RBGE Certificate in Botanical Illustration

The RBGE Certificate in Botanical Illustration (CBI) is a great way to learn the fundamental techniques of paint and pencil. Using plants as our core subject this course is an ideal starting certificate for those wishing to move on to the Advanced Certificate in Botanical Illustration or complete the RBGE Diploma in Botanical Illustration.

The techniques you learn are valuable across all areas of illustration and are seldom taught in art colleges or university art departments, so it is well suited to any developing artist.

There are many courses that teach botanical illustration, but this structured course consists of 10 units with assessment built into the programme within a standard framework. The focus is on the fundamental skills, and is taught by experienced and enthusiastic tutors.
Study Options:
- ONLINE
- ATTENDED
Online Course Handbook (Word)

Attended Course Handbook (Word)

Painting by Suyeon Kim, former RBGE student

Frequently asked Questions

What does the course cover?

The course will cover fundamental skills such as 3d modelling, colour mixing, painting techniques and composition. The techniques you learn are valuable across all areas of illustration and are seldom taught in art colleges or university art departments, so are well suited to any developing artist.

This certificate also gives you all the skills required to join the RBGE Diploma in Botanical Illustration if you wish to take your studies to a professional level.

What is the structure of the course?

The course consists of these 10 units:

CBI-01	Context of Botanical Illustration and Drawing Exploration
CBI-02	Drawing – Texture & Tone
CBI-03	Modelling in 3D with paint
CBI-04	Colour and Mixing Paint
CBI-05	Botany
CBI-06	Practice - Flowers and Leaves
CBI-07	Introduction to Composition
CBI-08	Working on final Composition – Flowers and buds
CBI-09	Working on final Composition - Leaves
CBI-10	Working on final Composition – roots, sections, final hand-in

Some theory provided to aid your understanding (in the form of short, highly visual presentations), but the course is designed to be delivered and assessed using a predominantly practical approach.

There are no live / online classes as part of the course. You will work through the material in your time and at your pace while following the course timetable.

The CBI is a formal qualification and students must therefore pass on-going assessment to achieve the award. Students are required to build up a course portfolio containing notes, visuals and exercises. This body of work will show progression and help develop skills leading to a final painted composition. Both the portfolio and the final piece will be assessed and the marks combined to provide the final grade. There is also an element of continuing self-assessment and evaluation within the programme.

When does the course run?

Online Course

The Online Course has 3 intakes. September 2023, January 2024 or March 2024. Full details are available in the course handbook.

Attended Course

The attended course will run as a two-week summer school course from 3rd - 14th July 2023. Full details are available in the course handbook.

How much does the course cost?

The cost is £750. The full payment is required on acceptance of a place.

Do I need any prior knowledge?

You do not need prior experience for this course. Enthusiasm and motivation is all that is required!

You must also be able to read and write in English and have access to a computer with a reliable internet connection.

What will I need?

This is a practical course so you must have basic drawing and watercolour painting materials. A detailed list can be found in the course handbook. For the online course additional equipment such as a scanner will be required.

What is the format of the online course?

The online certificate runs for approximately 6 months and starts multiple times throughout the year, please see the course handbook for dates.

This is a predominantly practical course, designed to teach a foundation level of skill, understanding and competence.

There are no live / online classes as part of the course. You will work through the material in your time and at your pace while following the course timetable.

Using PropaGate Learning, our online learning platform, you will be able to access course materials such as demonstration videos, activities, notes and galleries, together with prompt tutor and technical support, discussion forums, and an upload area for your drawings and paintings. Work is assessed online so there is no requirement to send us your work.

What support will I get for the online course?

Tutor support takes place on our PropaGate learning environment forums. There is also a private messaging activity within the course where you can contact your tutor or the online learning team directly.

The advantage of an online course is that you can contact us at any time and receive a quick response. Replies from the Online Learning Team (for practical technical support) and from your tutors is very prompt, enabling you to make progress with your learning.

You will also be able to interact with and take advice from fellow students.

How do I apply?

Online Course

Applications windows for the 2023-24 courses

Course	Applications Open	Applications Close
September 2023 Intake	Monday 17^th April 2023	Friday 14^th July 2023
January 2024 Intake	Monday 31^st July 2023	Extended to Sunday 5th November 2023
March 2024 Intake	Tuesday 31^st October 2023	Friday 26^th January 2024

To apply for the course, you must complete the online application form.

Please note the application form will not be available outwith these dates.

Attended Course

Applications for the Summer 2023 course are now closed. If you would like to be added to the waiting list for the next attended course, please complete our course enquiry form.