Garden Design Academy of Ireland

Garden design training with international accreditation

The Garden Design Academy of Ireland is an Irish educational institution established in 2004 that presents itself as a provider of accredited, industry-recognised garden design qualifications in Ireland. Its offering is structured around part-time courses (all of its programmes are part-time) designed for those who wish to change career, upskill or simply learn the basics of the discipline.

The centre states that it is accredited by the International Approval and Registration Centre (IARC), an organisation which, according to the academy, oversees quality standards relating to course content, delivery, assessment and administration.

Study methods and qualification levels

The academy organises its catalogue into three study methods: home study, live online and classroom based. Each method combines online self-directed study with different levels of support: online materials only, online materials plus virtual classes, or online materials plus in-person classes.

The qualification levels available are Certificate, Diploma and Professional Diploma, and not all study methods offer all three: home study covers all three qualifications, while the live online and classroom based methods are limited to the Diploma and the Professional Diploma.

Methodology and learning materials

The learning materials have been developed in collaboration with industry experts and include practical, instructional videos, written content on various subjects adapted to the student's area of specialisation, and assignments with professional relevance. Once enrolled, the student gains access to the Online Learning Centre, the private area of the website where all the content is hosted.

Each student is assigned tutors, industry professionals who support the learning process and offer constructive feedback on assignments based on their own experience. Communication with tutors can take place by email or through the Online Learning Centre forum. Queries about payments, student cards or course changes are handled through Student Services.

Work placement and career outcomes

The Postgraduate Diploma includes the possibility of an optional one-month work placement with a garden design company, once the course has been completed. The academy states that placements are arranged in the Dublin and Cork areas and that you need to be eligible to work in Ireland to avail of this opportunity.

According to the institution itself, its graduates have gone on to manage real garden design projects, join agencies in the sector and develop design strategies for their own businesses. The academy holds an annual graduation ceremony and maintains an alumni network.

Corporate training and pre-course advice

In addition to its individual offering, the centre creates bespoke training for teams and businesses and offers support with graduate placement. For those unsure which programme to choose, the academy's team advises on courses, payment options and the materials needed to get started.

Presence in Ireland

The academy has locations in Dublin, Cork and Galway, and its activity is aimed at the Irish market. On its website it shares testimonials from students and graduates, including those of garden designer Mark Soanes and Catriona Hassett, a participant in the RTE Super Garden programme.

Locations and premises

Dublin location: Telephone: 01 2238 769

Cork location: Telephone: 021 2040 009

Galway location: Telephone: 091 355 547