Courses

Landscaping - the design, construction and maintenance of gardens, parks and open spaces, is an expanding industry and one which is important to all of us, because it can have a direct impact on our environment. 


It can turn a boring traffic roundabout into an attractive oasis, a motorway verge into a wildlife sanctuary or a piece of waste ground into a tranquil spot to sit and watch the world go by.

The sector offers career opportunities to anyone of any age who enjoys the idea of a life outdoors, creating and looking after something pleasing to the eye of all who see it. The professionals may specialise in hard landscaping, which includes building walls, laying paving and patios and erecting fencing, or soft landscaping, which means planting and maintaining, trees, shrubs, bulbs, herbaceous and grass. Some do both.

 Suntrap Landscaping

At Oatridge we offer recognised expert teaching and training and our extensive estate and campus provide a wide variety of facilities and locations for practical and technical work. We have a purpose built covered area for learning brickwork skills, and design is catered for with a dedicated drawing suite.

Extensive use is made of 'off campus' sites, including builders' yards, quarries and brickworks, garden centres, botanical gardens and our specialist satellite Suntrap Garden at Gogar. Students regularly practice their developing skills in community and other constructional garden projects as part of their course. Students and staff have enjoyed success in competitions and garden shows, including the prize for 'Best Patio Garden' at Gardening Scotland.

Progressing further

Achieving the Certificate in Landscape Construction and Design may allow the student to progress to the Higher National Certificate in Horticulture, or the Higher National Certificate in Landscape Management. Both courses are available at Oatridge.

Completion of an HNC may be followed by study for a Higher National Diploma in Horticulture, which is offered by other Scottish Colleges. Successful completion of the HND may allow entry to 3rd year of a BSc Degree course in Horticulture or Landscape Management.

Part-time students who complete SVQ level 2 may be able to move on to SVQ level 3.

Career opportunities :

  • Parks Departments
  • Local Authorities
  • Landscaping Companies
  • Garden Centres and Retail Outlets
  • Self-Employed Business