A PA member recently requested to know some options for where/how to do a Permaculture Diploma. In Australia, the options are:
Qualifications accredited in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF):
- Accredited vocational training in Permaculture => AHC52115 Diploma of Permaculture. Available at:
- Riverina Tafe NSW (https://www.rit.tafensw.edu.
au/courses/detail/ permaculture-dip-2018-846069) - Skills Strategies International (http://www.skillstrategies.
wa.edu.au/strategie-course/ ahc52116-diploma-of- permaculture/)
- Riverina Tafe NSW (https://www.rit.tafensw.edu.
Awards that are not accredited in the AQF but which have a long pedigree as internationally recognised study with an experienced mentor:
- The Diploma in Permaculture (http://www.
permaculturevisions.com/ courses/diploma-in- permaculture) - Blue Mountains Permaculture Institute offer a diploma (http://www.
bluemountainspermacultureinsti tute.com.au/sample-page-1)
Notes to consider:
- The Diploma of Permaculture (AHC52115) is intended for people working in communities, designing large projects, teaching and training to this level, strategic planning at a relatively large scale and local government/business initiatives etc. The Diploma of Permaculture is an 18 month (3 semesters or equivalent) course where participants are trained to be job-ready for a managerial career in permaculture. They are likely to be working in a leadership capacity for organisations, groups, or enterprises and in jobs involving a whole system approach to planning, design, management and implementation of integrated permaculture projects and programs, permaculture community programs, and the operation of permaculture enterprises.
- Options 3 & 4 are non-formal, non-accredited awards available more generally and linked to the knowledge and teacher-pupil relationship of the PDC whereas Options 1 & 2 are accredited certified training (ie something where the endpoint is a career/job in permaculture).