Diploma in Mycological Tourism Guiding
Prepare to lead mushroom forays and mycotourism experiences professionally, safely and in line with local regulations.
Programme identification
- 1.1Programme name
- Diploma in Mycological Tourism Guiding
- 1.2Type of qualification
- Diploma
- 1.3Provider / endorsing institution
- Fungaris – International Institute of Mycology, School of Culinary Mycology & Foraging. A Fungaris programme of its own, not endorsed by a university.
- 1.4Mode of study
- Online, with live sessions in a small group, recordings and a virtual campus.
- 1.5Duration (hours / ECTS credits)
- 6 months (24 weeks) · 192 hours in total · 8 modules of 24 hours · 24 live sessions of 2 hours. ECTS credits: not applicable (Fungaris own programme, not an official university degree).
- 1.6Language
- English
- 1.7Start and end dates / intake
- Next intake: 11 January 2027 to 25 June 2027. Enrolment closes on 4 January 2027. Following intake: 12 April 2027. How intakes work →
Overview
2.1Programme description
This diploma prepares nature guides and tourism professionals to lead mushroom forays and mycotourism experiences to a professional standard. It combines the mycology guides need with safe identification and toxic species, then covers route design and seasonal planning, group leadership and first response, and the craft of interpretation and storytelling. Further modules address regulation, permits and insurance, gastronomic partnerships, and the practical steps involved in building a guiding business.
Mycotourism is growing in many rural regions, and visitors expect experiences that are safe, informative and well organised. Guides with solid mycological and professional skills are well placed to meet that demand. The diploma suits nature guides, outdoor instructors and rural tourism professionals. It is taught live by experienced foray leaders, mycologists and tourism practitioners. In the final project, each student develops a complete guided mycotourism offer for a real territory, including routes, safety plan, interpretation content, partner experiences and a simple business model.
2.2Why it matters / what need it meets
It meets a practical need: applied, up-to-date knowledge in culinary mycology, useful in areas such as rural and nature tourism, hospitality, protected area management, outdoor education.
Mycology is moving fast and good practical training is still scarce. This programme gives you a structured path, taught live by people who work in the field, so you can apply what you learn with judgement and safety.
Objectives and competences
3.1General objective
To finish the programme able to apply its content professionally and with judgement. In short:
Prepare to lead mushroom forays and mycotourism experiences professionally, safely and in line with local regulations.
3.2Specific objectives
- Build the foundations: Mycology for Guides; Safe Identification and Toxic Species; Route Design and Seasonal Planning.
- Put them into practice: Group Leadership and First Response; Interpretation and Storytelling; Regulation, Permits and Insurance.
- Apply everything to a real case: Gastronomy and Partner Experiences; Building a Guiding Business.
- Complete a final project reviewed by your tutor.
3.3Competences you will gain
- Lead safe, well-structured mushroom forays for diverse groups.
- Identify common and toxic species reliably during guided walks.
- Design routes and seasonal programmes for a territory.
- Interpret fungi through engaging, accurate storytelling.
- Set up a compliant guiding business with partner experiences.
Student profile
4.1Who it is for (entry profile)
Nature guides and rural tourism professionals.
4.2Entry requirements
Basic mushroom identification knowledge is recommended. Guiding or outdoor experience is helpful.
4.3Career paths (exit profile)
- Professional mushroom foray guide
- Mycotourism product manager
- Nature tourism business owner
- Activities coordinator at a rural hotel
- Park or visitor centre interpreter
- Guide for gastronomic tours
Outcomes depend on your experience and on your local market.
Study plan
5.1Overall structure (modules and workload)
| Module | Title | Phase | Topics | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Mycology for Guides | Foundations | 3 | 24 |
| 02 | Safe Identification and Toxic Species | Foundations | 3 | 24 |
| 03 | Route Design and Seasonal Planning | Foundations | 3 | 24 |
| 04 | Group Leadership and First Response | Practice | 3 | 24 |
| 05 | Interpretation and Storytelling | Practice | 3 | 24 |
| 06 | Regulation, Permits and Insurance | Practice | 3 | 24 |
| 07 | Gastronomy and Partner Experiences | Application & project | 3 | 24 |
| 08 | Building a Guiding Business | Application & project | 3 | 24 |
| Total | 192 |
8 modules × 24 hours = 192 hours: 48 hours of live sessions, and the rest for campus study, exercises and the final project.
5.2Content by module
Hover or tap a module to follow the path from the first session to the final project. Open a module to see the topics it covers.
- Fungal biology and ecology for guides
- Common species on forays
- Seasons and habitats
- Identification for guides
- Deadly and toxic species
- Answering participants' questions safely
- Scouting and mapping routes
- Accessibility and difficulty
- Seasonal programme planning
- Briefing and leading groups
- Basic first response in the field
- Emergency procedures
- Interpretation techniques
- Stories, myths and cultural history
- Activities for families and adults
- Collection and access rules
- Permits and protected areas
- Insurance and liability
- Partnering with restaurants
- Cooking demonstrations and tastings
- Combined packages with lodging
- Business models for guides
- Pricing and bookings
- Marketing and reputation
5.3Company placement
This programme does not include a company placement. Practice is built into every module through exercises, case studies and the final project.
5.4Final project
A complete guided mycotourism offer for a real territory, with routes, safety plan, interpretation, partner experiences and business model.
Methodology
6.1How it is taught
- Live online sessions, usually weekly, with a working professional and a small group.
- Recordings of every session, so you can catch up if work or time zones get in the way.
- Exercises and real case studies in every module.
- Tutoring: your tutor answers questions and gives feedback on your exercises and project.
6.2Platform and resources
A Moodle virtual campus with session recordings, readings, exercises and forums for each module. You need a computer, an up-to-date browser and a stable connection; a webcam and microphone are recommended.
Technical requirements →6.3Estimated weekly workload
About 8 hours a week for 24 weeks: one 2-hour live session on a weekday evening, plus study and exercises on the campus at your own pace.
Assessment
7.1Assessment system and weighting
Progress is assessed through participation in live sessions, planning and identification exercises in each module and a final project reviewed by the tutor.
7.2Requirements to pass
- Complete every module, by attending the live sessions or watching the recordings.
- Hand in the module exercises.
- Have your final project approved by your tutor.
Teaching team
8.1Academic direction
At Fungaris, the Culinary Mycology school coordinates the content and quality of this programme. The academic director of each intake is named in the intake guide.
8.2Faculty
Taught by professionals who work in the field. The tutor for each intake is confirmed before the start.
Meet our faculty →Certificate
9.1Certificate awarded
Diploma Certificate
On completing the programme and its project, Fungaris issues a Diploma Certificate. Fungaris certificates are the institute's own. Whether an employer, school or authority recognises them depends on that organisation and on local rules in each country.
9.2Issuing body / recognition
Issued by Fungaris (operated by Nexora Generation, S.L.) as a digital certificate. It is a Fungaris certificate of its own: it is not an official university degree and does not award ECTS credits.
About our certificates →Admission and enrolment
10.1Admission process (steps)
- Send your request through the form or write to admissions.
- Admissions reviews your profile and confirms the start date, the session schedule and the fee.
- You secure your place with full payment or a 40% reservation.
- You receive your campus access and welcome guide before the first session.
10.2Documents required
- A valid identity document.
- Contact and billing details (personal or company).
- A short CV or a description of your experience in the field.
10.3Deadlines
Enrolment for the intake starting on 11 January 2027 is open until 4 January 2027, or until the group is full (maximum 20 students).
10.4Fee and payment options
Fee: £1,120
- Full payment before the start: £896 (20% reduction).
- 40% reservation (£448) and 6 monthly instalments of £112.
10.5Grants, discounts and funding
Discounts: 10% for Fungaris alumni and 15% for groups of three or more people from the same organisation. Discounts cannot be combined with each other or with the full-payment reduction.
Your employer can pay for the programme and receive the invoice in the company name. Whether a public or employer training budget can cover the fee depends on your country, so check with them.
10.6Cancellation policy
The conditions for cancelling, withdrawing or moving to a later intake are explained in our cancellation policy and in your enrolment confirmation. Nothing there limits your rights under the consumer law that applies to you.
Cancellation and refunds →Additional information
11.1Frequently asked questions
Do I need experience to study Diploma in Mycological Tourism Guiding?
Basic mushroom identification knowledge is recommended. Guiding or outdoor experience is helpful.
How is Diploma in Mycological Tourism Guiding taught?
Live online, in 8 modules with a working professional, a small group and a final project.
How am I assessed?
Progress is assessed through participation in live sessions, planning and identification exercises in each module and a final project reviewed by the tutor.
What is the final project?
A complete guided mycotourism offer for a real territory, with routes, safety plan, interpretation, partner experiences and business model.
What certificate do I get?
On completing the programme and its project, Fungaris issues a Diploma Certificate. Fungaris certificates are the institute's own. Whether an employer, school or authority recognises them depends on that organisation and on local rules in each country.
What can I study after Diploma in Mycological Tourism Guiding?
The natural next step is Master in Culinary Mycology & Mushroom Gastronomy.
11.2Alumni testimonials
We only publish verified testimonials from real students. This programme does not have any published yet; they will appear here once its first intakes finish.
11.3Admissions contact
Write to info@fungaris.institute or use the contact form. Admissions answers in your language.
Read before you start.
Keep branching.
Join the next intake.
Pay in full with a 20% reduction, or reserve your place with 40% and pay the rest in monthly instalments. All prices are stated in pounds sterling (GBP).