Garden Design
Is this course for you?
Do you enjoy gardening and want to make a business out of your passion? Have you studied Horticulture but need skills in design, and drafting? Are you interested in getting IT skills in AutoCAD and presentation graphics whilst developing your design skills? With a strong emphasis on design, this course aims to help you develop and combine technical skills with your creative ability so that you can respond to a client’s brief with a creative solution.
| Award Name | Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 5 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 5 NFQ |
Duration
1 year full-time. 4 days per week.
Entry Requirements
• You must have achieved 5 passes or 5 O6/ H7s or a combination of 5 O6/H7s or have achieved the LCA with a Merit profile, or have achieved a full relevant QQI Level 4 Award.
• Mature applicants (aged 21 and over) and other applicants without the formal entry requirements will be assessed individually for suitability.
Careers / Further progression
Progression To Further Studies
If you want to get a degree, then you can apply through the CAO system for entry into courses in the QQI Higher Education Links Scheme such as:
BSc (Hons) in Landscape Architecture
University College Dublin - www.ucd.ie
BSc in Horticulture (Delivered in National Botanic Gardens, Dublin)
South East Technological University [Waterford] – www.setu.ie
BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology
Technological University Dublin [City] - www.tudublin.ie
Check out more progression options by downloading the BFEI Progression Pathways Chart at www.bfei.ie
Job Opportunities
As a graduate of this course, you can pursue careers in a range of areas including:
• Garden Designer
• Architectural Technologist
• Design Consultant
• Draftsperson
Further information
Classes will commence in mid-September 2024.
Course Registration takes place in late August.
You will be invited to the College to attend an induction session prior to class commencement.
Non-EU Citizens
If you are a non-EU National, then you should be in compliance with Irish Visa requirements in advance of applying to BFEI.
Application is free! Once you have been offered a place on your chosen course, you will have to pay an acceptance fee of €50 to confirm that you are accepting the place. It is advisable to apply early as many courses fill up quickly. Other costs (books, kits, optional training etc) vary depending on the course you choose. Specific details regarding costs will be confirmed prior to course commencement.
At BFEI, we make every effort to keep charges to a minimum. Information on financial support and eligibility for funding is available from www.studentfinance.ie.
Funding
PLC Maintenance Grant Scheme
The Department of Education and Skills (DES) provides a means-tested maintenance grant scheme for those attending full-time further education courses. Applications are made on-line to SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) at www.susi.ie.
BTEA (Back to Education Allowance)
If you are in receipt of certain social welfare payments, ten under the BTEA you may be able to keep your payments while doing a full-time course at BFEI.
See www.welfare.ie or www.studentfinance.ie for further details or ask at the local Department of Social Protection Office.
VTOS (Vocational Training and Opportunities Scheme)
If you are unemployed and over 21, then under VTOS, you will be able to do a full-time course at BFEI and retain your social welfare entitlements. VTOS applies to all courses on offer in the Institute, however, early application is advisable as there are a limited number of places which are allocated on a first-come basis. See www.welfare.ie or www.studentfinance.ie for further details on eligibility or ask at the local Department of Social Protection Office. VTOS Application Forms are available from the Institute - see www.bfei.ie
Other Funding Sources
Local Partnerships including Southside, Bray, Northside, and Wicklow Working Together may be able to help you out with some funding if you are experiencing financial difficulties. Ask at your Local Partnership Office.
For September 2024 Intake BFEI is open for applications from Wednesday January 10th 2024. All applications must be made via our website (www.bfei.ie). - View Application Weblink above.
Application is free! Once you have been offered a place on your chosen course, you will have to pay an acceptance fee of €50 to confirm that you are accepting the place. (non-refundable)
It is project based and will offer you the opportunity to develop a portfolio in this area. Two days per week will be Work Practice.
What is the difference between Garden and Landscape Architecture?
• Garden Design differs from Landscape Design in that it is the creation of a design for a small detailed plot of land with more emphasis on planting, while Landscape design deals with larger plots of private and public spaces.
• This Garden Design Course focuses on developing your skills in a variety of garden scenarios whereas the Landscape Design Course deals with more complex settings.
What will I study?
• Design Skills
• Drawing
• Combined Materials
• Work Practice
• Computer Illustrated Graphics
• Architectural Drawing (including Construction)
• Computer Aided Drafting (2D)
• Plant Identification and Use
• Start Your Own Business
• Communications
Will I do anything additional on the course?
• Field Trips to sites, Museums, Conferences and Design Projects are an integral part of the learning experience. Educational Tours are organised which may include a European Trip.
• You will gain experience using Oculus Quest 2 VR Headsets.
• Career advice and help with CV preparation is provided by the Guidance and Career Service.
Assessment is based on a combination of studio projects and assignments submitted throughout the year.
5M2208 - Design.
What qualification will I get when I finish the course?
You will be awarded a QQI Level 5 Certificate in Design (5M2208).
Blackrock Further Education Institute BFEI
Main Street
Blackrock
Co Dublin
Tel: 01 288 9717
email: office@bfei.ie
Web: www.bfei.ie