Fungal Pigments and Biocolour for Designers
Use colour derived from fungi, from mushroom dyes to pigment-producing moulds, for textiles, surfaces and materials.
Programme identification
- 1.1Programme name
- Fungal Pigments and Biocolour for Designers
- 1.2Type of qualification
- Course
- 1.3Provider / endorsing institution
- Fungaris – International Institute of Mycology, School of Mycelium Design & Architecture. 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)
- 3 months (12 weeks) · 72 hours in total · 6 modules of 12 hours · 12 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 2 April 2027. Enrolment closes on 4 January 2027. Following intake: 8 March 2027. How intakes work →
Overview
2.1Programme description
This course introduces colour from fungi as a design resource. You will learn the basic chemistry behind fungal colour, how mushrooms and lichens have been used as dyes, and how certain moulds and fungi can be grown in culture to produce pigments. Practical modules cover dyeing wool, silk and plant fibres, as well as colouring mycelium materials themselves, with attention to mordants, safety and repeatability.
Designers are looking for alternatives to synthetic dyes and pigments, and fungi offer an unusually wide palette of yellows, oranges, reds, purples, blues and greens. However, natural colour varies, can fade and must be sourced responsibly, including foraging ethics and lichen conservation. The course suits textile, surface and material designers who want to work with biocolour knowledgeably. Live sessions include demonstrations, dye bath planning and discussion of light-fastness testing. In the final project you create a documented colour library of fungal dyes or pigments on chosen materials, with recipes, fastness notes and sourcing information.
2.2Why it matters / what need it meets
It meets a practical need: applied, up-to-date knowledge in design & architecture, useful in areas such as textiles and fashion, surface and interior design, craft and natural dyeing, biomaterials research.
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:
Use colour derived from fungi, from mushroom dyes to pigment-producing moulds, for textiles, surfaces and materials.
3.2Specific objectives
- Build the foundations: Colour chemistry of fungi; Mushroom and lichen dyes.
- Put them into practice: Pigment-producing fungi in culture; Dyeing textiles and fibres.
- Apply everything to a real case: Colouring mycelium materials; Light-fastness and documentation.
- Complete a final project reviewed by your tutor.
3.3Competences you will gain
- Explain the main groups of fungal pigments and their behaviour.
- Prepare dye baths from mushrooms and lichens responsibly.
- Describe how pigment-producing fungi are cultured.
- Dye protein and cellulose fibres with appropriate mordants.
- Test and document light-fastness of fungal colours.
Student profile
4.1Who it is for (entry profile)
Textile, surface and material designers.
4.2Entry requirements
No prior dyeing experience is needed. Basic kitchen equipment reserved for dyeing and access to fibres are useful for the exercises.
4.3Career paths (exit profile)
- Textile designer working with natural colour
- Surface designer for interiors and products
- Natural dye practitioner and workshop leader
- Material researcher exploring biopigments
- Colour developer in a sustainable fashion brand
Outcomes depend on your experience and on your local market.
Study plan
5.1Overall structure (modules and workload)
| Module | Title | Phase | Topics | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Colour chemistry of fungi | Foundations | 3 | 12 |
| 02 | Mushroom and lichen dyes | Foundations | 3 | 12 |
| 03 | Pigment-producing fungi in culture | Practice | 3 | 12 |
| 04 | Dyeing textiles and fibres | Practice | 3 | 12 |
| 05 | Colouring mycelium materials | Application & project | 3 | 12 |
| 06 | Light-fastness and documentation | Application & project | 3 | 12 |
| Total | 72 |
6 modules × 12 hours = 72 hours: 24 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.
- Pigment groups in fungi
- How colour changes with pH
- Safety with fungal compounds
- Dye mushroom species
- Lichens and conservation ethics
- Extraction and dye baths
- Pigment-producing moulds
- Growing on solid and liquid media
- Harvesting pigments
- Mordants and fibre preparation
- Protein and cellulose fibres
- Bundle dyeing and patterning
- Adding colour to substrates
- Surface colour on grown objects
- Consistency between batches
- Light-fastness testing
- Wash-fastness basics
- Building a colour library
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 documented colour library of fungal dyes or pigments with recipes, fastness notes and sourcing information.
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 6 hours a week for 12 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, dyeing and documentation exercises, and a final colour library 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 Design & Architecture 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
Course Certificate
On completing the programme and its project, Fungaris issues a Course 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).
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: £340
- Full payment before the start: £272 (20% reduction).
- 40% reservation (£136) and 3 monthly instalments of £68.
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 Fungal Pigments and Biocolour for Designers?
No prior dyeing experience is needed. Basic kitchen equipment reserved for dyeing and access to fibres are useful for the exercises.
How is Fungal Pigments and Biocolour for Designers taught?
Live online, in 6 modules with a working professional, a small group and a final project.
How am I assessed?
Progress is assessed through participation in live sessions, dyeing and documentation exercises, and a final colour library reviewed by the tutor.
What is the final project?
A documented colour library of fungal dyes or pigments with recipes, fastness notes and sourcing information.
What certificate do I get?
On completing the programme and its project, Fungaris issues a Course 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 Fungal Pigments and Biocolour for Designers?
The natural next step is Diploma in Mycelium Product Design.
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.
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).