Overview

Breathe life into beautiful spaces.

At the cross-section of horticulture, sustainability, design and functionality, you’ll find the Graduate Certificate in Garden Design. Developed for both industry professionals and those seeking a career change, this course builds practical, immediately applicable skills in residential garden design theory, plant selection, landscape documentation and visual presentation. You’ll learn in living classrooms at our Burnley campus, where hands-on, real-world projects and urban horticulture expertise shape the student experience.

Key features

• Get out of the classroom and into a living, breathing masterpiece. You’ll study at our Burnley campus, where your lecture halls and classrooms are heritage-listed gardens, green roofs and immersive outdoor learning spaces.
• Get your hands dirty. Literally. Build practical garden design skills through real-world case studies, collaborative projects, excursions and hands-on learning experiences focused on contemporary garden and landscape practice.
• Make the beautiful functional. Develop and hone skills in holistic garden design, plant selection, landscape planning and more, all while you explore sustainability, horticultural principles and garden construction practices.

Why study garden design at Melbourne?

• Follow the footsteps of Australia’s leading garden designers. Our Burnley campus has been at the forefront of horticultural and garden design education since 1891, producing some of the country’s best-known landscape designers and forging strong industry connections for graduates.
• Trade mood boards for real design skills. Learn how to prepare landscape plans, visually communicate design ideas, and select plants best suited to contemporary urban landscapes through a curriculum of practical and professionally focused study.
• Put sustainability at the centre of everything. Explore how environmental, social and economic sustainability considerations and requirements can shape garden design decisions, plant selection, landscape outcomes and more.

Student support

You’ll learn in a supportive environment with multiple opportunities to connect with mentors and industry throughout your study. You will also have access to volunteering opportunities, industry events and the STEM Industry Mentoring Program to help build your experience and grow your professional network.

As a Melbourne student, you'll be supported to succeed — in your studies, your wellbeing and your finances.

• International student support. Visa and arrival help when you need it.
• Academic skills and advice. Meet an advisor or join a workshop to get the most from your studies.
• Global exchange. Study overseas through our network of global partners.
• Mentoring and community. Explore student life and student and alumni mentoring programs.
• Wellbeing and accommodation. Access health, counselling and accommodation support.
• Fees and scholarships. Find scholarships you're eligible for and manage your finances.

See all the ways Melbourne supports you

About the faculty

Visit the School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences to learn more about the school's degrees, research and career planning support.