BSc (Hons) Horticulture (Garden & Landscape Design) Degree

Course information

Based at Cornwall’s Eden Project, the BSc (Hons) Horticulture Garden & Landscape Design has been specifically developed to provide industry competent horticulturalists, who have significant design capabilities and a detailed understanding of horticulture science. On this unique programme you will develop skills valuable to numerous sectors of the horticultural industry both in the UK and abroad.

Eden’s diverse and specialist plant collections, nurseries and growing facilities, dedicated laboratory and design studio, coupled with Duchy College’s nationally renowned micro propagation research facility, provide a world class study platform.

A diverse team of subject specialists supports you in your studies. This includes plant pathologists, botanists, ecologists, garden designers, artists, landscape architects and horticulturalists, many of whom partner private practice with their teaching commitments.

Students under the tutelage of members of the current teaching team have won numerous awards including the Prince of Wales Trophy for Sustainable Horticulture last year, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Young Designer of the Year three times in the last five years and the Society of Garden Designers (SGD) Student Designer of the Year Award three times in the past six years, the latest in 2015.

You will also embrace sustainable business practice and develop skills in planting design and design communication, using both traditional and digital media (no prior experience required).

In the core garden and landscape design modules, innovative and imaginative design practice is encouraged from day one. Through real or ‘live’ projects you will learn how to create stimulating and thought-provoking spaces in a variety of locations – from private gardens to public landscapes. Clients who students have worked with recently include Truro Cathedral, The Pengersick Castle Trust, The Eden Project, The Leonard Cheshire Disability Trust and the Potager Garden.

Cornwall College University Centre at the Eden Project offers a diverse range of higher education courses linked to the natural environment, including Horticulture, Plant Science, Soil Science, Ecology, and Garden and Landscape Design. With expert instruction and degrees awarded by the University of Plymouth, our programmes provide the perfect opportunity to gain both academic knowledge and practical skills.

As part of your studies, you’ll benefit from access to the Eden Project’s unique biomes, where you can apply your learning in tropical and Mediterranean environments, as well as outdoor garden settings. You’ll also work alongside Eden’s specialist horticulturists and gain hands-on experience. In your final year, you'll have the opportunity to conduct original research using these exceptional facilities, exploring industry-relevant topics to enhance your CV.

Want to learn more? Join us at our next open event!

Download BSc Horticulture (Garden & Landscape Design) Programme Specification (2024-25) at https://www.cornwall.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/BSc-Horticulture-Garden-Landscape-Design-Programme-Specification-2024-25.pdf  

What You Will Learn

Indicative Module Year 1:
• Garden & Landscape Design 1: Foundations - Space, Place & User
• Communications/Professional Landscape & Garden Design
• Introduction to Botany
• Plant Use in the Landscape
• Soil Science & Plant Nutrition
• Personal & Employability Skills Development

Indicative Module Year 2:
• Research Methods
• Plant Growth & Development
• Plant Production & Propagation
• Plant Ecology
• Garden & Landscape Design 2: Planning & People
• Garden Landscape Histories; Theories & Contexts

Indicative Module Year 3:
• Honours Project
• The Contemporary Horticultural Environment
• Sustainable Horticultural Enterprises
• Advanced Plant Use & Implementation
• Professional Landscape & Garden Design Practice

Entry Requirements

80 UCAS points from AS and A-Levels (at least 56 points must be at A2-level) or relevant level 3 qualification, ie BTEC National Diploma / BTEC Extended Diploma - MMP Grades required (specific unit grades may be requested). Access to HE Diplomas in a relevant subject - 45 credits at level 3 (specific unit grades may be requested). Plus GCSEs at grade C/grade 4 or above in English Language, Science and Mathematics: alternatives at Level 2 may be considered.

Mature applicants with relevant experience but without the stated qualifications will be considered individually and are encouraged to apply.

We accept a variety of qualifications to include equivalent international qualifications.

All applicants are subject to wider entry requirements.

Data Sharing Agreement

As part of our interview process, it is essential that we obtain your formal permission to share aspects of your data with trusted work placement providers in order that reasonable adjustments can be made.

Criminal Convictions

You are not required to complete a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check or provide a Certificate of Good Conduct to study this course.

If you are currently subject to any license condition or monitoring restriction that could affect your ability to successfully complete your studies, you will be required to disclose your criminal record. Conditions include, but are not limited to:

• Access to laboratory facilities including chemicals
• Access to computers or devices that can store images
• Use of internet and communication tools/devices
• Curfews
• Freedom of movement
• Contact with people related to University Centre Eden or The Cornwall College Group

Progression

Possible Progression (subject to availability):
• MA in Garden & Landscape Design at various other institutions

Possible Careers:
• Garden Designer
• Landscape Designer
• Landscaper
• Planning Adviser
• Municipal Parks and Gardens Manager
• Estate Garden Manager
• Nursery Stock Producer
• Specialist Propagator
• Garden Historian

Cornwall College University Centre at the Eden Project

Cornwall College University Centre at the Eden Project

In partnership with the Eden Project, we’ve created a unique suite of university-level programmes that align with Eden’s mission to make the world a better place. Delivered by expert trainers from Cornwall College, these programmes are taught within Eden’s unique learning environment, offering students not only an academic education but also practical, hands-on experience at this globally renowned visitor attraction and garden. Our degrees, awarded by the University of Plymouth, provide an unparalleled blend of theory and real-world application. Discover more at our upcoming Open Day!

Find out more about studying with us

Events

Open Event

Duchy College Rosewarne

Open Event at Duchy College Rosewarne

• 18 Jan 25
• 15 May 25

Open Event

Bicton College

Open Event at Bicton College

• 18 Jan 25
• 26 Apr 25