running a design practice

This is a comprehensive, 12-module programme taking you step-by-step through your business start-up, from initial idea to launch, and beyond. Whether planning a garden design or interior design practice this course will suit your needs. The course includes all course material, full tutorial support with an expert tutor/mentor and course book The Complete Small Business Guide, Colin Barrow.

(normal price: £345)

Study topics include: the design marketplace; market research; motivation, getting to know your customer base; the role of advertising, marketing and PR; an on-line presence; creating a business plan; developing a strong portfolio; small business and the law; working with contractors and customers; networking; future forecasts; sources of advice, information and further training.

The course can be studied entirely from home in your own time and is designed to be flexible. You can work through the 12 assignments at your own pace, depending on how quickly you want your start-up to progress - this could be anything from 12 weeks - 3 years. Students putting in 3 - 4 study hours per week might expect to finish the course in 10 - 12 months.

Our tutorial support is second-to-none! You'll be assigned a personal tutor as soon as you enrol who will work with you all the way through. You can contact your tutor directly at any time if you have any questions or problems, or if you would just like a chat about how the course is going. Tutorial support is by e-mail and/or telephone.

You can spread the cost of your course over 8 months by choosing our instalment option - that's one payment every two months. There is a £20 administration fee if you choose this option.

Note: you can also pay for this course by our instalment plan. Normal instalment price: £365: Deposit - £55; Four instalments - £77.50 each. If booking on-line: £313.25; deposit - £55; four instalments - £64.56.(This includes an administration fee of £20.) You will only be charged the deposit when you enrol.

If you wish to pay by instalments please contact us on: 01896 860661.

Learning Curve is one of the UK's leading distance learning providers. All of our home study courses include study material, which is sent out in an attractive, hardwearing folder, essential course books and full tutorial support. We are accredited by the Open and Distance Learning Quality Council, members of the Association of British Correspondence Colleges and the British Learning Association, and registered as providers with the Learning Skills Council. For more about Learning Curve click here.