Develop detailed knowledge of Permaculture and Permaculture Systems.
- Study the fundamentals and principles of permaculture and sustainability.
- Understand the interaction of different natural and environmental elements.
- Study climate, water, soils and much more to understand how to apply this to permaculture.
- Understand approaches to waste management and recycling (of energy, water etc.)
- Understand the impact and integration of plants and animals into a permaculture system.
- Learn about permaculture design principles and planning and managing a balanced system.
- Suitable for commercial growers and landscapers, as well as the serious home gardener.
- Successful graduates of this course will be awarded a Permaculture Design Certificate.
- The course can be started at any time.
- Study with the support and guidance of our specialist tutors.
UNDERSTANDING PERMACULTURE
Requires an understanding of how Nature Works
Consider Mulch ....
There are lots of conflicting factors to understand:
Mulch insulates keeping root zone cooler in summer and warmer in winter, coarse mulch absorbs water better, but fine mulch like sawdust can repel water if bone dry, but if a little moist it absorbs and soaks up water, mulch can smother weeds if thick enough, but certain weeds will grow through even thick mulch; mulch can increase or reduce reflection of light - but that may depend on what type of mulch; stone mulches are a better heat bank than organic mulch; but as organic mulches decompose, heat is generated by the decomposition process. If decomposition is fast, more heat is generated, but nitrogen is temporarily absorbed by decomposing bacteria, which can leave plants nitrogen deficient. Eventually decomposition of mulch increases nutrients into soil.
Light weight mulches may blow or wash away; but some mulches are less likely to move. Mulch can also be used to minimise erosion. Some mulches compact, others don't (eg. wood shavings might be laid down 30cm thick but after a month or so be 20cm thick).
Some mulches attract pests (eg. sugar cane attracts ants, woods may attract termites) others may inhibit pests - snakes & snails might avoid crawling on wood shavings)
Most people misuse mulch, commonly by:
- Not getting the thickness right
- Not topping it up often enough
- Putting plastic under it
Type of mulch, thickness & other aspects depend upon climate, microclimate
30cm thickness is commonly about right in most situations and climates.
HOW THE COURSE WORKS
You can start the course at any time.
It is studied by distance learning, so you can study in the comfort of your own home. But this doesn't mean you are all alone in your studies. Our highly qualified and friendly tutors are there to help you every step of the way. If you have any questions at all, they are always happy to help.
Each lesson includes set tasks, and is completed with an assignment which the student submits to their course tutor. The tutor will mark the assignment and return this to the student with comments and suggestions for further reading.
HOW THE FOUNDATION DIPLOMA IS ASSESSED
The Foundation Diploma In Permaculture requires approximately 1000 hours of study. It is made up of ten 100-hour modules.
To pass the course –
- Pass all assignments on the ten 100-hour modules. There will be an assignment at the end of each lesson to submit to your tutor for marking and feedback.
- Pass ten examinations – one on each module. These are usually taken at the end of the module and can be arranged at a time and location to suit you.
THE ACS APPROACH TO DISTANCE LEARNING
At ACS we provide you with more than just a set of course notes.
Your 'learning package' includes:
- Course notes.
- Self-assessment quizzes.
- Assignment feedback.
- You can interact one on one with a professional tutor with decades of experience - just email, phone or log on to chat to connect with them.
- Depending upon your course, your studies may involve independent research, interviews, practical exercises, assessments, Problem Based Learning projects, and more.
OUR STUDENTS SAY
"[The course was] inspirational, motivational and to add to my knowledge in general Horticulture so can add this to my CV for potential jobs and also improve work for my self-employment as a professional gardener/consultant."
Yoke, Permaculture Systems Course
ENROL TODAY - OR CONTACT US WITH YOUR QUESTIONS
You can enrol on our courses today - simply go to the "It's easy to enrol ..." box at the top right-hand side of this page, select your payment plan and your learning method.
Or contact us -
Please get in touch with our specialist Permaculture tutors today; they will be happy to discuss your study aims and answer any of your questions about our courses.