This semester-long online course is perfect for those who are passionate about creating beautiful garden spaces. It is ideal for those who wish to pursue a career in landscape garden design. It is also great for those interested in upskilling themselves to work in gardens or as a hobby.
The course covers the introductory theory and principles of design and graphic representation, as well as the study of hard landscape materials and soft-scaping with plants. It is hands-on and taught in a project-based style. This means you will have a real-life example to work on and will gain insight into the complete project design process from client interviews, site analyses, and measurements through to concept development and design presentations. This introduction to design is the start of your journey towards creating beautiful garden spaces.
While the course is offered online, we provide full support to students through their study journey with industry-expert tutors available throughout the duration. There is one block course required for students to attend at our campus at the famous Hamilton Gardens. This certificate is a pre-requisite to our New Zealand Diploma in Landscape (Level 5).
There are five compulsory modules that you must complete. Click on the module code in the table below to learn about each learning outcome.
As a student, you will have a mixed mode of learning that consists mainly of directed learning online through our student learning portal, Moodle, and self-directed study for assignments and project work.
This 18-week course includes a mid-semester break and our project-based approach allows you to learn in real-life design situations. If you enrol in the Garden Design Practice module you will also attend a compulsory workshop midway through at our Hamilton Garden Campus, where you will be introduced to a garden design project, meet clients, and complete a site survey.
This mode of delivery supports you to study flexibly and continue your day-to-day life. Your online learning is supported through weekly Zoom tutorials, group discussions as a class, and interactive activities. You will need reliable internet access and be familiar with computer software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. A computer with a webcam is also required for participating in online learning activities.
Click the play button below to see what landscape design involves.
After graduating, you will leave with the skills, knowledge, and qualification to work as a garden designer, landscaper, or small-scale designer.
To receive official accreditation as a designer and become certified, once you have industry experience, you can submit a portfolio to the Garden Design Society of New Zealand or the Registered Master Landscapers. You may also continue on to the New Zealand Diploma in Landscape (Level 5) Design strand.
This is a 60-credit programme which equates to 600 hours of learning over one semester. This is an average of 32 hours per week over the 18-week learning semester. This may fluctuate during project work, and we do suggest you ensure you have the required time available to put towards this course.
Assessments will be explained at the beginning of the course. There is a mix of computer-generated (Word/Powerpoint) and drawing-based components that will be specified in detail when you start each assessment. Assessments go towards your Portfolio of Evidence which builds on all your written work and plans, your group discussions, comments, quiz answers, photos, and video clips. There are no final exams in this programme.
This level 4 certificate is a pre-requisite to further study in landscape design. After this certificate and to build your skills in design and detailing for more complex site situations, you can progress to our New Zealand Diploma in Landscape (Level 5) Design strand.
You can apply for this programme if you meet one of the below options.
Based on your school achievement (secondary school study)
Based on study completed after school (tertiary study)
Based on your work experience (on the job)
If you can demonstrate relevant knowledge, skills and experience that you have gained through work experience, that will help you to be successful in the programme.
Based on discretionary entrance
If you don’t meet any of the above options, and you think you have what it takes to complete this programme, you can apply for discretionary entrance. Your application may be accepted if you can demonstrate a good chance of success. Approval of discretionary entrance applications is decided by the relevant manager. If your application is approved, your acceptance into further programmes relies on you demonstrating success in this programme.
Selection criteria
a) Candidates without relevant qualifications may be required to participate in an interview and selection process. The following may be considered in the selection process:
1) The completion of a study skills assessment to demonstrate the level of academic skill necessary to successfully complete the programme.
2) Previous experience working in the horticulture sector. May include previous employment and voluntary
work.
3) Personal qualities such as responsibility, teamwork and practical skills.
4) An aptitude for working in a public environment demonstrated through a reference from an employer where a candidate has worked with the public, or from
a teacher attesting to social skills.
5) Candidates wishing to enrol on the arboriculture strand must have completed the following unit standards: 6400, 6401, 6402, 1668, 2768, 2767, 6916, 6917 and 20574.
6) As some of the practical components
within this programme are considered high risk, students may be required to submit to an initial drug screen as per Wintec’s Drug & Alcohol Policy (OP-16/04).
b) To meet legal and health requirements, candidates must be physically able to carry out the practical components of the programme, including the ability to perform practical demonstrations and assessments.
c) Candidates with disabilities are eligible to enrol in this programme and will be provided with the necessary resources to attain the learning outcomes where practicable, but at the time of enrolment must notify the Equity/Disability Co-ordinator of their needs.
d) Some delivery maybe at locations which require arboriculture students to undertake a police check.
English language requirements
Candidates who have English as a second language are required to have an International English Language Test System (IELTS) score of 5.5 in the academic band, with no individual band score lower than 5.0; or equivalent.
To check what you need to gain direct entry to a course, review the entry criteria available on each programme page. These assist you in understanding what qualifications or experience are typically required to gain entry. You can contact our team at info@wintec.ac.nz or 0800 2 Wintec at any time for further guidance.
Are you ready for your first day of class? Check out your start date and where you need to be. You can also find useful information about studying at Wintec on our welcome page.
The Wintec Prospectus (otherwise known as a course guide) outlines everything you need to know about Wintec. It contains information about the Wintec campuses, student life, and the programmes that are on offer.
Access your copy of the Wintec Prospectus
The Wintec Prospectus (course guide) is available by downloading the file - click on the document below to access the file. Alternatively, to request a copy via email or the post, please complete the form below.
Leave your details here and we will come back to you:
Wintec is part of Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology Learn More about Wintec Te Pūkenga.
Learn with purpose
