This qualification is being withdrawn
The operational end date (last date for new starts) of this qualification is 31/07/2024 and the certification end date is 31/07/2026.

Key Facts

Level:
Level 3
Subject Sector:
3.2 Horticulture and Forestry
Credits:
27
Qualification No:
600/9677/9
GLH:
225 hours
Total qualification time:
270 hours
Age Range:
16-18

Qualification purpose

Prepare for further learning or training and/or develop knowledge and/or skills in a subject area

Qualification Grading Type

Pass

Assessment Methods

  • Portfolio of Evidence

  • Why choose this qualification?

    The Gateway Qualifications Level3 Certificate in Garden Design has been designed to enable learners to develop thedrawing skills and theplant knowledge required to enter the garden design industry.

    The Level 2 and 3 Certificate qualifications can be used in conjunction with other horticultural qualifications for those new to the land based sector.

    The Level 3 Certificate in Garden Design and the Level 3 Diploma in Garden Design are nested qualifications, and as such units gained through achievement of the Level 3 Certificate in Garden Design would not need to be repeated when taking the Level 3 Diploma in Garden Design. These qualifications are recognised by Lantra as meeting the required standard for occupational competence in the garden design sector.

    The Level 3 Certificate in Garden Design enables progression to other vocationally related qualifications such as the Level 3 Diploma in Garden Design, or to further learning opportunities within employment, or further study in the garden design sector. Achievement of the Gateway Qualifications Level 3 Certificate in Garden Design meets the minimum required standard for occupational competence to function as a professionally competent garden designer.

    Rules of Combination

    Learners must successfully complete 27 credits. All 21 credits from the mandatory units must be completed. A minimum of 6 credits are taken from the optional units.


    Units

    Mandatory Units

    All credits in this group must be achieved.

    Garden Design Detailing

    Level:
    Level 3
    Guided Learning Hours:
    25
    Credits:
    3
    Unit No:
    J/507/0585
    Click here to view full unit details

    Garden Design Principles

    Level:
    Level 3
    Guided Learning Hours:
    25
    Credits:
    3
    Unit No:
    R/507/0587
    Click here to view full unit details

    Garden Design Process and Development

    Level:
    Level 3
    Guided Learning Hours:
    50
    Credits:
    6
    Unit No:
    F/507/0584
    Click here to view full unit details

    Garden Design Solutions

    Level:
    Level 3
    Guided Learning Hours:
    25
    Credits:
    3
    Unit No:
    M/507/0578
    Click here to view full unit details

    Plant Studies

    Level:
    Level 3
    Guided Learning Hours:
    50
    Credits:
    6
    Unit No:
    K/507/0580
    Click here to view full unit details
    Optional Units

    A minimum of 6 credits must be achieved from the optional group.

    Garden Design Styles

    Level:
    Level 3
    Guided Learning Hours:
    25
    Credits:
    3
    Unit No:
    D/507/0589
    Click here to view full unit details

    Hard Landscaping Materials and Features

    Level:
    Level 3
    Guided Learning Hours:
    25
    Credits:
    3
    Unit No:
    L/507/0586
    Click here to view full unit details

    Planning for a Garden Design Project

    Level:
    Level 3
    Guided Learning Hours:
    25
    Credits:
    3
    Unit No:
    M/507/0581
    Click here to view full unit details

    Plants and their Environment

    Level:
    Level 3
    Guided Learning Hours:
    25
    Credits:
    3
    Unit No:
    A/507/0583
    Click here to view full unit details

    What is the purpose of this qualification?

    This qualification is designed to be taken by learners interested in pursuing a career in garden design.


    What skills, knowledge, or understanding does this qualification develop?

    The Gateway Qualifications Level 3 Certificate in Garden Design (QCF) is designed to enable learners to develop the drawing skills and the plant knowledge required to enter the garden design industry.

    Achievement of the Gateway Qualifications Level 3 Certificate in Garden Design (QCF) meets the minimum required standard for occupational competence to function as a professionally competent garden designer. The units relate to the Level 3 Amenity Horticulture National Occupational Standards (NOS) (2008) developed by Lantra.

    This qualification requires learners to complete the following mandatory units:

    - Garden Design Process and Development
    - Garden Design Solutions
    - Garden Design Principles
    - Plant Studies

    There are additional optional units of which learners must complete at least two of the following:

    - Garden Design Detailing
    - Planning for a Garden Design Project
    - Hard Landscaping Materials and Features
    - Garden Design Styles
    - Plants and their Environment


    How is this qualification different from other, similar qualifications?

    The qualification is part of a suite of Garden Design qualifications. The Level 3 Certificate in Garden Design (QCF) and the Level 3 Diploma in Garden Design (QCF) are nested qualifications, and as such units gained through achievement of the Level 3 Certificate in Garden Design (QCF) would not need to be repeated when taking the Level 3 Diploma in Garden Design (QCF). You should take the Certificate if you need a period of learning at level 3 before progressing into employment or further learning.


    Which sector does this qualification support?

    This qualification is designed to help learners to develop the skills, knowledge and understanding to undertake the role of a Garden Designer with an employer or on a self-employed basis.

    These qualifications are recognised by Lantra as meeting the required standard for occupational competence in the garden design sector.


    What are the progression options?

    The Level 3 Certificate in Garden Design (QCF) enables progression to employment, further learning opportunities within employment, or further study.


    Progression & entry requirements

    The Level 3 Garden Design qualification is designed for open access without the need for prior attainment in the specific area. It is however recommended that learners have prior subject knowledge, for example plants knowledge. The qualification is available to younger learners aged 18+ and adult learners 19+.

    Funding information

    There are now two main sources for funding information, a straightforward ESFA Qualification Search and the more detailed Find a Learning Aim website.

    The new Find a learning aim (FALA) service provides a search tool that you can use to check the funding status of any qualification, framework, unit, standard or T Level:

    View this qualification on the ESFA’s Find a learning aim website

    The Education and Skills Funding Agency search provides funding information on qualifications. It does not provide funding information for units, non-regulated activity and work placements, for this information please use Find a learning aim (FALA).

    View this qualification on the ESFA Qualification Funding Search

    How to find a learning aim

    If you’re not sure how to use the new find a learning aim website, we’ve created a handy walkthrough to help you:

    How to Use: Find a learning Aim


    We have done our best to collate and summarise the key information, and wherever possible we alert our providers to changes in funding policy.

    This funding information is provided in good faith and it is always advisable to check directly with the funding agencies before committing to delivery.

    The following support materials will help you to deliver this qualification.

    Internal Quality Assurance

    Special Considerations and Reasonable Adjustment Forms