This page covers Diploma and Certificate Courses offered in the UK and USA
​ 

This page covers
  1. Guidelines on how to assess and choose a course from available options; and
  2. Listings of Diploma and Certificate courses in Botanical Art ​- in the UK and USA. 

GUIDELINES: How to choose a course; how to assess your options
​

Those wanting to develop their knowledge, skills and competence in botanical art and illustration often opt for a more structured and in-depth course over a longer period.

In doing so they often look at the Diploma and Certificate Courses offered by:
  • botanical gardens
  • botanical art societies
  • botanical art schools
  • ​botanical art tutors
The main problem for those wanting to sign up for a course is that although the words might indicate they are pretty similar, the reality is that these Diploma and Certificate Courses can be very different.

Some are very good - and some need to improve (e.g. content and/or delivery and/or communication of what they do!)

I RECOMMEND that you research all the options open to you before signing up and parting with your cash.
CHECKLIST OF QUESTIONS:
I recommend that you ask the same questions of each course and then compare answers

Does the course information:
  • BASELINE SKILL LEVEL: Does the information specify a skill level I need to have before I can start the course and/or indicate my previous artwork will be assessed?
  • VENUE/FACILITIES: Where / how will the course will be delivered; what facilities are available?
  • COURSE: Is the course part of a validated course? i.e. a module or programme which a degree-awarding body approves to contribute, or lead, to one of their awards. 
  • SYLLABUS / CONTENT: Does the syllabus indicate the range of content covered by taught and/or private study modules?  Is the delivery of syllabus content models structured in a coherent and logical way?
  • DESCRIPTION: Does the course description tend to focus on inputs i.e. what the tutor does OR learning outcomes i.e. what you will know and be able to do on completing the course?
  • LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Are the learning objectives for every module clearly spelt out?
  • EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES: ​indicate what resources will be available to assist with learning e.g. course guides; course books; videos; demonstrations
  • OUTCOMES: How does the course define the knowledge, skills and competences that diligent students acquire as an outcome of taking this course i.e. what can you hope to achieve?
  • NAMES OF TUTORS: Does the course state the names and experience of the tutors for the course and/or each specific course / module?
  • QUALIFICATIONS TO TEACH: state the qualifications of a teacher/tutor for teaching a specific course?
  • CONTACT TIME: define standards for how often a student ( or students) will meet with a tutor face to face and for how long (or the equivalent access if distance learning or online). Is the balance between taught lessons and private study indicated?
  • ASSESSMENT: How is the acquisition of knowledge, skills and competence is assessed? Is the criteria for course assessment clearly explained?
  • FEES: Does the course have one fee or a number of different fees? 
  • REFUND: indicate whether a refund is available and the terms?
  • CONTRACT: Are the terms and conditions of the course contract you will be asked to sign clearly stated BEFORE you pay the course fee?
  • ORGANISATION: Is the organisation recognised by an approved body and accredited to award qualifications?
  • BUSINESS DETAILS: detail a business name, name of contact person, business address and contact telephone numbers and email address for the organisation / tutor delivering the course?
  • RECOMMENDATIONS: Ask around - find out whether or not the course and/or the tutors are recommended - but bear in mind ex-students are more likely to have experience of different tutors than different courses.

What will you learn?

In choosing a course, prospective students should identify:
  • the quantity and quality of the information about the course available to a prospective student - PRIOR to payment of any fee
  • the course objectives - if stated - and the learning objectives for each module along the way
  • the target audience i.e. what skills are required before you start
  • what knowledge, skills and competences will be taught and how these will be taught
  • how progress is assessed - in terms of knowledge, skills and competence
  • basic information about the organisation running the course

How is the course structured?

It's usual for a Certificate course to precede Diploma level courses if both are offered.
Most Certificate and Diploma Courses typically adopt a modular approach (but not always).
These often involve:
  • specification of required modules for all students
  • completion of a specified number of additional elective modules according to the student's interest
  • the completion of 'pre-registration' modules for those who are required to achieve a certain level of knowledge and skill prior to attempting a more advanced module.

Criteria for differentiating between a Pass level and Merit or Distinction should be explicit

Where both a Certificate and Diploma Course is offered, there should be
  • clear statements as to how these differ and inter-relate - and
  • what the target knowledge and skill outcomes are for students following each type of course.

Will the method used for course delivery suit you / be affordable?

Each option has its pros and cons - you need to work out which one suits you best.
Courses offered can be taught in various ways:
  • face to face in a classroom and/or
  • distance learning using post and/or
  • distance learning using online facilities.
​I RECOMMEND You check / assess:
  • what is the total contact teaching time?
  • what is the suggested time allocated to private study inbetween classes?
  • what specific support materials are also available in terms of books, manuals, videos etc
  • the learning environment (e.g. at home or in a botanic garden environment) and what that has to offer,
  • whether the method of course delivery is affordable and/or will suit you (e.g. convenience vs. additional expenses of travel and/or hotels etc)

How good is the course?

Diploma Courses are often NOT cheap.

Students would be wise to satisfy themselves that a course is both
  • good quality
  • represents good value for money. ​
I RECOMMEND prospective students SHOULD:
  • Make the most of opportunities to meet tutors and learn about the courses e.g. Diploma Courses in the UK often have trade stands at the RHS Botanical Art Show
  • Check the websites / quality of the artwork produced in the past by the tutors before signing up for a course. Are they dedicated botanical artists? Have they trained in art? Have they qualified as teachers. While an artist who produces good botanical artwork does not always make a good tutor, any botanical art teacher must be able to demonstrate relevant knowledge and skills in order to be able to teach them! (That's not always the same as being able to demonstrate in a classroom; health issues can lead to difficulties in painting - but not difficulties in teaching)
  • Check the artwork of students following the course - many of them post their work on Facebook!
  • Listen out for recommendations and/or comments. Do what you'd normally do when making an investment in something new. Ask current or recent students for comments about the quality of the current tuition and whether they'd recommend he course to a best friend. Do however remember that most students only have experience of once course. Recommendations about specific tutors are much more likely to be useful in informing a decision.

Is the Course formally accredited by an approved educational body?

Most BOTANICAL ART Diploma and Certificate Courses in the UK:
  • are NOT formally accredited within the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) 
  • do NOT undergo any formal assessment or external validation/accreditation of the course by an independent and approved/recognised educational body/learning institution - such as a university (unless otherwise stated).

This lack of any sort of common framework and/or accredited standards means that Diploma and Certificate courses will VARY.

They will VARY in terms of:
  • the level and quality of delivery in one place compared to another. One institution's Diploma might be called a Certificate elsewhere
  • their content and standards. Look for defined teaching objectives and outputs/outcomes in terms of measurable and defined knowledge, skills and competences that a student is expected to acquire.  If a course description is vague in terms of syllabus and content and transferable knowledge, skills and competences, it's much more likely that quality can vary significantly - because nobody is setting standards and measuring whether they are achieved.
  • the length of time required and fees required - some are very expensive. More expensive may mean better but it's no guarantee.
  • the quantity and quality of support materials - from handouts. through manuals, books and videos. Look to see whether there are samples on the website marketing the courses - and check them out. You can tell a lot by what organisations are prepared to share for free.
  • the quality of the tutors teaching the course - and teaching ability and skills of tutors can vary.  This is why I list who these are where this is stated publicly. Some are professionally qualified teachers, most are not (although having a qualification is not always a good indication of ability to teach!).  My personal view is that it is essential that you can see the calibre of work produced by somebody who is going to teach you. 
When is a Diploma not a Diploma?

In most Higher Education contexts, the term "Diploma" has a specific meaning - however the meaning of this term is not universal. ​For example, in the UK, the Open University defines a Diploma as follows
Diploma
  • - Widely-recognised qualification.
  • - Equivalent to the first two thirds of an honours degree.
  • - Enhance your professional and technical skills or extend your knowledge and understanding of a subject.
  • - Study for interest or career development.
  • - Top up to a full honours degree in just two years.

DIPLOMA & CERTIFICATE COURSES IN BOTANICAL ART / ILLUSTRATION
​

Links to more information ​about the courses are embedded in their titles. ​
​
I aim to extend course information to include other locations around the world. ​Do please use the form at the bottom of the page ​to suggest a course delivered by a recognised art society or botanical art school ​ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD

Botanical Art Diploma & Certificate Courses in the UK

In order for a Diploma to be a transferable qualification recognised in other countries wholly depends on whether or not it forms part of an accredited framework of qualifications - which works internationally. In the UK, accredited qualifications all fall within a recognised structure and are regulated and accredited by one of the four main regulatory bodies in the UK who recognise awarding organisations and their qualifications.

So far as I am aware NONE of the Botanical Art Diplomas offered in the UK are "accredited qualifications" and accordingly their content and standards are likely to vary.

That said, Diploma Courses offer a structured and systematic education in botanical art and illustration which is no longer offered by the universities. 

​You need to decide whether such Courses offer added value over and above botanical art instruction books and taking courses in specific topics with individual tutors.

Society of Botanical Artists - Distance Learning Diploma Course
​

The Society of Botanical Artists was the first to offer a distance learning Diploma taught by members of the Society.
​The First Director was Margaret Stevens who wrote three of the books now used by the Course, co-authored a fourth and is now writing a fifth (to update and replace the first book). ​
The Current DLDC Director is Simon Williams
SBA Diploma Course
Work by the Final Year Diploma students is exhibited every year at the Annual Exhibition of the Society of Botanical Artists
The SBA Distance Learning Diploma Course (DLDC)
This is unique endeavour among art societies - a distance learning course designed to raise the standards of botanical art which is taught by members of the Society. 

You can SEE THE RESULTS of the course at the SBA Annual Exhibition every year where coursework by final year diploma students is displayed.

You can also find out about the course at the RHS Botanical Art Show where the SBA takes a stand for the DLDC each year.

Features of the SBA DLDC:
  • attracts students from all over the world due to its delivery via distance learning.  Current students come from Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, the Republic of Korea, South Africa, Brazil, Canada and the USA as well as Europe and the UK
  • designed for those with familiarity with watercolour painting.
  • lasts  27 months 
  • requires students to complete 12 assignments plus a Diploma Portfolio of three artworks and an essay
  • Course grade is based on continuous assessment of all 12 assignments, Diploma Portfolio and essay (introduced 2016)
  • Course 15: Deadline for application forms and receipt of portfolios by Course Director: 30 November 2017
  • Course 15 commences on the 1st January 2017.  
DOWNLOAD the Distance Learning Diploma Course 14 Information Sheet (pdf) which details the prospectus, list of assignments, details about starting dates of Courses, application form, fees and payment arrangements. 

REVIEW the Compendium Page on this website of links to past students' blog posts about their SBA Diploma Assigments. Please note that requirements and assignments have changed over time.

VIEW the books developed for the SBA Diploma Course.
The SBA have developed a suite of books to accompany their courses and aid the development of expertise of students of botanical art. 
  • These were landmark publications when first published.
  • There were no other publications specifically written as support for a taught course.
  • These books can be bought by anybody.

​See a photo of the Graduation Ceremony in 2017
SBA Diploma Course
The SBA Distance Learning Diploma Course at the RHS Botanical Art Show in February 2015. (Left to right: Gael Selwood Vice President, Sandra Armitage, President and Simon Williams, Director of the Diploma Course)
Picture
"The Botanical Palette" SBA Annual Exhibition (2008) - celebrating the publication of the SBA's book of the same name. On the left is the image by Ann Swan used for the front cover of her book about using coloured pencils for the creation of botanical art.
The Art of Botanical Painting
by Margaret Stevens

​This is the basic text for the SBA's Distance Learning Diploma Course.
It was written by Margaret Stevens, an ex-President of the SBA and includes images by members of the society - many of whom are practising professional botanical artists
​This is an excellent book to get if you are contemplating applying for the Diploma Course as it gives you a very good idea of what is required.

See my Book Review: The Art of Botanical Painting
Not for beginners! This book is not aimed at those learning how to draw and paint. There is no attempt to explain or teach basic techniques relating to generic drawing and painting.
Katherine Tyrrell - Book Review: The Art of Botanical Painting (see above)
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Hardcover: 144 pages
Publisher: Collins in UK / Smithsonian in USA
Publication date: 1 Nov. 2004

Average Customer Rating out of 5 stars:
  • in UK: 4.5 (based on 20 customer reviews) (and much higher if you discount one individual who obviously wanted a very basic 'step by step' how to book!)
  • in USA: 4.3 based on 28 customer reviews​​

Royal Botanical Garden Edinburgh - Diploma and Certificate in Botanical Illustration

Picture
Jacqui Pestell on the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh stand display about the Diploma and Certificate Courses in Botanical Illustration
The reputation of the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh (RBGE) in relation to training botanical illustrators is growing year by year.
  • The Course Director is Jacqui Pestell MBE BA (Hons). She is a qualified educator in art who was awarded an MBE for the development of botanical art in Scotland.
  • Click the links embedded in titles for more information on the RGBE website.
  • SPECIAL NOTE: RBGE Tutors Sharon Tingey and Işık Güner have won RHS Gold Medals for their botanical art
Picture
RBGE 2017-19 Attended Diploma Course - Applicants' Handbook Cover
RBGE Diploma in Botanical Illustration
This is a prestigious two year course accredited by the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh. You have the option of studying for the Diploma Course
RBGE Certificate in Botanical Illustration
The Certificate is taught by experienced and enthusiastic tutors. It comprises eight full-day taught units with assessment built into the programme within a standard framework. This is delivered as:
  • either a block course over 2 weeks
  • or as a one-year part-time course with the individual units taking place on Saturdays or Sundays from September 2016 - June 2017
The RGBE Distance Learning Courses are unique in making use of PropaGate, the RBGE’s virtual learning environment and online tutorials via Skype for those following the Online option.

This is a video about the course and the PropaGate software used to deliver distance learning.

​The Chelsea School of Botanical Art - Diploma in Botanical Illustration and Painting

The Chelsea School of Botanical Art is based at the Chelsea Physic Garden. The Principal of the School (founded in 2014)  is Helen Allen BA, PGCEd, Dip EGS, FLS who was the Course Director at for the Diploma Courses offered by the English Gardening School for 8 years.
The Chelsea School of Botanical Art began offering a NEW Diploma Course in 2014.  

Chelsea School of Botanical Art Diploma in Botanical Illustration and Painting
​
The course is taught on a Monday each week.
  • Year 1 of the Diploma comprises 3 Terms of approximately 10 weeks each, for a total of 30 weeks.
  • Year 2 of the Diploma is devoted to Private Study. 
  • Tuition is provided by Helen Allen (owner) and a group of practicing artists and botanists. 
  • Past botanical art tutors for drawing and painting have included: Elaine Searle,  Julia Trickey, Sarah Gould, Sally Pond, Penny Price and Mary Ellen Taylor.
  • Tutors for botany and illustration include Anna Haigh (teaches botany) and Lucy T Smith (who teaches botanical illustration).

Alumni
The School also has an Alumni group called Amicus Botanicus who exhibit together. ​
NOTE: This Diploma Course replaces the Diploma Course in Botanical Painting founded by Anne-Marie Evans and previously offered by the English Gardening School (which closed in 2012). ​
The 2018 Diploma Course in Botanical Illustration and Painting begins 8 January 2018.

​Information sessions for the 2019 Diploma Course (beginning January 2019) will be held during the spring, summer and autumn terms 0f 2018. Start date to be confirmed. Information about applications will be detailed on the website

​You can also find out about the course at the RHS Botanical Art Show each year.
​
This blog post is is a review of the course and an interview with Helen Allen, Director of the Chelsea School of Botanical Art
Chelsea School of Botanical Art
Elaine Searle, Helen Allen and Mary Ellen Taylor of the Chelsea School of Botanical Art - Exhibiting at the RHS Botanical Art Show (February 2016)

Royal Botanic Garden Kew - Kew Certificate in Botanical Illustration

Kew has a tendency to behave as if all education which takes place at the Gardens relates to Botany or Horticulture!
​This may be about to change... 
​
  • The School of Botanical Illustration is very new (and does not, as yet, have a webpage)
  • Botanical Art and Illustration Courses have a 'tag'
  • Contact Kew for details of the programme and full prospectus (except the course page has disappeared again - and the prospectus is not available online as it is for other courses!)
Kew Certificate in Botanical Illustration 
This is a new annual programme of study. - running from September to July.
  • 2018/19 programme begins September 2018 - The next course runs from September 2018 to 29 July 2019  
  • ​The NEW Certificate Course comprises course modules taught by professional botanical illustrators and self-study coursework.  The programme aims to the provide a deep and comprehensive knowledge of all aspects needed for botanical illustration, botanical art and sketching and observing nature closely while benefiting from the unique and historic surroundings and collections at Kew. 
  • see (below) the new Kew Book of Botanical Illustration published Summer 2015
The Kew Book of Botanical Illustration Hardcover 
by Christabel King (Author)

​This is the very first book of instruction about botanical illustration ever produced by the publishing arm of the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew.

​Christobel King is a (recently retired) professional botanical illustrator who was Kew's chief botanical artist for very many years. She has produced scientific botanical illustrations for the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew for c.40 years.  This is a book which a lot of people have been waiting for a long time.
The book covers a wide range of topics relevant to the subject e.g.
  • the nature of scientific botanical illustration
  • technical skills: using magnification and dividers
  • botanical skills: how to preserve specimens of plant material
  • illustration skills: developing illustrations from pressed plants
  • how to paint for Curtis's Botanical Magazine
Paperback: 128 pages
Publisher: Search Press  Ltd (UK)
Publication date (UK): 26 July 2015 (USA) September 2015

Average Customer Rating out of 5 stars:
  • in UK: 4.6 based on 26 customer reviews
  • in USA: 4.7 based on 23 customer reviews​

BUY THIS BOOK​​
London Art College

Botanical Painting Online Course
  • ​Venue: Online
  • Dates: The expected duration of this course is approximately 1 year although the college allows students up to two years to complete their studies.
  • Content: websites provides summary details of areas covered and skills developed and also provides a sample of course material
  • Critiques: Online or by post
  • Tutors: Jarnie Godwin &  Shevaun Doherty

Botanical Art Schools and Courses in the USA
​

The list below is organised alphabetically by state name.
CALIFORNIA

Filoli
​
Filoli Botanical Art Certificate Program (PDF brochure)
​This program is for the serious student who wishes to develop knowledge and skills in botanical art. The curriculum includes the systematic study of artistic skills and concepts, basic botany and botanical art history.
A certificate is dependent upon:
  • successful completion of coursework (180 classroom hours plus homework)
  • presentation of a portfolio and final project. 
COLORADO 

School of Botanical Art and Illustration at Denver Botanic Gardens
The School offers both Certificate and Diploma courses as well as other short courses.

You can find out about the School and the courses it offers on this Botanical Illustration Information page. The current classes and courses programme can be downloaded.

They do no not have specific and unique pages accessible by mobile devices for the:
  • Foundational Certificate in Botanical Art and Illustration 
  • Diploma in Botanical Art and Illustration - open only to those who have completed a Cerificate level course at Denver or equivalent institutions. This is the pdf file for the Application for Diploma in Botanical Illustration

SPECIAL NOTE: SBAI Faculty members recently won an RHS Gold Medal (2017) for their botanical art and illustration
- see my blog post 
Interview with Denver Botanic Garden SBAI - RHS Botanical Art Gold Medallist 2017
Social media:
MASSACHUSETTS

Friends of Wellesley College Botanic Gardens
​website: http://www.wellesley.edu/wcbg/wcbg_friends
Certificate in Botanical Art and Illustration (CBA) - curriculum covers botanical art media and techniques and fosters a working knowledge of plant anatomy and development (Note: Enrollment in the CBA program does not imply recognition by or admission to Wellesley College)
MINNESOTA 

The Minnesota School of Botanical Art
​Website: http://www.minnesotaschoolofbotanicalart.com 
Three levels of Certificate Course are offered
  • Primary Certificate - a student will complete 14 required courses, four elective courses, compiled a notebook of class materials, and developed a portfolio of work that is up to an intermediate level.
  • Advanced Certificate - Students who have achieved the Primary Certificate are eligible to apply for the Advanced Certificate.
  • Master Class Certificate - Students who have completed the Minnesota School of Botanical Art’s Primary and Advanced Certificate programs are eligible to apply for this certificate. 
NEW YORK 

New York Botanical Garden
​website: http://www.nybg.org
The NYBG was the first Botanical Garden in North America to offer a formal Botanical Art Certificate Program. It has now delivered Certificate level adult education for over three decades.  It comprises core classes and electives plus a final project
Cornell University Department of Horticulture
​website: http://hort.cals.cornell.edu/extension-outreach/distance-learning
Cornell University offers a "Minor in Horticulture with a Focus in the Botanical Arts". Any undergraduate student can enrol in the Minor (except those studying plant sciences).

The Continuing Education Department offers a distance learning Botanical Illustration Certificate of Completion if a student completes:
ILLINOIS

Chicago Botanic Garden
Joseph Regenstein Jr. School of the Chicago Botanic Garden
PENNSYLVANIA

Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Garden
​website: https://phipps.conservatory.org
WASHINGTON

University of Washington
University of Washington: Professional and Continuing Education

    Suggest a Diploma or Certificate Course anywhere in the world