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.

The course consists of these 10 units:

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.

Online Course

Attended Course

If you would like to receive details of the next course when they become available, please complete the enquiry form.

The cost is £775. The full payment is required on acceptance of a place.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Online Course

Application Dates:

Click here to apply for the January 2025 Intake.

Attended Course

If you would like to receive details of the next course when they become available, please complete the enquiry form.