a research study exercise on drainage systems.

Upon successful completion you will receive; the Certificate of Achievement* at QLS Level 3. This course has been designed by The Horticultural Correspondence College to meet specific learners’ and/or employers’ requirements which cannot be satisfied through current regulated qualifications. The Quality Licence Scheme, endorses high-quality, non-regulated provision and training programmes.

You will also receive an HCC Certificate*, graded to show the standard you have reached. The HCC’s reputation means this can be highly regarded on a CV and, combined with your portfolio of coursework, is evidence of your achievements (whether you are applying for a job or a more advanced study course).

* Your certification will be issued once you have successfully completed your course and finished your course payments.

We are proud of our friendly, caring ethos and aim to do all we can to help you succeed.

Our tutors are all experienced, highly qualified and passionate about sharing their love of their subject. You can phone or email your tutor throughout the course – to ask questions, for advice, encouragement or to draw on their wealth of knowledge.

You can also contact the support team who are here to help you Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

While there are no formal entry requirements, we recommend that you have completed earlier studies at basic/level 2 or similar before starting on this course. Please get in touch if you are unsure about the level of the course.

If needed you have 2 years to complete the course. Many students are able to complete this course in approximately 9-12 months (approx 150 learning hours)*.

*Timescales are approximate and depend upon application and motivation.

• You could do the following jobs:
  • Working as garden designer or garden planner, for a company or setting up your own business
  • Working for a landscape construction company, or doing this work on a self-employed basis
  • Working with or for a garden designer, dealing with the hard-landscaping, i.e. the construction part of the garden, which the designer has drawn out on paper
  • Garden maintenance and planting
  • Working in a nursery; growing, selling, and management
  • Garden sitting services (i.e. maintaining gardens while the owners are on holiday).
  • Growing and selling container plants of house plants
• As this course is aimed at advanced level and if you have the required practical experience you could do the jobs listed above at a supervisory level.
• If you already work in the horticultural profession, this qualification would demonstrate to prospective employers or clients an in-depth knowledge of garden planning, construction and planting.