Nurture your interest in all things green by a gaining our highly sought qualification, the Diploma of Parks and Gardens Management. This course reflects the role of those who manage private parks and gardens or personnel working in local government as park managers.

Get with the green program
Our Parks and Gardens program is diverse and facilitates entry into a range of employment situations including, landscape construction and design, local government, contract maintenance, consultancy services, botanic gardens and horticultural enterprises.
Study and learn in tranquility
The Diploma of Parks and Gardens Management is delivered through our Greensborough campus’s modern horticulture department, where you will have the benefit of training on extensive grounds and in purpose built training workshops.
The NGIV – Nursery and Garden Industry Victoria – is the peak industry body for the state’s horticultural industry. You will have an opportunity to work with the NGIV through events such as the Melbourne International flower and Garden show.
You’ll also benefit from course excursions and participation in industry events.
How long will it take?
The course is a two year, part-time program designed to provide you with a foundation for a flourishing career in the Parks and Gardens industry as a manager at the post-trade level.
Successful completion of the course means you will have acquired a range of practical, technical and managerial skills, essential for your future development and career aspirations in Parks and Gardens management.
Employment outcomes
The program is diverse and facilitates entry into a range of industry sectors, including local government, contract maintenance and consultancy services. You may find work as a parks and gardens manager, recreational facilities manager, or open spaces coordinator, but the list won’t end there!
Assessment
Assessment is based on your ability to achieve unit outcomes. Assessment methods include demonstration of skills, tests and assignments, folios, oral activities, and third party reports.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
You can seek RPL where your work or qualifications of an advanced and related nature have been undertaken. Academic Credit is granted on a case-by-case basis, according to our Academic Credit policy and associated procedures. Applications for Academic Credit will be assessed by relevant Melbourne Polytechnic academics and, where appropriate, industry experts.
Local Students
Code
AHC50716Campuses
FAIRFIELDDepartment
Horticulture and LandscapingDuration
Part-time:
2 years
Two evenings per week over two years
Class Schedule: *
Mon - PM
Thu - PM
*Classes run across these days and times. Detailed timetable information is
available from an Education and Career
Advisor
Modes of Delivery
Off-campus, Practical Work, ClassroomFees
The student tuition fees as published are correct at time of publication and subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. All enrolments excluding RPL/RCC and Higher Education incur an annual Amenities fee with a maximum cap of $250
Find out more on fees and charges
Assessment Methods
Assessment is based on your ability to achieve unit outcomes. Methods include demonstration of skills, tests and assignments, folios, oral activities, and third party reportsMaterials
- a list of equipment and reference materials will be distributed at the start of the course by the teaching department
- you can also loan reference material from our library
- you will need to provide your own safety boots (steel capped), gloves, sun hat, Hi-Vis vest, good quality secateurs, sunscreen, USB flash drive, textbook and writing materials
Entrance Requirements
- it is preferred that you have some knowledge and experience in the Horticulture industry prior to undertaking this course
- all applicants will need to attend an interview to establish if this course is suited to your needs
Pathways to further study
Successful completion of the Diploma of Parks and Gardens could lead onto higher education study in Horticulture and/or Horticultural ScienceCareer Pathways
Successful completion of this course facilitates entry into a range of industry sectors, including:- local government
- contract maintenance and consultancy services
- parks and gardens management
- recreational facilities management
- open spaces coordination
Enrolment Intake
- Ongoing
- February
- July
Units Of Study
The Units of Study listed below have been approved for VET FEE-HELP. You may be required to undertake additional Units of Study in order to obtain the qualification. You will need to determine your particular combination of Units of Study with the department.
The hours displayed are nominal, actual classroom hours delivered may differ. Please contact the department for the latest student contact hours information.
Code | Subjects | Hours |
---|---|---|
AHCARB504 | Develop an arboricultural impact assessment report | 90 |
AHCARB505 | Document and audit tree work | 90 |
AHCBUS501 | Manage staff | 140 |
AHCBUS504 | Prepare estimates, quotes and tenders | 120 |
AHCLSC502 | Manage landscape projects | 200 |
AHCPGD502 | Plan the restoration of parks and gardens | 120 |
AHCPGD503 | Manage parks and reserves | 200 |
AHCPGD504 | Develop and implement a streetscape management plan | 120 |
AHCTRF501 | Plan the establishment of sports turf playing surfaces | 150 |
AHCWHS501 | Manage work health and safety processes | 90 |
BSBFIM501 | Manage budgets and financial plans | 70 |
TLIR4002 | Source goods/services and evaluate contractors | 30 |

Students may be eligible for Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.