The House of the West Wind: College of Storytelling’s most advanced course is a year-long programme taught by Shonaleigh that will support you in applying the Drut’syla Midrash to a subject you feel passionate about.
Previous students have explored themes such as trance states, treasure hunting, economics, coaching – and any aspect of storytelling.
Through applying the unique and powerful techniques of the Drash you will develop a deep understanding of your chosen field. We recommend you pick a topic you can use practically in your everyday working life.
You will be supported in this by Shonaleigh through 11 days of in-person teaching, monthly online lectures, monthly online group tutorials and up to 10 personal online tutorials.
The Diploma requires you to write a 15-20,000 word dissertation, which you can submit as text or audio (with transcript).
This course is an excellent follow-on to Shonaleigh’s ‘Walking the Wildwoods’ course, being a deeper dive into the methodology of the Drash, applying it with academic rigour. Applications will also be considered from people who have taken shorter courses with Shonaleigh.
On this course the standard of teaching and submissions are in line with that required for a MA or Level 7 qualification. This is course is endorsed by the UK’s NOCN awarding body.
DATES for the current cohort
For the January – December 2026 intake some teaching is delivered in-person and some online.
IN-PERSON attendance modules
Three in-person modules in Dronfield, UK. These are non-residential: you need to sort out your own travel, accommodation and food.
- 9th – 11th January 2026 Friday 10am-5pm, Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 10am-1pm
- 15th – 19th April 2026 Wednesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 10am-1pm
- 18th – 20th September 2026 Friday 10am-5pm, Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 10am-1pm
- Submission deadline March 8th 2027.
- Vivas 14th-15th May 2027
- Graduation Ceremony 19th June (expect a weekend of merriment 18th-20th June)
ONLINE attendance modules
Sixteen online group lectures and/or tutorials, usually on Tuesday evenings 7.30-9.30pm UK time. Dates: January 20th, February 3rd, February 17th, March 17th, April 7th, April 21st, May 12th, June 2nd, June 16th, July 14th, September 8th, October 6th, October 13th, November 10th, November 24th, December 15th.
Ten monthly 1:1 tutorials with Shonaleigh January 2025-October 2026., usually on Tuesday daytimes or Tuesday evenings UK time.
COST
£4,000 either payable as a lump sum or via a payment plan. If you are accepted on the course we ask for a £500 deposit to hold your place.
What is your refunds policy?
If you need to cancel your attendance
- Less than 3 months before the course start date – no refund
- Between 3-12 months before the course start date – 50% refund of total fees
- More than 12 months before the course start date – 90% refund of total fees
If we need to cancel the course we will refund any fees paid minus bank charges
APPLICATION
Registration is closed for the 2026 intake but we hope to run this course again from September 2027. Please apply here to register your interest
QUERIES
Email Claire – [email protected]