Program Overview

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Diploma of Landscape Design

Course Overview

Establish your landscaping career with this high-level course. Develop the advanced skills and knowledge required to become a landscape designer.

According to the Australian Government's Job Outlook service, the number of people working as landscape gardeners grew strongly over the past five years. The industry is expected to see strong future growth, ensuring your skills will be in high demand when you graduate.

You will learn how to research, survey, assess, plan, design, cost, and manage residential, commercial and industrial landscape projects. You will also develop a strong understanding of the underlying principles of design, the design process, industry best practice, plant selection and placement, as well as proficient CAD skills. Our highly experienced staff are strongly embedded in the industry and will give you the one-on-one guidance you need to succeed.

Successful completion of this course will qualify you to work as a landscape designer. You can also enhance your career prospects by continuing on with further study in this area.

What Can I Do?

• Landscape Designer
• Landscaper

Course Outcome

AHC50621 Diploma of Landscape Design

Recognition of Experience

Your years of industry experience count for something. With our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) we can help you fill in your gaps in knowledge to upgrade your qualifications faster.

Job-Ready Training

We put theory into practice, which is why we believe in on-the-job training. Our strong industry partnerships mean you'll graduate with confidence, knowing you have all the skills you need to get straight to work.

What You Will Study

The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 6 elective units from the list below.

Core Units

• UNIT CODE: AHCDES505
  • UNIT NAME: Prepare a landscape design
  • UNIT DESCRIPTION: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to develop a design brief, assess the site, prepare a concept of design, revise and amend design, and produce final landscape design for a large project on residential, commercial or public open spaces.
• UNIT CODE: AHCDES506
  • UNIT NAME: Design for construction of landscape features
  • UNIT DESCRIPTION: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to design for the construction of landscape features, specify hardscape and softscape quality requirements and develop a design and project report.
• UNIT CODE: AHCDES507
  • UNIT NAME: Produce drawings for landscape design projects using CAD software
  • UNIT DESCRIPTION: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to produce drawings for residential and commercial landscape design projects using computer-aided design (CAD) software.
• UNIT CODE: AHCDES508
  • UNIT NAME: Design sustainable landscapes
  • UNIT DESCRIPTION: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to design sustainable landscapes, including assessing requirements for sustainable land use, preparing an integrated design, planning implementation into design, and auditing implementation for improvement of long-term ecological sustainability of landscapes.
• UNIT CODE: AHCDES509
  • UNIT NAME: Assess landscape sites
  • UNIT DESCRIPTION: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to collect and collate initial information, conduct a landscape site assessment and document a site report.
• UNIT CODE: AHCPCM511
  • UNIT NAME: Specify plants for landscapes
  • UNIT DESCRIPTION: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to develop a client brief, select and specify landscape plants, and present a report.

Elective Units

• UNIT CODE: AHCBUS515
  • UNIT NAME: Prepare estimates, quotes and tenders
  • UNIT DESCRIPTION: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare estimates, quotes and tenders for project-based work.
• UNIT CODE: AHCLSC504
  • UNIT NAME: Survey and establish site levels
  • UNIT DESCRIPTION: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to undertake site surveys, map levels and issues of levels in gardens, and record site details.
• UNIT CODE: AHCLSC505
  • UNIT NAME: Manage landscape projects
  • UNIT DESCRIPTION: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to manage landscape projects, including identifying project issues, maintaining effective client liaison, developing work schedules, managing contractors and submitting works for handover.
• UNIT CODE: AHCPCM512
  • UNIT NAME: Design specialised landscape
  • UNIT DESCRIPTION: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to develop a design brief, consider factors that may influence plant performance, and develop design specifications for specialised landscape design.
• UNIT CODE: AHCWRK509
  • UNIT NAME: Provide specialist advice to clients
  • UNIT DESCRIPTION: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to maintain technical currency for specialist knowledge and provide specialist advice to clients.
• UNIT CODE: CUAACD312
  • UNIT NAME: Produce computer-aided drawings
  • UNIT DESCRIPTION: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to use different computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) program functions to produce drawings and documentation.

Ways to Study

• On campus
• International

Study Locations

• Greater Brisbane

Course Details

• CAMPUS: Grovely
• STUDY MODE: On Campus
• START DATE: 27 Jan 2026
• DURATION: 1 year
• WORKLOAD: Full time 3 nights per week
• WHAT YOU'LL PAY:
  • Full fee: $20,380
  • International: $22,500

Payment Options

• Payment plan
• Upfront payment
• VET Student Loan - $18,838 cap
• International student payment

Entry Requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this course.

Selection Criteria

It is highly recommended and would be advantageous if you have:

• completed a Certificate III in Horticulture or have 2 years work experience in the industry;
• sound knowledge in plant identification; and
• sound literacy and numeracy skills

Resources Required

It is recommended that you have access to a reliable internet connection to access TAFE Queensland's online learning system Connect, and a computer with up-to-date software, including Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Reader.

You must also have access to a CAD or gaming quality computer. Windows machines are ideal as Autodesk programs are not available native to Mac machines.

Assessment Methods

Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at TAFE Queensland, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning.

University Pathways

If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.

How to Apply

• Direct application
• Apply through QTAC
• For International students

Course Disclaimer

All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees, available subsidies, and course content is subject to change without notice. Course commencement is dependent on sufficient enrolment numbers. Timetable information is subject to change prior to commencement and/or during the duration of your course.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfers

Fast track your way to a formal qualification by earning credit for the things you already know. We can assess your skills, directly apply credits from previous successful study, and give you advanced standing in your course.