Garden Design BA (Hons) top up - 2012:13
Why Study Here
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Developing a tradition of excellence – Merrist Wood is a multi-award winning Campus with design excellence rewarded at both RHS Hampton Court and Chelsea Flower Show in over 40 medals
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Expertise of programme tutors, many of whom are practising designers
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An opportunity to fully comprehend the contextual relationship of garden design within the wider world of master-planning and landscape architecture
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An emphasis on professionalism – all modules are directly focussed on operations in the professional world of garden and landscape design
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A direct, professional engagement with real-world garden design contracts and projects
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A learning environment offering direct engagement with leading national and international professionals from the world of garden design and contracting
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The college is a member of the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) and has links with the Association of Professional Landscapers (APL). Key members of staff are also members or fellows of the Society of Garden Designers. Students will be encouraged to take student membership of this organisation
Application Process Application followed by individual interview
Entry Requirements
Garden Design Foundation Degree, HND with a minimum of eight merits or other relevant qualification. All applicants must bring a personal portfolio to interview. Places are subject to successful interview and offer.
Content / Overview
The continued public interest and fascination in garden design has led to many fast-track courses, which concentrate largely on ‘quick-fix’ solutions. Garden designers need time to explore and experiment; research past, present and future design concepts; develop style and identity and address these stages through professional development. Garden Design at Merrist Wood integrates the practical elements of context, planning, design and construction in equal measure, equipping each student with a broader understanding in all areas of the profession and with increased employment opportunities on graduation.
The course explores the implications of larger-scale garden design and master planning, providing students with inspirational experiences and practical methodologies. Design exercises target conceptual thinking, combining abstract aspirations with successful solutions. Students also engage with the context of design commissions through research into regional and local context, cultural and socio-economic factors, historical or geographical character and local distinctiveness; all of this is complemented by modules on site planning and zoning, detailed construction design and project implementation.
Knowledge & Understanding
On successful completion of the programme students will be able to:
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Display a knowledge and understanding of the natural processes that shape the landscape
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Display the skills to analyse and apply that knowledge and understanding in the planning, design and management of gardens on a range of scales
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Demonstrate an understanding of the interaction between man and the environment in cultural, ecological, sustainable and economic terms through the discipline of garden design
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Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of historical and contemporary design influences and an ability to apply theories and methodologies to create successful design solutions
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Identify and respond to the professional aspects of practice, especially their interaction with clients and fellow professionals, in the context of successful design development and delivery
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Appropriately communicate design thinking and solutions through a range of media to a diverse range of recipients
Cognitive (Thinking) Skills
On successful completion of the programme students will be able to:
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Identify and collect information from a range of sources, establishing the validity and provenance of the information before using or applying findings
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Show a critical awareness in their analysis of collected information and their experience gained and to formulate independent judgements articulated through reasoned and reflective debate
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Synthesise information and knowledge to plan and create appropriate design solutions
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Think creatively, critically and analytically in identifying and resolving problems
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Apply theory to practice and to identify and evaluate differences and short comings
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Respond to the critical judgement of others and deliver similar critical assessments of the work of their peers
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Recognise personal strengths and developmental requirements in devising a plan for further experience and learning
Practical Skills
On successful completion of the programme students will be able to:
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Translate abstract design concepts and ideas into workable and realistic solutions
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Research, draft and present professional reports, assessments, briefs, design drawings and specifications using a range of media to best communicate ideas and concepts
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Identify and select appropriate materials and plants to create design compositions suitable to functional, environmental and aesthetic requirements
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Demonstrate the skills of self motivation, management and personal reflection in order to learn and apply specialist knowledge
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Show evidence of time and project management skills in the production of research projects, model making and risk assessment.
Transferable (Key) Skills
On completion of the field, students will have acquired transferable skills to:
Communicate
Students will be able to:
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Communicate effectively using written, oral and graphic skills in a range of media
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Prepare and deliver oral presentations with confidence and competence compatible with entry into professional life
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Enhance oral presentation work by the use of electronic equipment (for example use of appropriate software such as CAD and VectorWorks)
Numeracy
Students will be able to:
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Use numerical data to quantify, measure and express technical information, material specifications and financial considerations in the management of projects
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Generally display confidence and competence with simple numbers.
Information, Communication and Technology
Students will be able to:
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Use ICT with confidence in the communication of design ideas and concepts alongside numerical and written packages.
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Use the virtual learning environment, BlackBoard to enhance opportunities for learning
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Undertake library searches using both manual and electronic means
Teamwork
Students will be able to:
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Show evidence of time and project management skills both individually and in group formats
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Demonstrate the ability to identify personal strengths and weaknesses and those of others in order that team working may be facilitated
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Work in teams effectively towards the solution of complex professionally related open-ended tasks
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Appreciate the concept of group dynamics and to show some emerging ability to solve problems that occur between group members.
Independent Learning
Students will be able to:
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Demonstrate independent learning skills, self management and personal reflection
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Demonstrate an ability to work independently at a level compatible with that of an honours graduate
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Show understanding of research methods, such that they can undertake open-ended tasks independently.
Course Modules
Contextual research, landscape and people (15 credits Level 6), master planning and design concepts (30 credits Level 6), designing in detail (30 credits Level 6), design and detail specification (15 credits Level 6), budgets and costings (15 credits Level 6), professional practice (15 credits Level 6). Total 120 credits.
Assessment Assessment is by means of written and practical assignments, studio presentations, portfolio submissions and a dissertation. Most modules will have 2 – 4 pieces/types of assessment. Student assessment is designed to embed design theory into the practice of garden design, acknowledging the contribution of creative design thinking and research based submissions.
Careers Specialise in garden history or landscape architecture at postgraduate degree level or apply for membership of the Society of Garden Designers.
Contact Details Merrist Wood College: email: mwinfo@guildford.ac.uk or Tel: 01483 88 40 40 UCAS: www.ucas.com or Tel: 0871 46 80 468
All students aged 19 years or over on 1 September in the first year of their course are expected to pay tuition, registration, exam fees and all other course related costs. Some assistance with these costs may be available depending on your circumstances and the latest government funding position. There are normally no tuition, registration or examination fees to pay if you are aged 16-18 on 1 September in the first year of your course and are a British or European Union resident. This does not apply to HNCs/Ds, Foundation Degrees, Degrees or courses that do not attract government funding.
More information on fees and financial help More information on international student fees