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The Diploma of Landscape Design (AHC50621) is a nationally recognised, specialist vocational qualification designed to train aspiring landscape designers in all aspects of planning, designing, and managing outdoor spaces. The course equips students with technical and creative skills to work across residential, commercial, and public landscape projects anywhere in Australia. It covers everything from site assessment and soil analysis to sustainable landscape planning, construction documentation, plant specification, drainage design, and the use of industry-standard CAD software to produce professional design drawings and plans. The qualification sits at AQF Level 5 and comprises 12 units of competency — 6 core and 6 elective — allowing providers to tailor the curriculum to local industry needs while maintaining national standards.
This course is designed for people who are passionate about creating beautiful and functional outdoor environments and want to develop a professional design practice. It suits those with a background in horticulture or landscaping who are ready to step up into a design-focused role, as well as creative individuals who want to enter the green industry through a hands-on, practical pathway. Graduates are equipped to work as landscape designers in private design studios, landscaping companies, local government, property development firms, urban planning consultancies, and horticultural businesses. Employers across Australia — from boutique residential design firms to large-scale civil and urban infrastructure companies — actively seek diploma-qualified landscape designers.
Australia's landscape design and landscaping services sector employs over 41,000 people nationally, and the industry continues to attract sustained demand driven by rapid urban growth, increasing community focus on sustainability, and the rising importance of green infrastructure in Australian cities. Urbanisation, climate change adaptation, and the push for sustainable development have all contributed to a growing need for skilled landscape professionals who can design outdoor spaces that are both aesthetically compelling and environmentally responsible. Landscape designers are increasingly called upon to deliver green roofs, biodiverse gardens, sustainable drainage systems, and climate-resilient public spaces — skills that are directly taught in this diploma.
This qualification is listed as a priority occupation on the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List, signalling strong government and industry recognition of the skills gap in this field. The course can be completed as a traineeship, meaning students can earn while they learn and graduate with real workplace experience already on their CV. For those seeking a career change or professional uplift, the Diploma of Landscape Design offers a clear, practical and nationally portable pathway — qualifications gained in one state are recognised in any other, giving graduates genuine flexibility to work across the country.
Most Australian providers require applicants to have completed Year 12 (or equivalent Australian Senior Secondary Certificate of Education), or hold a qualification at AQF Level 4 or above — such as a Certificate IV in Horticulture, Landscape Construction Management, or a related field. Some providers accept applicants based on demonstrated Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) competency at a Year 12 level, assessed through an approved LLN test. While there are no formal national entry prerequisites mandated for the qualification itself, many providers strongly recommend — and some require — previous experience or study in horticulture, landscaping, or a related area before enrolling, particularly for traineeship delivery pathways.
For those enrolling as Australian Apprentices or trainees, applicants must be currently employed (full-time or part-time) in horticulture or landscaping and enter into a formal Apprenticeship Training Contract. International students are typically required to meet English language proficiency standards (such as IELTS Academic 5.5 or equivalent), hold a valid student visa, and comply with any additional provider-specific requirements. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer are available at most providers, allowing those with substantial industry experience to have their existing skills formally recognised and potentially fast-track their studies. Some campuses may have additional entry requirements, so it is important to confirm details directly with your preferred provider.
This course may be offered in different study modes depending on the university, campus location, course structure and student type. Students should check the available delivery mode before applying, as not every study option is available at every institution.
On-campus study is the traditional mode of delivery where students attend classes, lectures, tutorials, workshops or seminars at the university campus. This option may suit students who prefer face-to-face learning, access to campus facilities, networking with classmates, practical workshops, group projects and direct engagement with academic staff.
Some universities may offer programs fully online or with online subject options. Online study can be attractive for students who need flexibility due to work, family, location or other commitments. Online study may suit domestic students, working professionals or students who want to study from outside Australia.
Hybrid or blended study usually combines online learning with some on-campus classes, workshops, intensive sessions or practical components. This mode may suit students who want flexibility but still want some face-to-face interaction. The exact structure varies between institutions.
Programs in Australia may have different intake structures depending on the university. The most common intake systems are semester, trimester and block mode.
Many Australian universities follow a two-semester academic calendar. The main intakes are commonly Semester 1 (around February or March) and Semester 2 (around July). Semester-based study usually allows students to complete a set number of subjects over approximately 12 to 14 weeks.
Some universities use a trimester system, which generally provides three study periods a year — around February/March, June/July and October/November. Trimester study may provide more flexibility and may help some students complete their course faster.
Some institutions may offer selected subjects or programs in block mode, where students focus on one subject at a time over a shorter, more intensive teaching period. Block mode may suit students who prefer concentrated learning or working professionals managing study around employment.
Some online or professionally focused programs may offer more frequent start dates or flexible entry points throughout the year. Students should not assume that every course has monthly or multiple intakes — availability depends on the institution, course structure and student type.
Graduates of the Diploma of Landscape Design are well-positioned to pursue a broad range of career pathways across Australia's thriving outdoor design, construction, and urban planning sectors. Employers include private landscape design studios, landscaping and construction companies, local government councils, property developers, urban planning and infrastructure consultancies, botanical gardens, resort and hospitality groups, and government departments responsible for parks and open space. With experience, many graduates establish their own independent design practice, serving residential and commercial clients directly.
Entry Level
Graduate / Assistant Designer
Landscape Design Assistant, Junior Landscape Draftsperson, Landscape Trainee, Garden Design Assistant
Early Career
Landscape Designer / Coordinator
Landscape Designer, Residential Garden Designer, Planting Designer, Landscape Project Coordinator, Parks and Open Space Officer
Mid-Level
Senior Designer / Specialist
Senior Landscape Designer, Commercial Landscape Designer, Landscape Consultant, Sustainable Landscape Specialist, Urban Green Space Designer
Senior Level
Manager / Principal Designer
Landscape Design Manager, Principal Landscape Designer, Landscape Construction Manager, Design Studio Manager
Leadership
Director / Practice Owner
Director of Landscape Design, Practice Principal, Self-Employed Design Business Owner, Head of Landscape and Open Space
Salaries for landscape design professionals in Australia vary depending on experience, employer type, and location, with strong earning potential for those who build a specialised portfolio or run their own practice.
Melbourne
Melbourne is a national hub for landscape design, with a thriving garden culture, world-class show gardens, and strong demand from the city's booming residential and commercial construction sectors. The city hosts major industry events such as the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show (MIFGS), giving students and graduates unparalleled exposure to industry leaders and cutting-edge design trends.
Sydney
Sydney's dynamic property market, major urban renewal projects, and significant public realm investment create strong and consistent demand for skilled landscape designers. The city's coastal geography and diverse urban landscape provide rich and varied settings for practical learning, and graduates benefit from one of Australia's most active job markets for design professionals.
Brisbane
Brisbane's subtropical climate, rapid population growth and major infrastructure investment — including post-Olympics urban development — are driving strong demand for landscape design professionals who understand warm-climate planting and sustainable outdoor design. The region's growing focus on green spaces and liveable communities makes it an exciting place to build a landscape design career.
Perth
Perth's unique Mediterranean climate and distinctive native flora create exciting opportunities for landscape designers who want to specialise in water-wise, sustainable and Australian native garden design. With significant residential growth across Perth's suburbs and a strong culture of outdoor living, there is consistent work for qualified designers across residential and commercial sectors.
Adelaide
Adelaide's strong horticultural heritage, award-winning parklands and growing sustainable design sector make it an excellent city for landscape design study and practice. The South Australian government actively supports the landscaping industry, and the city's mix of heritage gardens and contemporary green infrastructure provides diverse practical learning opportunities.
Canberra
As Australia's purpose-built garden city, Canberra offers a unique environment for landscape designers, with strong demand from federal, ACT and local government for public open space, urban greening and environmental planning projects. The city's significant investment in parks, reserves and institutional grounds provides graduates with access to large-scale, meaningful public landscape work.
Before choosing a course, students should compare:
International students who want to study in Australia should also consider additional requirements before applying.
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