Land-Based Short Courses

Whether you want to build professional skills or try something new, we offer a range of short courses at our Houghall, Durham City Campus to suit your goals. 

Our courses include industry-focused training that helps you stay up to date with essential knowledge and qualifications, including chainsaw maintenance and safe pesticide used, as practical, hobby-based options such as gardening and horticulture. 

Short courses run throughout the year with various start dates and times, including evenings and weekends, giving you flexibility around your work and personal commitments.  

Houghall, Durham City Campus 

Based on the outskirts of Durham City, our Houghall Campus is a specialist provider of land-based, environmental and sustainability education. 

Houghall has been delivering land-based education for over 80 years and has seen millions of pounds in investments into facilities, learning spaces and equipment. Most recently our new state-of-the-art teaching block, scheduled for completion in April 2027, will help to transform our Houghall Campus into a modern, sustainable learning environment that reflects the needs of today's industry and tomorrow's workforce. 

To see our full list of courses, visit our course finder. 

Contact us 

To find out more about our short courses, contact our Short Courses Team on 0191 518 8291 or email shortcourses@eastdurham.ac.uk 

Two agriculture students standing with calf

Agriculture

Make the great outdoors your classroom! Start your agricultural career right here in the North East at East Durham College’s Houghall campus! At East Durham College, we’ve been teaching agriculture for over 80 years. If you’re wanting to get into the farming industry, there’s no better place than right here at EDC.
Female student smiling at camera whilst petting goat

Animal Care, Science & Management

With daily, on-site access to a huge range of species, our Animal Care Centre has everything you need to start your career in animal care.
Student smiling brushing dog

Dog Grooming

Dog Grooming is a highly popular career choice. With dog ownership always on the rise and growing opportunities in this sector, training as a dog groomer with a dog grooming course at East Durham College can help you start your own business or work as a professional dog groomer in a grooming parlour.
Floristry student stripping flower

Floristry & Floral Design

Learn to create stunning floral designs with our range of part-time and full-time floristry courses, available at our Houghall campus in Durham.
Gardener smiling to camera kneeling by bed of plants

Horticulture & Gardening

We offer a range of part-time horticulture course programmes at our Houghall campus in Durham – ideal for those already working in the horticulture industry wanting to further expand their skills or gain official qualifications.
Arboriculture student wearing gear smiling at camera

Tree Surgery & Management (Arboriculture)

It's time to climb high with a tree surgery course at East Durham College's Houghall campus in Durham!