Winter 2025
Permaculture Design Certificate Course
What is the Permaculture Design Certificate Course?
Zaytuna College's 72-hour Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC) course includes two days of field visits, spanning a total of 14 days. The course is led by Zaytuna's scholar-in-residence, permaculture consultant and instructor Mr. Rhamis Kent. Upon successful completion, participants will receive an internationally recognized certificate.
The curriculum offers a comprehensive introduction to permaculture design, based on the principles pioneered by Bill Mollison, the renowned Australian biologist and author, known as the “father” of permaculture. Hosted at Zaytuna College’s upper campus, this upcoming course includes optional hands-on experience in the College’s permaculture garden. The Winter session will take place from January 1, 2025 to January 16, 2025.
The total cost of the course, which includes tuition fees of $1,500 and accommodation at $1,500 per person, is $3,000. The accommodation fees apply to only those who opt for accommodation at Zaytuna campus. Those who do not apply for accommodation pay only the tuition fees.
What is the course about?
The PDC course focuses on sustainable living systems tailored to various landscapes and climates. Topics include the application of permaculture principles to food production, home design, construction, energy conservation, and alternative economic structures. Instruction includes classroom learning, outdoor activities such as composting, and volunteering in the permaculture garden, all under the guidance of experienced staff. Field visits to several permaculture sites in the Bay Area are also part of the course.
View the course schedule.
What is Zaytuna College?
The PDC course will take place at Zaytuna College, which is a Muslim liberal arts college that offers a BA in Liberal Arts and Islamic Studies and an MA in Islamic Texts. The PDC course is open to all, and its participants attending the program are asked to abide by the College’s policies on general conduct and expectations. Please read our policies here.
Key Program Dates
- October 10, 2024 | Applications open
- November 10, 2024 | Application deadline and scholarship request deadline
- November 18 – 22, 2024 | Interviews to select the final candidates
- November 25, 2024 | Announcement of selected candidates
- November 30, 2024 | Deadline for fee payment
- January 1, 2025 | First day of the Winter PDC
- January 16, 2025 | Last day of the Winter PDC
- January 17, 2025 | Departure of PDC attendees
About the Instructor
Mr. Rhamis Kent is a consultant with formal training in mechanical engineering (University of Delaware, B.S.M.E. ’95) and permaculture-based regenerative whole systems design serving as a registered certified Permaculture Design instructor with PRI Australia. He is a former co-director of the Permaculture Research Institute (PRI), a member of United Designers International (UDI), and on the Supervisory Board of The Netherlands-registered non-profit Ecosystem Restoration Camps Foundation.
Rhamis serves as a Zaytuna College scholar-in-residence overseeing its permaculture garden under Zaytuna's ZCELL (Zaytuna College Center for Ethical Living and Learning) initiative.
Rhamis currently serves as a Trustee and an Implementation Team member at Plant for Peace Foundation (UK) and was a key contributor to the India-based Shivansh Farming initiative of the Hans
Foundation.
Rhamis has taught permaculture design (formal certification and short intensive courses) in Palestine/Occupied West Bank, Egypt, Greece, Ethiopia, Yemen, Turkey, Thailand, Malaysia, Italy,
Spain, Jordan, Morocco, Tunisia, Australia, and the United States (Michigan, California, and Vermont). He has also performed consultancy work on projects in Spain, UAE, Qatar, Saudi
Arabia, Lebanon, Oman, Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Somaliland, and Western Sahara.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many candidates can attend the course?
We receive many applications for each session. After carefully reviewing all application submissions, we will invite only selected applicants for an interview. Following the interview process, we will admit 20-22 candidates, based on classroom capacity.
Please note that interviews will be conducted for all selected applicants, regardless of whether they intend to pay in full or are applying for a scholarship.
Who is an ideal candidate for the Permaculture Design Course?
Anyone interested in building sustainable ecological systems, fostering intentional communities, and living as a conscientious steward is encouraged to apply. There are no specific prerequisites, but candidates should be able to engage with college-level reading, writing, and comprehension.
Where will I be staying?
We offer a residential option for candidates needing accommodation during the course. The cost is $1,500 for 15 nights. Accommodation will include shared units, with basic furnishings, a bathroom, and a kitchen. Candidates will share a unit with another participant of the same gender.
What amenities will be provided for residential candidates?
Units will include a shared bathroom and kitchen. The candidates are responsible for their meals though Lunch and snacks during the class time will be prepared in the College's kitchen. All meals will be halal, and vegetarian options will be provided. Meals will incorporate produce from the College’s permaculture garden. Transportation between the lower and upper campus will also be available.
Will there be parking?
Yes, course participants will have free on-campus parking for the duration of the course.
Do I have to be Muslim to attend?
No, all are welcome.
Is there an age limit for attending the program?
Participants must be 18 years or older. Those between 14 and 18 may apply with parental consent, but the course is recommended for those who can fully commit to its rigorous demands.
What is the cost for this course?
The tuition fee is $1,500 for the two-week course. Accommodation is available for an additional $1,500, covering 15 nights, lunch, and snacks. Therefore, in total, it is $3000.
What should I wear for the course?
As a Muslim liberal arts college, Zaytuna places great importance on modesty. We ask that you maintain modest attire and show respect toward your cohort members, instructors, and College staff. Winters in the Bay Area are cold and rainy, so please bring warm clothing, including jackets and umbrellas. Comfortable, durable outfits and sneakers are recommended for outdoor activities, including composting and volunteering in the permaculture garden.
What is the refund policy?
No refunds will be provided once the course begins. Candidates who withdraw more than a week prior to the course start date will receive a full refund (if paid in full). A 50% refund will be issued to candidates withdrawing within one week before the course's start date. Scholarship recipients are not eligible for refunds.
Are scholarships available?
Zaytuna College offers a 50% tuition scholarship to 25% of the cohort (5-6 students). These scholarships are intended for individuals who demonstrate strong potential to apply permaculture principles after taking the course but face financial constraints. Priority will be given to students, those undergoing career transitions, and international applicants. Scholarship candidates must participate in interviews from November 6 – 13, 2024.
Note: Candidates who accept a scholarship and pay the remaining fees are not eligible for a refund if they later decide not to attend. There are no discounts available for accommodation.
How do I get around Berkeley and the Bay Area?
The upper campus, where most instruction will take place, is located atop the Berkeley Hills. Public transportation is available through the AC Transit bus #65, (https://www.actransit.org) which connects to the UC Berkeley campus, downtown Berkeley, and the lower Zaytuna campus. For schedules, fares, and Clipper Card information, please refer to the SF Bay Transit website: https://www.bart.gov.
Are there required or recommended readings for the course?
Yes, the primary text is Permaculture: A Designer’s Manual by Bill Mollison. This book can be purchased at a discounted rate from the Zaytuna College Bookstore. A list of recommended readings is also available on the bookstore website. The students will have access to the student discount of 10%. Please use the code "Permaculture25" to receive the student discount.
Whom should I contact to learn more about the program?
Please email permaculture@zaytuna.edu for any further questions about the program.
Contact Us
For additional questions and information, please email permaculture@zaytuna.edu.
The course will be located at Zaytuna College's upper campus located at 2770 Marin Ave., Berkeley, California, 94708.