Online PDC Suggestions? No certificate needed

Hi all.

I'm interested in taking an online PDC, but was hoping to get some suggestions based on the info below.

What I'm looking for:
- A course to help me design my own property (I don't yet own a property)
- I have no need for a certificate
- Preferably, something with a step-by-step approach (From the books I've read so far, it all seems a bit overwhelming)

I've read through various websites, and some posts here on permies and have been looking at the following courses:
- The permies PDC videos (https://permies.com/wiki/65386/hours-video-Permaculture-Design-Technology)
- Geoff Lawton's online PDC (https://www.discoverpermaculture.com/permaculture-design-course-2022)
- The Permaculture Farm Design Course by William Horvath (https://permacultureconversion.com/home/)

Potentially helpful info:
- I've read a few of Paul Wheaton's books, and generally like the style with which he presents information.
- I'm a bit concerned that Geoff Lawton's course is a bit too much for what I am looking for (and much more expensive).
- I haven't been able to find any reviews of William Horvath's course, aside from the quotes he has on his site.

Should I consider any other courses?  Or does anybody have a recommendation based on the above info?

P.S. I fully expect to take multiple courses, but trying to prioritize because time is limited.  

If you like how Paul teaches, I think you're unlikely to be able to beat the value on the PDC + ATC. You get multiple teachers, and even more info from the ATC. With that price, and 177 hrs of content? Seems like the place to start for sure, especially if you're thinking you'll end up taking more PDCs in the future. Will get things off the ground for sure.

I agree with Margaux.

I look into doing a PDC at Oregon State University because I thought it was offered for free.  I just never figured that out.

This post offers some suggestions:

https://permies.com/t/148255/words-meanings#1158054

Thanks for the responses!

Once I read through what I posted, I suspected that Paul's online PDC was the way to go.  It's funny how writing out my own thoughts and reading them sometimes make everything seem so clear.

Others you might find interesting (they're all a little different),
Matt Powers
Verge Permaculture

For a PDC I would look to Paul.   If you are after quality courses related to Permatcuture, I suggest going to MIT online the course material is free.  Search under agriculture.

I’m sure Paul’s is awesome.  Unfortunately travel to USA is not possible for me. I took the Verge Permaculture one online a couple years ago, it was good. Most of the teachers had direct experience with zone 2-3 (that may be a consideration if you’re in a much higher zone). Rob Avis is familiar with projects globally, but zone 2-3 stuff will get a lot input from everyone.  The Matt Powers one looks interesting, starts Monday (online). He’s currently in Texas and has generally been in warmer zones. His focus is soil food web, but the course claims many different teachers throughout (70?).
Other than taking Verge’s course and likely taking Matt’s I’m not otherwise affiliated with either.
Unfortunately, searching MIT online didn’t yield much for me. Maybe wrong starting point, links?

We've recently been reviewing and fine-tuning the permies online PDC.  I've been a member of the forums for quite a few years and have seen mention of the course, but since I've been working with the course content and watching some of it, I've been really energized and inspired by it all!

The full 133 hours are impressive, comprehensive and I'm hooked!  I've done quite a few different online courses over the years and content can be astounding, but if you don't have a presenter that conveys the information in a digestible way, then it can easily get lost.  All of the presenters of the PDC are highly engaging and, if you're interested in permaculture, it's really a great resource.  I've listed some of the lessons here but you can see more info on the link below also.

PDC - some of the lessons (there are over 50):
Permaculture Design Process
Site Survey with Levels
Fire Science!
Accelerate succession
Ram pump
Managing Holistically
Client interviews
Climate Zones
Road Kill
Architectural and Landscape Drawing
Water and Access
Tree Strategies
Soil Strategies
Animal Ecology
Appropriate Technology
Strategies and Techniques for Different Climates
Eco Villages
Making a Living
Botany in a Day

You can also buy the ATC (Appropriate Technology course) as a special promo deal with the PDC so that together they currently cost $65 for the instant streaming version.

ATC - some of the content
Intro to Energy
Solar Dehydrator design and build
Rocket Water Heater design and build
Solar cookers
Sawdust Stove
Water bio filters
Composting toilet systems
Small-scale photovoltaics


It's pretty much all you might need to binge watch for a long time - 133 hours worth in total!

I just wanted to add in my two cents, as I heartily recommend it for anyone looking for an online PDC (plus extra), in an easy-to-understand, engaging and informative way.

Permaculture Design & Appropriate Tech Course Info

Enjoy!