There are literally dozens of garden design courses on offer, some lasting a few days, others several years. The most important thing when making a choice is to be sure that the course, and the people running it, meet your needs.

Below, we raise a number of questions and issues that you might find useful in weighing up the merits of different courses. The list isn't, by any means, exhaustive and you will have your own specific interests and concerns, which you should put to course providers. If you are re-training to become a garden designer we fully understand that you are making a life-changing decision. Our advice is quite simple: if in doubt, ask!

Check who will actually be teaching you. Is it an experienced, practising garden designer?

Be clear about your longer term aims and be realistic about fitting your training around any other commitments!

Garden design courses come in all shapes and sizes, some for enthusiastic amateurs, others for the serious professional. When making your choice, try to be clear about your overall objectives. Where do you expect to be, in career terms, when the course has ended? Also, be realistic about how your training is likely to fit alongside any other work or domestic commitments you have.

Will you be taught all of the most important practical skills a designer needs?

If you view your training as a means of obtaining work as a garden designer (either freelance or within another business) make sure that the course you choose equips you to do this. Does the syllabus cover the types of practical skills and challenges you're likely to face in real life? In addition to honing your design skills and knowledge of hard/soft landscaping, will you learn about surveying, planning law and construction methods? How about developing specifications, costing a project and managing contracts effectively? These skills are all crucial if you are to 'hit the ground running' once you have completed a course.

Are the college's tutors genuinely qualified and experienced in their respective fields?

Some colleges employ lecturers and tutors who have only recently completed a garden design qualification themselves. They sometimes have little or no teaching experience. Even worse, they haven't actually spent any time in the real world as professional garden designers. So it's worth checking and satisfying yourself that your tutors really do know what they're talking about.

Visit colleges of interest as soon as you can and ask to see examples of students' work

How will your progress be monitored? Exams? Coursework?

It's important to know how your work will be assessed. If you have to sit formal, written examinations make sure you are happy with this. If not, choose a course which sets a range of practical, relevant assignments.

How will you receive feedback, and how often?

In addition to asking how you will be assessed, ask how often your work will be marked. It is pointless going for months on end without your progress being checked. Perhaps even more importantly, determine how quickly your work will be returned to you. You can only move forward if your tutors identify your strengths and weaknesses, swiftly and efficiently.

Will the course help you to set up your own business?

If you intend to work as a freelance garden designer you may need help and advice on how to get started. Unless you intend to do a separate course on starting up a business, check that this is included.

Find out how large teaching groups are and satisfy yourself that the skills you're being taught are those you'll actually need.

So, overall, which type of course will suit you best and what else should you consider?

Degrees are recognised nationally and internationally and if you are looking for an academic qualification, requiring three or more years' study, this could be the best solution for you. However, it is worth checking how many 'contact' hours you will receive - because it can be surprisingly few - and the commitment you are making, in terms of both cost and time, is considerable.

Many people attracted to the garden design profession are career changers and looking instead for high quality, targeted learning over a shorter timespan. They specifically want to work as professional designers, either running their own business or joining or enhancing an existing one. If this is your goal, ask people already working in the industry for their observations and advice. Visit the colleges you are interested in as soon as you can and ask to see examples of students' work. If possible, take the time to meet, or at least talk to, some of the college's students, past and present. Is the course popular and does it get booked up early? How big will teaching groups be? Try to gauge whether lectures cover the skills a practising garden designer actually needs. And are the lecturers experienced, practising garden designers? It's also worth checking if students are encouraged to mix with industry professionals from the outset and if membership of the Society of Garden Designers is offered.