With effect from August 2005, the European Institute of Golf Course Architects, representing the majority of professionals who design golf courses throughout Europe, will operate a new and enlarged education programme for students who would like to enter the profession.
Presently some twelve students will complete their two-year programme in Edinburgh, which will result in a postgraduate diploma qualification.
The new diploma course, under EIGCA auspices, will feature five two week modules of residential tuition – two in England, one in Germany, one in Portugal and one in Scotland – giving the students a wider ranging experience in different parts of Europe, with different climates and different technical challenges.
The Institute has created five Education Partners:
- Merrist Wood College, England
- Myerscough College, England
- Deula, Kempen, Germany
- Vilamoura, Portugal
- Elwood College, Scotland
These Partners, some of Europe’s most noted golf turf teaching centres, will host the five modules. Teaching will be given by EIGCA members and industry experts as well as by college staff. Students will also benefit from a mentoring scheme whereby EIGCA senior members will act as tutors, and from a work placement scheme in individual practices. The new Diploma Course will run from summer 2005 to summer 2007.
The R&A has made available financial support for the course in the form of two student bursaries.
EIGCA www.eigca.org