GD100 Evolution of the Modern Landscape
This module explores man-made landscapes from early agricultural societies in the Middle East until the present time. Trends in design are noted, their relation to art, architecture and socio-economic activity in different societies explored. There are visits to gardens, representing key moments in garden design.

GD300 Technical Aspects of Design 1.
Design Detail and Creative Planning
This module covers hard landscape construction. Lectures cover working drawings, surveying, construction details and setting out, as well as the properties of construction materials. Students make a scale model of a garden they have designed. Specification documents are drawn up for each of two garden designs together with a hard landscape and design portfolio.

GD200 Introduction to Form Composition
Students learn to use a structured approach to designing space. They will learn to manipulate simple shapes into coherent patterns and use this approach as a tool for designing in three dimensions. Students will be encouraged to exploit art as a basis for expanding their own repertoire of responses to design assignments.

GD500 Soft Landscape Form and Colour
The relationship between plants and their optimal environment is explored. Plant physiology, form and structure are considered as inter-related variables. Different plant assemblages used by leading designers are described. Established practice for plant procurement and supply are outlined. Correct nomenclature for plant specification is explained and examples given. The composition of soils, importance of indicative species and best practice for plant spacing is discussed. Finally, colour theory in relation to assembling effective colour schemes in the garden is explored.

GD400 Technical Aspects of Design 2.
Urban Spatial development
In two separate exercises students will survey a courtyard and a small garden using running dimensions and triangulation, making note of all relevant site details. Site data will be evaluated, including the potential for fulfilling the client’s brief. Scale drawings will portray each site’s characteristics using industry-standard graphical methods and symbols. Architectural blanks will be used to produce design proposals, based on the client’s brief, followed by relevant technical drawings and documents.

GD700 Business and Professional Practice.
This covers the fundamentals of contract law governing the relationship between designer and client and between client and contractor. Lectures on setting up, marketing and sustaining a design business are given by practitioners who are able to explain the incremental steps required to improve the chances of success. The etiquette of business letters is covered. The importance of site safety is stressed.

GD600 Technical Aspects of Design 3.
Rural Spatial Development
Students will apply their design knowledge to drawing up a proposal for a large rural garden. The drawings and documents associated with this project will employ the full range of skills and knowledge learnt on the course. A complete portfolio of business letters and contractors documents are assembled. This module covers all components that accompany a detailed proposal to both client and contractors.