Overview
Landscape and Garden Design is concerned with the design of all external spaces and the relationships between people and places. It is a rich and diverse subject that draws on traditions of both the creative arts and sciences and involves research, analysis and the exploration of concepts in the form of spatial proposals.
This course adopts an art-led and people-centred approach to landscape and garden design with a strong emphasis on the use and function of plants within the landscape. In the first year this course will provide students with subject specific knowledge and understanding and enable students to master those skills that are specific to practicing as a landscape designer. In the second year students will expand their knowledge and skills and develop a broader outlook to the design process, combining separate elements to produce complete solutions and encouraging students to evaluate solutions in a broader context.
Students will explore modern cultural issues such as sustainability and urbanisation and will investigate major historical influences and trends and develop their awareness of contemporary and European influences.
A unique and vital part of this course is the compulsory accumulation of 200 hours of work-based learning or volunteer work, preparing students to enter the world of work and giving the student an opportunity to extend their knowledge of the subject and make links with potential employers.
Assessment is via a combination of visual, verbal and written assignments, including project work, reports and presentations, enabling students to develop their creative and practical skills. Students will produce design proposals for a variety of sites, from small urban spaces and rural estates to community landscapes.
Content and Modules
This is a two year full-time course, or a three to four year part-time course.
First year modules include: Principles of Landscape and Garden Design, Plant Use and Knowledge, Structures and Materials, Spatial Design and Colour Composition, and Academic and Professional Development.
Second year modules include: Designing with Plants, Use of IT Applications in Practice, Contemporary Gardens and Landscape History, Design Application and Contract Management, Managing in an Organisation, and Research Methods.
The degree is underpinned by a contextual understanding of contemporary garden design. Students will gain an understanding of how people with different needs shape gardens and of the use and function of plants within the landscape. The learning is supported by Computer Aided Design (CAD) software and a computer design suite, a fully equipped drawing studio and the use of the Otley Centre grounds. Visiting speakers and site visits to gardens, designed spaces and art galleries form an integral part of the course.
Students have exclusive access to the HE Centre at UCS Otley which includes a study room, wireless internet access, a common room with kitchen facilities, as well as classrooms equipped with the latest technology.
Further Information
This course will prepare students for the professional world of garden design, whether in employment or as a freelance designer. There are career opportunities for landscape and garden designers in landscape architect’s practices, landscape companies and local authorities. There is also the option to undertake further study after completion of this course; graduates can progress on to the BA (Hons) Professional Studies degree at UCS.