v1
Skip to main content
Campus Closures: Great Lakes, Kempsey, Taree, Port Macquarie, Nambucca CLC, Wauchope campuses will be closed for classes from Wednesday 21 May 2025 until further notice. Updates are available here.
Our enrolment and student portal is undergoing an important upgrade and will be unavailable from 7:00am until 10:00pm Saturday, 8 Mar 2025.
TEST
    Overview

    About this international course

    The Diploma of Landscape Design at TAFE NSW will equip you with the advanced skills and knowledge you need to take your career as a landscape designer to the next level.

    In this course, you will refine your practical skills and creative vision as you design and develop landscapes that contribute to greater biodiversity and climate change resilience, liveable cities, and better resource management.

    You will be challenged to find innovative ways to execute your designs, meet client needs and enhance environmental amenities. You will also learn essential business skills to thrive in this exciting global industry.

    Outcomes

    What you'll gain

    Learn new skills

    Through theory and practical course work, you will learn to:

    • Design sustainable landscapes
    • Prepare landscape designs
    • Assess landscape sites
    • Design specialised landscapes
    • Implement design solutions

    Gain practical experience

    Build your experience and get practical skills in:

    • Designing and implementing environmentally sympathetic and innovative landscape designs
    • Designing for the construction of landscape features
    • Identifying, selecting, and specifying plants for landscapes
    • Preparing estimates, quotes, tenders and reports

    Develop your professional confidence

    Develop the qualities you need to get ahead in this industry:

    • Great communication skills
    • The ability to interpret and realise client briefs
    • Creativity, and innovative thinking
    • Time management
    • Leadership skills
    • Attention to detail

    Global industry demand

    As the horticultural industry matures, businesses are starting to specialise in products and services as a way of differentiating themselves from the competition; for example, water and soil experts offering specialised advice on landscaping can now provide a key point of difference for a business.

    As a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, residential landscape design is likely to increase the focus on the health and wellness aspects of design. There is also expected to be a shift from aesthetic design to functional design where medicinal gardens, herbal and vegetable gardens will be in greater demand.

    With the increase in urbanisation and industrialisation across Asia, many of the region’s top firms are now conceiving striking landscape designs for residential properties in addition to the public and hospitality sectors.

    Suitability

    International entry requirements

    At TAFE NSW each course has entry requirements. These help us to make sure that your course choice is right for you and help determine your suitability for a course. We want you to be confident in your decision and successful in your studies.

    Fees and locations

    Starting dates, course fees and locations

    As an international student, you can choose from a range of different courses, offered at various locations. Experience vibrant spaces, libraries, cafes and gyms, as well as places to make friends and socialise with other students.

    Additional costs

    Additional costs for uniforms, equipment, textbooks and materials (if applicable) range from $300 - $1,000 AUD per course.

    Structure and units

    What you will study

    At the start of your course, you will receive your timetable. You will need to study all core units and a range of additional units.


    To achieve this qualification, competency must be demonstrated in 12 units of competency 6 core units plus 6 elective units. 3 must be from the electives listed below 3 from the remaining electives listed below or any currently endorsed Training Package or accredited course.
    AHCDES505 Prepare a landscape design AHCDES506 Design for construction of landscape features AHCDES507 Produce drawings for landscape design projects using CAD software
    AHCDES508 Design sustainable landscapes AHCDES509 Assess landscape sites
    AHCPCM511 Specify plants for landscapes

    Core units are the required units that you must complete.

    Pathways

    Continue your studies

    At TAFE NSW, you can develop your skills or build your expertise by studying a single course. You can also continue your studies with one of the following pathway options:


    Vocational study pathway

    Enrol in a range of TAFE NSW courses designed to help you kick-start your career and education goals. You can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.


    TAFE NSW degree pathway

    From certificates to diplomas, to a TAFE NSW degree, continue your studies with us to help build your success. You can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.


    TAFE NSW - university partnership pathways

    TAFE NSW has partnerships with a number of Australian universities. These universities offer guaranteed entry and credit transfer to eligible students. How much credit you are eligible for varies depending on the course and university you choose. You can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.


    Other university pathways

    You may gain entry to another university using your TAFE NSW qualifications. Acceptance and the amount of credit transfer may vary depending on the university and course studies. Check your credit eligibility.


    Keep learning with TAFE NSW

    Whatever your career ambitions, we will help you get there with a range of courses to develop your skills, build your knowledge and prepare you for work.

    TAFE NSW is here to create exceptional learner experiences and provide quality, personalised services to make sure you achieve your goals.

    Explore your study options across a range of disciplines and talk to your TAFE NSW Education Agent or contact us.

    Services

    Campus facilities and support services

    TAFE NSW offers you a range of on campus study environments you will have access to industry specific computer rooms, simulated work places, study and presentation areas as well as general student facilities to enhance your learning and student experience.

    Student facilities, amenities and support services include:

    • TAFE NSW Disability Support Service
    • TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support
    • TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service
    • Smarthinking - online access to a tutor
    • LinkedIn Learning - an online resource which offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills

    We're here to help

    If you have more questions about your course choice or study plans contact us today.

    Contact TAFE NSW International