287 Students
Last updated on 29 April, 2025
English
Online training, complete and accessible
Certified by 3 international accreditation bodies
Unlimited and lifetime access
You work at your own pace, from your computer, tablet or mobile
Access to a private forum
Interactives quizzes
30-day money-back guarantee
Permaculture Design Course
Overview
Course description
🌱 Discover the Potential of Permaculture for Sustainable Living
Permaculture offers a powerful alternative to the unsustainable systems we see in today’s world. This course is grounded in the belief that we can live in harmony with nature by observing its patterns and working within its limits. By embracing permaculture principles, you’ll learn to create a life that supports environmental resilience, community connection, and personal fulfillment. Join us on this journey to experience how sustainable living can bring balance, purpose, and a renewed relationship with the earth.
🌏 Build Sustainable Livelihoods and Strengthen Communities
Imagine cultivating a lifestyle that respects nature and contributes to a thriving community. As our world faces complex environmental and social challenges, permaculture provides a practical, regenerative approach to life that encourages resourcefulness and self-sufficiency. By mimicking natural ecosystems, you’ll learn how to design self-sustaining environments that benefit people and the planet. This course empowers you to take tangible steps toward building a future rooted in sustainability, where you and those around you can flourish.
✨ A Comprehensive, Hands-On Curriculum
Our course covers the core principles of permaculture through a blend of theoretical foundations and practical application. You’ll explore sustainable land design, organic gardening, eco-friendly building, and urban permaculture. Each module introduces essential permaculture practices, teaching you how to implement these methods in your own life and within your community. By the end of the course, you’ll have the skills and certification needed to bring the transformative power of permaculture into your personal and professional endeavors.
👀 Who Should Enroll?
This course is ideal for anyone passionate about sustainability, environmental stewardship, and community resilience. Whether you’re a farmer, urban gardener, educator, or simply someone seeking to live in greater harmony with nature, this program provides the tools and insights to make meaningful changes. No prior experience is required—just an openness to learning and a commitment to building a sustainable future. As a certified Permaculture Practitioner, you’ll be equipped to guide others in adopting sustainable practices and creating resilient communities.
Course benefits
This course includes
Certified & Accredited Course
Study group access
8h 53min of audio course content.
11 modules
Interactives quizzes
10 PDFs
Modules
Course syllabus
Module 1: ETHICS, PRINCIPLES, AND READING THE LANDSCAPE
The first module provides an introduction to permaculture, covering its ethical foundations and principles. It also explores strategies for improving our care for the Earth and the wellbeing of all humanity. In this module, you will gain insights into:
- The contrary ethics of modern society
- The ethics and principles of permaculture
- Care of the Earth and of humanity
- Redistribution of surplus
- Nature as a teacher
- Traditional ethics of indigenous peoples
Module 2: THE PROCESS OF DESIGN
This module delves into the unique design process that distinguishes permaculture from other alternative agricultural movements. It emphasizes the application of design techniques that take into account the land’s inherent qualities and outlines important considerations. In this module, you’re going to learn:
- How design is absent in modern-day land use
- What the land will allow you to do
- Observation techniques
- Climate and microclimate
- Mapping
- Indigenous design in the Amazon rain forest
Module 3: SOIL, WHERE IT ALL BEGINS
Module three focuses on the vitality of soil. It addresses soil conservation as the foundation of sustainable living, emphasizing both current soil practices and the proper treatment of this invaluable resource. In this module, you will acquire knowledge in:
- Soil as a non-renewable resource
- Soil conservation techniques
- How to make soil
- The soil food web of Elaine Ingham
- Slash and burn agriculture of the ancient Mayans
Module 4: WATER CONSERVATION TECHNIQUES
In this module permaculture will show us how to conserve water. It describes how to capture rainwater and store it for your own use.
This is what you will be learning in this section:
- Water shortages worldwide
- Permaculture’s water method: slow it, spread it, sink it
- Techniques for retaining water in the soil:
- Increase organic matter content
- Dams
- Wetlands
- Water-saving irrigation practices:
- Drip irrigation with bamboo
- Bottle irrigation
- Watson Wick’s flush toilet system
- Water use on a farm in Africa
Module 5: WHAT TO PLANT, WHERE AND WHY
In this module, we’re going to explore techniques for planting your crops, examining contemporary planting methods and their impact on biodiversity. It also highlights how permaculture presents more sustainable alternatives to conventional planting practices. This is what you’re going to learn in this module:
- The mindset of monoculture
- Perennial polycultures and the richness of diversity
- The garden without neat rows
- Perennial agricultural systems
- The importance of guilds and nitrogen fixers
- Propagation techniques
Module 6: ANIMALS AS A FUNDAMENTAL PART OF THE SYSTEM
This module delves into the integral role of animals in maintaining a sustainable piece of land. It draws comparisons between their treatment within permaculture compared to modern society. You will discover:
- The social and ecological aspects of eating meat
- CAFOs and modern society’s understanding of animals
- What animals offer to the system
- A primer on chickens, goats, and bees
Module 7: STRUCTURES, BUILDINGS, AND INFRASTRUCTURE ON THE PERMACULTURE LAND
Module 7 explores the concept of constructing eco-friendly homes and integrating them into the sustainable system we are creating. Key learning points include:
- The mortgage as the most important part of modern housing
- Can a house be a sustainable part of the landscape?
- How to heat and cool your home sustainably
- Types of sustainable housing
- Integrating structures other than the house into the system
- The chicken coop over a fishpond: the brilliance of a small farmer from El Salvador
Module 8: URBAN PERMACULTURE
Module 8 demonstrates permaculture’s adaptability to urban settings. Explore how permaculture principles can be seamlessly integrated into urban environments. In this module, you’re going to learn:
- The “unsustainability” of cities in today’s civilization
- The advantages of sustainability in urban areas
- Finding value in waste
- Food production in urban areas
- Creating community
- The town as a trading place in traditional feudal societies
Module 9: APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY
In Module 9, we delve into various sustainable technologies applicable to your permaculture site and explore topics including:
- Our Current Technology Addiction
- What is Appropriate Technology
- Technology and Permaculture
- Some Examples of Appropriate Technologies
- Appropritae Technology and the Smartphone
- How Peasant Societies Get Big Jobs Done Without Relying on Machines
Module 10: INVISIBLE STRUCTURES
Module 10 provides insight into the essential role of invisible structures in beginning and maintaining a permaculture lifestyle. In this concluding module you learn:
- Who benefits from the current structures of society
- The invisible structures in permaculture
- The local food movement
- Alternative currencies
- Business strategies
- Access to land
- Traditional land management of the Mayans
Certification
Our certifications are internationally recognized
Our certificates are accredited by IPHM (International Practitioners of Holistic Medicine), CMA (The Complementary Medical Association), and the CPD (Centre of Excellence), which means that they have been assessed and recognized internationally.
Institution Information
Meet your course creator
Almaoasis
Specialization
Sustainable Living
Courses
Self-Sufficiency Certification
Urban Agriculture Certification
Permaculture Design Course
Wilderness Survival Instructor
Sylvotherapy Practitioner Certification
Alma Oasis was created in 2023, brought to life from the shared vision of two individuals captivated by the beauty and mystery of daily life but also by the climate problems and unmet solutions in our society. Our vision is to inspire the environmentally curious and encourage change in individual behaviors to have a positive impact on the earth, however large or small. ‘Alma’ means the soul, reflecting the essence of our being and ‘Oasis’ signifies a flourishing ecosystem in an otherwise arid world. Together, Alma Oasis represents the harmonious coexistence of the human spirit and nature, a place where individuals learn to thrive on a constantly evolving planet.
Reviews
Reviews
446 reviews
Read more
Slyvotherapy
This course was enlightening and informative. I would hightly reccomend it.
30 April, 2025
kate n.
Student
Great!
I’m loving the content!
30 April, 2025
Karianne S.
Student
Far Exceeds Expectations
I'm currently on module 3 and am impressed with the knowledge, expertise, and this course offers. I love the explanation of how indigenous people used permaculture and appreciate the quality of the narration as well as the pdf format to print. I also like the quizzes as it helps me determine what I have learned and what I need to go back and study more. I'm brand new to permaculture and am excited to use these tips to use on our land. I feel like anyone who lives on earth would benefit from this course and that if everyone practiced these principles, or at least understood them, then our land could heal, and we could reverse some of the damage we have done.
29 April, 2025
Adrienne B.
Student
Wilderness Survival Instructor
Good
28 April, 2025
Marion W.
Student
Finished module five and moving on
I am loving this course. As an LCSW and nature lover I am eager to bring the addition of forest therapy to my practice.
28 April, 2025
Kim C.
Student
fun
I am enjoying everything that I am learning.
28 April, 2025
Jeremy C.
Student
Just starting the course
Interesting but I have So much to learn still
28 April, 2025
Dee C.
Student
review
so far so good
27 April, 2025
Stevie R.
Student
Sylvotherapy
Course is interesting. Unit 3 was especially useful and provides much insight.
27 April, 2025
Susan S.
Student
Sylvotherapy Practitioner
I really enjoyed the course and can't wait to get out in the woods. I also look forward to sharing this information with my clients and after more practice, be able to lead others in forest bathing. This was a good introduction to the concept.
27 April, 2025
Erica M.
Student
Bonuses
Enjoy exclusive bonuses with this course
Bonus 1
Facebook Client Attraction Certification
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Proven Techniques
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Bonus 2
Student map
Calling all students! Explore our Student Map platform designed to help you connect, chat, and collaborate with fellow students worldwide.
Easy Student-to-Student Connections
Global Networking Opportunities
Chat and meet others to practice your craft
Bonus 3
Holistico professional CRM business suite
Receive 30 day trial to test all the features from the premium Holistico Professional+ tools bundle
Take payments
Manage your appointments
Have your services discovered
Bonus 4
Every Purchase Plants 3 Trees!
With every order, we're teaming up with One Tree Planted to plant 3 trees, creating a greener planet. 🌱
Improved Air Quality
Support sustainable communities
Restore wildlife habitats
Benefits
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I sign up for a course?
Just pick the course you’re interested in and click “Add to cart.” When you’re ready, head to the checkout and complete your payment. You’ll get a confirmation email right away. If you want a printed certificate, you can choose that during checkout too!
How long does it take to complete a course?
That really depends on how many pages you go through per day or week, and of course, on your previous experience. The course is completely online and self-paced, so there are no deadlines. Once you’ve purchased the course, you’ll have lifetime access to all the material. It’s made up of several modules, some are lighter, while others a bit heavier. For most students, completing the entire course takes around 40 hours.
If I need help with the course, can I ask a question?
Yes, absolutely. The student forum is available for this purpose, you can post your questions and either a mentor or another student will get back to you, usually within 48 hours (excluding weekends and holidays). And feel free to share your wins too!
I can’t log in or forgot my password, what should I do?
Start by checking your inbox and spam folder for your login email, especially if it’s your first time logging in. Make sure you're using the same email address you used when signing up and that you're on the correct website. If needed, click “Forgot Password?” on the login page and follow the steps to reset it. If the email doesn't arrive, double-check your spam folder and try again. Still having trouble? Just reach out to our support team at [email protected], we're happy to help and usually respond within 48 hours (excluding weekends and holidays). We recommend saving your login details when you receive your registration email to avoid any issues later on.
Do I need to attend anything live, or can I study whenever it suits me?
The entire course takes place online and is fully self-paced, so you can study whenever it suits you best. There are no trips, workshops, or live classes required. You’ll get access to course modules as downloadable PDFs, audio files, and in some cases, videos. You study independently in your own time, and if you have any questions, you’re always welcome to ask them in the forum.
How am I assessed during the course?
You’ll find short quizzes at the end of each module to help you reflect on what you’ve learned, they’re NOT graded and are just for your own understanding. At the end of the course, there’s a final multiple-choice exam that is graded. You’ll need to score at least 80% to pass. Don’t worry, if you do not achieve 80% your first time, you can retake the exam at any time.
Are there any prerequisites?
There are no prerequisites or minimum educational requirements. All our courses are carefully designed to be accessible to as many people as possible. You can study from a computer, tablet, or smartphone. If your internet connection is unstable, we recommend downloading the PDF modules and audio files so you can access them offline whenever it suits you. Just keep in mind that you’ll need an internet connection to complete the quizzes and take the final exam.
Do I receive a certificate at the end of the course?
You will receive a printed certificate if you selected that option during registration. Otherwise, you can order it later at any time from your student portal under the "Certificates" section – OR download it for free as a PDF.
Are your certificates officially accredited, or are they just for personal development?
The professions for which our courses prepare you are part of the unregulated occupations in most countries. This means there is no official recognition. However, local regulations may vary. We recommend that you inquire with the relevant authorities. Our courses are designed to provide essential foundational knowledge, making them an excellent starting point for anyone looking to enter a new field or expand their expertise. They equip you with practical skills and a deep understanding of the subject matter, enabling you to either begin your career or enhance your existing expertise in a cost-effective way. Our courses are accredited by respected international organisations. That said, the fields we train for aren’t regulated in most countries, so recognition can vary depending on where you live. It’s always a good idea to double-check with local authorities if you're unsure.
Why are the courses sometimes discounted so much?
We believe that quality education should be accessible to everyone, not just a privilege for a few. From time to time, we offer significant discounts to open the door for more people to learn, grow, and discover new opportunities. It’s part of our mission to make personal and professional development more inclusive, regardless of budget.
Permaculture Design Course
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