British Academy of Garden Design

Garden design training with accredited qualifications in the UK

The British Academy of Garden Design is an educational institution established in 2004 that presents itself as a provider of accredited, industry-recognised garden design qualifications in the UK. Its offering combines learning materials developed with industry experts, tutoring by professionals and a practical approach aimed at enabling students to take on real projects or start their own business.

Study modes and qualification levels

The academy structures its programmes into three modes: home study, live online and classroom-based. Each mode is combined with different certification levels:

• Home study: access to online materials in a self-directed way, with the option to obtain the Certificate, Diploma or Professional Diploma.
• Live online: self-directed study complemented by virtual classes, leading to the Diploma or Professional Diploma.
• Classroom-based: self-directed study complemented by in-person classes, also for the Diploma or Professional Diploma.

All courses are part-time. The academy states that its team can advise on which programme fits best according to each person's goals, whether a career change, upskilling or learning the basics.

Accreditations and recognition

The British Academy of Garden Design is accredited by the International Approval and Registration Centre (IARC), which, according to the institution itself, guarantees the maintenance of quality standards in content, delivery, assessment and administration. It also identifies itself as an approved BTEC centre.

Tutoring and learning materials

The courses have been developed in collaboration with industry experts and are taught by tutors who work professionally in garden design. Each student is assigned tutors and given access to the Online Learning Centre, the private area of the website where materials are hosted: practical and instructional videos, written content on various subjects and vocationally relevant assignments. Students can contact their tutors directly by email or through the centre's forum, and also have a student services team for questions about the platform, payments, student card or course changes.

Work placements and alumni network

The Professional Diploma includes the possibility of an optional one-month work placement with a garden design company upon successful completion of the programme. These placements are offered in the greater London, Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh areas, and require the right to work in the UK. The academy maintains an alumni network and holds an annual graduation ceremony; according to its presentation, graduates have gone on to manage real projects, work in industry agencies or develop their own garden design businesses.

Corporate training and advisory team

The institution also designs bespoke training for teams and businesses, and offers support in connecting graduates with placement opportunities. An advisory team handles enquiries about courses, payment options and the materials needed to get started, and can arrange a callback.

UK presence

The academy has locations in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Belfast, Cardiff and Bristol, allowing it to offer its classroom-based and work placement modes in different parts of the country.

Locations and premises

Manchester location: Phone: 0161 5195 818

Birmingham location: Phone: 0121 3129 937

Belfast location: Phone: 0289 6943 224