PDC

The Permaculture Design Certificate Course

Choose what works for you

Guided Permaculture Design Certificate Course (72 hour curriculum)

Manisha Lath Gupta

₹30,000

Self-Paced Permaculture Design Certificate Course (72 hour curriculum)

Subodh V

₹22,000

Detailed Comparison

Feature

Guided PDC

Self Paced PDC

Course Format

Guided Cohort

Independent Online Learning

Start Date

Fixed Batch Dates

Start Anytime

Duration

8 Weeks

Flexible, No fixed timeline

Content Release

Weekly over 8 weeks

Content available from Day 1

Learning Pace

Structured

Choose your own pace

Live Mentoring

Yes

Weekly Classes

Yes

No, self-guided

Assignment Reviews

Yes

Doubt Clearance

Yes

Design Project Reviews

Yes

Teaching Format

Cohort/Batch Led

Independent, Self-Paced

Final Design Project

Yes

Certificate Issued

Yes, on all completed Design Projects

72 Hr Bill Mollinson Curriculum

Compliant

Land Ownership

Not Required

Best suited for

Those who want structure, accountability, live guidance and a batch cohort experience

Those who are self learners, want flexibility and cannot make the time commitment for 8 weeks

Earn your Permaculture Design Certificate

Upon successful submission and review of your Final Design Project, you'll receive the Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC) from Aanandaa Permaculture Academy, fully compliant with the internationally recognised Bill Mollison 72-hour Permaculture Design Curriculum.

Frequently Asked Questions - Guided PDC

Do I need land to take this course?

You can still take the course. You can use whatever space is available to you for observation and experimentation, or work through the design process while developing your understanding. Not having land should not be treated as a barrier to beginning your permaculture journey.

What is the workbook?

The workbook is the central working document for the course. Participants progressively add their observations, research, maps, analysis and design work to it. The work accumulates throughout the eight weeks and contributes to the final design.

I have a full-time job. Can I realistically do this course?

Yes, provided you can make the required time commitment. The course is an eight-week, 72-hour curriculum, which works out to roughly 9 hours per week. The commitment includes recorded learning, assignments, observation and design work. If you feel like this is too much for you, check out our self-paced course option which might work better!

How many hours per week should I expect to spend?

Plan for approximately 7–9 hours per week, depending on your pace and the amount of site work involved. The course combines recorded learning, workbook work, site observation, assignments, feedback and doubt-clearing sessions.

What practical work will I have to do?

Practical work can include site observation, location assessment, base mapping, contour/topographic information, soil testing, climate and rainfall research, flora and fauna observation, sector analysis, zone analysis, site overlays and development of a final master plan.

Do I need to know graphic design or use sophisticated software?

No. You do not need advanced graphic-design skills. The course uses a Google Slides-based workbook template. Participants can create digital maps and diagrams, but hand-drawn maps and sketches can also be used. The emphasis is on observation, analysis and design thinking rather than graphic sophistication.

What support do I get during the course?

Support includes weekly feedback, group doubt-clearing sessions, individual office hours, WhatsApp/group communication, and guidance while working through the workbook and developing the design. The basic rhythm is: learn → apply → receive feedback → continue.

What if I'm a beginner and don't understand technical drawings or mapping?

That's okay. The process is guided throughout the course. You may work with digital maps, hand-drawn maps or other appropriate methods. The objective is to learn how to observe, analyse and represent a site—not to demonstrate professional drafting skills.

What is the difference between simply watching a PDC and doing this guided PDC?

The key difference is the application and feedback loop. Participants do not only consume recorded content. They work through a site-based workbook, collect information, apply concepts, submit work, receive feedback and progressively develop their final design.