Q: When can I start?
 
A: Anytime you like! Once you enroll you are placed on a dispatch list for the mailing of your Limperts Academy Starter Pack. Dispatch goes out once a month. Once you receive your Starter Pack you are ready to begin.

Q: I have no previous experience or background in design, is that a problem?
 
A: If you already had these skills then you wouldn’t need to learn them from us, so there is no pre-requisite for this course except a genuine interest in the subject and obviously an ability to read and write clearly. (Please note that special arrangements can be made for people with learning difficulties. Please contact us for further information.) All of our course materials are prepared to the highest standards and are written in language that is easy to understand and free from unnecessary jargon; if you have a genuine interest and desire to learn, then we will provide you with the best means to achieve that goal.

Q: Will my Limperts Academy of Design qualification be recognised?
 
A: Limperts Academy of Design is an Awarding Body, and all of our courses have been carefully structured to meet all the standards and requirements of the industry itself, as well as those set by independent training and education organisations around the world. Our HND courses are BTEC (Edexel International) accredited which is equal to 240 credits in the UK, 60 credit hours (Associates Degree) in the United States and is recognised worldwide. The BTEC HND is a highly sought after qualification by students and employers alike.

All of our courses have been developed by a dedicated team of Professional Designers/ Consultants, Industry Experts and Training Consultants, so you can be sure that your course is both up to date and relevant. The high standard of work that our students produce continues to gain a strong reputation in this industry, and by the time you have completed this course, you will have built up a portfolio of work which will act as a clear testament to your ability and your professionalism.

Q: Do I need to be able to draw?
 
A: As a designer, it will be essential for you to communicate your ideas through visual means, but as we have previously said, if you already had these skills then you wouldn’t need to learn them from us. Drawing is done with the aid of a drawing board and rulers, so if you can draw a straight line then you can produce plans and elevations. On this course, you will be given step-by-step instructions to produce detailed drawings, and by the end of the course you will be shown exactly how to create drawings and specifications to a professional standard. Furthermore, you will learn how to enhance your client presentations through the use of mood and concept boards, and by the end of this course you will be able to communicate your ideas proficiently and to a professional standard.

Q: How long does it take to complete an assignment?
 
A: The "average" time spent on each assignment is between 10 and 12 hours. This is a professional qualification and clearly it requires commitment to achieve what is required. However, this is a creative and enjoyable subject, and "study" in the conventional sense does not apply to these assignments. All the coursework is very practical and while students will admit that it takes commitment, they all stress the enjoyment factor and sense of pride and achievement in their work.

Q: What happens if I fail?
 
A: Each course assignment is returned to you with detailed feedback to tell you exactly where your strengths and weaknesses lie so that you can continually improve your work to meet the standards required by the industry. If any of your course assignments are below standard, they will be returned to you by your tutor and you will be asked to re-do the assignment, taking on board the tutor’s comments and helpful feedback. This doesn’t happen regularly, but regardless, it’s all part of the learning process and after all that is what this course is all about.

Your assignments will be graded Pass, Merit or Distinction, and you must complete all assignments successfully and the final project before you will be awarded the Diploma in Landscaping & Garden Design. Having completed all the assignments successfully, it is very unlikely that you will fail to achieve the standard required on the Final Project. In the event that your project does not meet the required standards, you will be given the opportunity to re-submit once for a nominal fee.

It should be noted that from the outset of this course your work is measured against the industry standards and not merely other students. By the time you have completed this course in full, you should be properly prepared to work proficiently in the industry. Furthermore, your grades should give you a good indication of how you compare against industry standards. The grading system will be explained in full in the student handbook that accompanies this course.

Q: Do I have to come to Ireland or the UK to study for my final exams?
 
A: No, as it is Home Study all that you need to complete your Limperts Academy course successfully is in the course material, handbook and / or is accessible on our website. With Limperts Academy of Design there are no exams. For all courses there is a final project designed to test you on all that you have learned.

Q: What is the level of education of your tutors?
 
A: All of our tutors have degrees in their respective field along with relevant industry experience.

Q: What are the costs of Limperts Academy courses?
 
A: Click here for the ENROL ONLINE section to be taken to the costs and payment options page

Q: Do I have to pay the full tuition or can I pay in monthly installments?
 
A: You can choose to pay the full tuition or Limperts Academy does offer a monthly installment plan. Click here for the ENROL ONLINE section for more information.

Q: Are there any additional costs not included within the course fee?
 
A: Our course fees represent excellent value for money, and everything is included in the price, we stress that there are no hidden costs. All of our course manuals have been specifically written for each programme; they are very thorough and contain all the information needed to complete the course. Additional reading lists are provided to students who wish to conduct further research but it should be reiterated that the course materials have been specifically created to be the best guide available and the manuals provided take the place of any "essential reading" list.

However, certain consumables are needed in order to complete your assignments. You will also need some presentation equipment to present your portfolio at the end of the course, but these should be seen as "tools of the trade", and you will continue to use them in your work on completion of this course. Students will obviously need to purchase standard stationery items themselves, and we would always encourage students to buy books and magazines to get as many ideas as possible. However, the course materials are very thorough and contain all the information needed to complete the course.

The postage and packaging costs are a one-time payment. Additional posting by the student can be sent through normal post and cost to the student is dependent on their particular location. All assignments are returned to the student at Limperts Academy's cost (with exception for the final project).

Click here for the ENROL ONLINE section to be taken to the costs and payment options page.

Q: Will I be able to learn this subject sufficiently through home study (distance learning)?
 
A: More people than ever are now choosing home study, making it one of the fastest growing ways of learning, and for good reason. Home study may be unfamiliar to you personally and it’s natural if you have some concerns, particularly about learning a creative subject such as this. However, Limperts Academy of Design have enrolled students in over 17 countries, helping them to achieve standards of excellence through home study that has frequently been described as "impossible". Our commitment to providing quality training programs has resulted in unique teaching and student support systems that produce unparalleled results. In short, students on our courses consistently produce higher quality work, achieve at higher levels and in a shorter period of time than conventional wisdom suggests possible. The continuing achievements of our students and the professional recognition and external validation of our programs is testament to the quality of our courses and we believe that we can provide you with the best way to achieve your learning goals. The advantages of home study include:

• You can work at a pace to suit your schedule
• You never miss a class or lecture
• You will save wasted travel time, that can be spent on coursework
• Start dates are once a month, so you can begin anytime and don’t have to wait for the academic year
• Not least, there is a considerable saving in choosing the home study method as the tuition costs and facility overheads are greatly reduced
• There are many support tools in place to encourage you as a home study student, and our Home Study students consistently produce a high standard of work. The course materials are all extremely clear and easy to understand, and the feedback you receive from your tutor is invaluable in helping you achieve your goals.

Q: Is there a graduation ceremony?
 
A: Yes, but it is optional as to whether you would like to attend.