Course structure

What to expect from a 72-hour PDC

The 72-hour PDC standard gives enough time to build a broad foundation, but the hours only matter when they are organised into coherent learning, practice, feedback, and design work.

Guided hours are only part of the picture

A strong PDC uses guided learning time for teaching, discussion, observation, activities, assessment, and design development. Students also need time to read, reflect, revisit material, gather evidence, and prepare design work. The course should therefore feel structured, not rushed.

Mă-Kè's PDC is organised into 11 integrated modules, with knowledge checks, applied work, tutor feedback, and a final design presentation.

Typical learning arc

  1. FoundationsEthics, principles, observation, and systems thinking.
  2. Living systemsSoil, water, trees, animals, climate, buildings, and social systems.
  3. Design processBriefs, evidence, options, decisions, phasing, and feedback.
  4. AssessmentReviewed work that checks understanding and design reasoning.
  5. Final designA coherent project presented with traceable decisions.

What completion should demonstrate

Completion should show that a student can use permaculture ideas responsibly in context. That includes design reasoning, awareness of limits, ethical judgement, and the ability to explain why one option may be better than another for a particular site or situation.