Frequently Asked Questions
Find the answers to frequently asked questions.
-
- What recognition do you have?
- Our courses
The Australian Academy of Garden Design is a BTEC approved centre. Our staff, tutors and courses have been thoroughly vetted and are continually monitored by Edexcel, who are owned by Pearson, the world's largest education company.
The Australian Academy of Garden Design is recognised by the International Approval and Registration Centre (IARC). View full details of our recognitions and approvals.
-
- How were the courses designed?
- Our courses
Our courses have been carefully designed to provide an up-to-date and practical educational experience to ensure that our students are primed to succeed upon graduation. Our comprehensive course materials have been developed in collaboration with leading industry experts.
-
- How can I access the course materials?
- Our courses
Once you have registered on a course, you will receive login details to the student area of our website called the Online Learning Centre. This is where you will be able to access all your course materials which include: practical, instructional videos; written content on a variety of topics tailored to your subject area; and vocationally relevant assignments. All course materials are created by industry experts.
-
- What support will I receive during the course?
- Our courses
When you register for a course, you will be assigned your tutors and be given login details to the student area of our website called the Online Learning Centre. Your supportive tutors will guide you through the learning process and you can contact them directly by email or through the forum which can be accessed through the Online Learning Centre.
If you have any issues or questions about the Online Learning Centre, your payments, your student card or upgrading your course, you can contact Student Services.
-
- Do you offer work placements?
- Our courses
Yes. Graduates of the Australian Academy of Garden Design Postgraduate Certificate are eligible for an optional work placement with a garden design company. All placements are made in the Melbourne and Sydney areas. Please note that you need to be eligible to work in Australia.
-
- English is not my first language. Can I still enrol on the course?
- Course requirements
All you need to begin is an interest in garden design. Our Certificate, Advanced Certificate and Postgraduate Certificate courses have no minimum educational requirement. No matter which course you choose our expert tutors will provide you with all the necessary support and guidance that you need to succeed.
-
- Do I need to be good at drawing?
- Course requirements
No, you do not need to be good at drawing. During the course you will learn how to draw plans using pencils and rulers.
-
- Do I need access to a garden?
- Course requirements
Yes, you need to have access to a garden. If you don't have a garden yourself, you might ask a family member or friend if you can use their garden.
-
- What materials do I need when starting my course?
- Course requirements
We have created a materials list in this blog post to help you understand what materials you need to start your course. When looking at the list, keep in mind that most of these items are one-off investments.
As you progress through the course, you may be required to pick up some additional materials, but these will all depend on the nature of the projects that you work on. Again, these are materials that you will be able to use in your future projects.
-
- What are the benefits of doing a home study course?
- Choosing the right course
Our home study courses offer you the flexibility to complete your assignments when it is convenient for you. This ensures you can work at your own pace but always with the support of your tutors.
-
- What are the benefits of doing a classroom-based course?
- Choosing the right course
By choosing one of our classroom-based courses, you have the benefit of attending classes either every other Saturday or one evening a week. Whatever option you choose, you'll receive the guidance and support of our expert tutors, while also being able to complete the assignments at your own pace. This approach ensures that you receive the optimum support and knowledge required, with the least amount of disruption to your personal schedule.
-
- What are the benefits of doing live online classes?
- Choosing the right course
Our live online classes combine the convenience of studying from home with the experience of a classroom environment where students can interact with our skilled tutors in real-time. This dynamic environment enables students to ask questions, participate in class discussions, and receive instant feedback. It also creates a learning community and camaraderie that can help keep students motivated and engaged throughout their course. Our live online classes also make it easier for students to attend classes with minimal compromise to their own busy schedule. -
- Which course is right for me?
- Choosing the right course
To discuss the option that best suits your needs, please contact us and our experienced team will help you choose the course which is right for you.
-
- What will the assignments be like?
- Assignments
Assignments are designed to be vocationally relevant to your area of study. In general, the skills you demonstrate in your first assignment will be built upon as you work through each assignment. This progression will ensure you can confidently use these skills in real-world scenarios. With the careful guidance of your tutors, you will be asked to submit a range of work which will include written assignments, practical work, presentations and more.
-
- How are the assignments submitted?
- Assignments
Completed assignments are uploaded to our Online Learning Centre. You will get access to the Online Learning Centre once you register for your course.
-
- How are assignment results given?
- Assignments
Constructive feedback on your assignment will be available from our secure Online Learning Centre within two weeks of submitting the assignment.
-
- Will I receive a student card?
- During your course
We provide student cards at no additional charge. Simply request a student card by contacting Student Services or through the Online Learning Centre, which you will be given access to once you register for your course. You will then receive your student card by post within two weeks. While you don't need a student card to attend class, we recommended requesting one as many retailers will offer discounts to student card holders.
-
- How long will I have access to the resources on the Online Learning Centre?
- During your course
Once you register for your course you will be given access to the Online Learning Centre where you will find all your course resources. Home study students have access to these resources for three years from the date of enrolment. Classroom-based students have access to these resources for three years from the date of their first class.
-
- What software will I learn on the course?
- During your course
On our courses, students learn how to draw plans using pencils. Although we do not include any software training on the course, we provide students with comprehensive notes on both AutoCAD (Educational licence) and SketchUp Make to enable students to learn the software themselves, if they choose. This software is free for all students.
Students have the option to submit their assignments using either hand drawn or computer generated plans.
-
- Is there a graduation?
- After your course
Yes. We hold an annual Graduation Ceremony where all students who have successfully completed a course during the year can receive their award.
Infrequently Asked Questions
Find the answers to other questions.
-
- Are courses accessible for the hard of hearing?
- Our courses
Yes. All course training videos include subtitles and our tutors are dedicated to providing a seamless learning experience for all students. If you have any specific learning requirements, please contact Student Services at the earliest opportunity.
-
- Do I have to attend any classes if I do the home study course?
- Course requirements
If you choose to enrol on the home study course, there will be no classes to attend. You will have access to resources (documents, videos and tutorials) that cover your course content and support you in completing your assignments.
-
- Do I have to attend all the classes if I do the classroom-based course?
- Course requirements
No. There is no requirement to attend all classes if you are doing a classroom-based course. However, we recommend that you attend as many classes as possible so that you can get the support you need to help you complete your course.
-
- Can I use your logo on my business cards and website once I graduate?
- After your course
Yes. We would be delighted for you to use our logo to help you launch your new career. Simply contact us once you have successfully completed your course and we will provide you with the appropriate logo file for your needs.