The Distance Diploma in Botanical Illustration is designed as a hybrid course. All online learners have the option to come to RBGE to attend a study week, to meet their tutors, and to connect with fellow students in person. After spending a significant amount of time together on our online teaching platform, meeting in person is always a particularly enjoyable moment.
Date: 22 - 26 June 2026
Location: Royal Botanic Gardens of Edinburgh
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The Distance Learning Course takes place over two years and follows a set timetable. Through PropaGate, 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 Microsoft Teams.
This course requires a significant amount of home study — approximately 18 to 20 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 ofwork Year 3.
The course tutors are external botanical artists and RBGE tutors, including myself, under the supervision of Jacqui Pestell. There will also be input from RBGE's botanists and horticulturists.
How does work the online learning work?
Learning takes place through PropaGate, RBGE's virtual learning environment, which helps you explore the world of plants through distance and blended learning programmes.
Tutors
This course is designed by Jacqui Pestell, the Art Director of RBGE. The course has several tutors selected according to their areas of expertise, as well as visiting tutors and an external moderator.
How to apply
You can download the Applicant's Handbook from the RBGE website. The Handbook contains further information about the course and an application form. If the Handbook does not answer your questions, please contact the Education office via the enquiry form (select 'Education') or directly at:
Education Department
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
20A Inverleith Row
Edinburgh
EH3 5LR
Telephone: 0131 248 2937