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The Staffordshire University MA module is validated and quality assured by the University. Lecturers tutoring on the Diploma course are professionally qualified garden designers and are chosen for their ability to share their skills, all our tutors undergo continuous professional development
The SGD is the controlling body of garden design in Britain and has sister organizations throughout the world which are based upon the Society's constitution and code of conduct. Membership of the SGD gives credibility within our industry. The Society actively markets its members through popular gardening magazines and through its web site. Membership gives access to a support group and to workshops for ongoing professional development. For more information about the SGD: http.//www.sgd.org.uk
Students on our Diploma Course are given one years membership of the SGD as part of our teaching package. Graduates from the Staffordshire University MA course are invited to apply for full membership of the SGD after only two years of professional practice; graduates from our Diploma course are able to apply for full membership after only a further three years of membership.
We have a structured approach to learning with each subject broken down into its constituent parts and each lecture building upon what has gone before. Our commitment to high standards of creativity, quality and attention to detail show throughout the course.
Limiting the number of Students allows us to give personal help and attention. Some other courses have over 18 students per class.
The best way to learn something is to assess. At PSGD Students are involved in actively assessing the work of each other and of themselves (rather than just being assessed). This gives a realistic view of strengths and weaknesses and allows you to compare and learn from the group as a whole. We have found that as students assess each other they gain an insight into their own progress and as a consequence we are able to develop and modify the learning programme to develop strategies to remedy any shortcomings and to avoid the problems that occur when assessment only takes place with the tutor.
Too many schools concentrate on teaching horticulture at the expense of design. We believe that whilst good plant knowledge is essential it is only one of the skills required, one must also have a thorough understanding of design theory and practice. Our lecturers are all actively involved with their own design practices and the practical and artistic skills this gives them are passed on to our students.
We Consider That Good Business Practice Is As Important As Good Design
Many design practices fail not because of poor design but through a lack of tuition in legal, promotional and business matters. Students of PSGD are instructed in the use of the schools Standard Draft Contract Documentation, Specification and Business Management systems which are given as part of the course.
We maintain close contact with our past Students and give on-going support.
You will prepare a portfolio of finished work during the course, which will act as demonstration of the quality of your work when you start in professional practice.
We are proud of the success of our students. Our graduates work for some of the Country's leading Garden Designers and in most countries of the world. They have won Gold, Silver Gilt and Silver medals at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in the last few years and best garden in show at BBC Gardeners World as well as medals for their gardens at leading shows around the country.
Pickard School Of Garden Design
Principal: Robert Whitehead MSGD MA MIoD Dip.PSGD
Administration Office:
Thames House
7 Mount Mews
High Street
Hampton
Middlesex
TW12 2SH
T: +44 (0) 20 8783 9658
E: admin@pickardschool.com
W: www.pickardschool.com