Distance learning – next run in September 2018

If you would like to be added to the waiting list for the September 2018 handbook with full details on the course please email us at education@rbge.org.uk and we will send it to you as soon as it becomes available, likely to be early 2018.

The Distance Learning Course takes place over three years and follows a set time-table. Through PropaGate, the RBGE’s virtual learning environment you will work through the same learning modules as the taught course. Online tutorials are scheduled at intervals throughout the course to support work in progress, and these will typically make use of Skype.

This course requires a significant amount of home study – approx. 18 hours per week. All course content is delivered via PropaGate with online tutor support and feedback. Years 1 and 2 will cover essential techniques and skills of botanical illustration, leading to the production of a themed collection of paintings to be completed by the end of year 3.

The course tutors are botanical artists and RBGE tutors Jacqui Pestell, Lizzie Sanders, Claire Banks, Isık Güner, and Sharon Tingey, as well as visiting specialists and guests. There will also be input from RBGEs botanists and horticulturists.

Requirements

Students aiming to enter either Diploma course are expected to have a reasonable level of skill in artistic illustration, ideally botanical or plant in subject, and should have a demonstrable interest in the area of study. Selection of students is through portfolio assessment and interview.
RBGE also offer an extensive series of botanical art short courses and workshops that provide you with the basic skills before beginning the Diploma, as well as other art and crafts workshops.

Please note that this course is not designed for beginners. Artists at beginner’s level would gain most benefit from the RBGE Certificate in Botanical Illustration course. The certificate course has been created as an ideal stepping-stone to the Diploma and offers an introduction to the basics skills of drawing and painting needed to record plants and produce a portfolio of work. Full details can be found here: www.rbge.org.uk/certbi

How to apply

You can download the Applicant’s Handbooks at RBGE website. The Applicant’s Handbook contains further information on the courses and an application form, also you can visit Propagate webpage, please click. If the information in the Handbook does not answer any questions you may have, please contact the Education office via our enquiry form (select ‘Education’) or directly at:

Education Department
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
20A Inverleith Row
Edinburgh
EH3 5LR
Telephone: 0131 248 2937