Diploma of Agriculture
Overview
18 months full time
1 year
February
February, July
The Diploma of Agriculture AHC50116 is not open for direct enrolment. Applicants are required to enrol into the Certificate IV in Agriculture AHC40116 as a dual qualification pathway into the Diploma program. The Certificate IV in Agriculture AHC40116 is included in the Victorian government's Free TAFE initiative.
2023 Year 1-: Students will complete the Certificate IV in Agriculture which includes four of the 10 units required for the Diploma of Agriculture.
2024 Year 2-. Students will complete the remaining 6 units for the Diploma of Agriculture qualification.
Grow your career in the agriculture industry
Agriculture in Australia is a $60 billion industry responsible for almost 95% of Australia’s food supply. Melbourne Polytechnic’s Diploma of Agriculture AHC50116, will teach you specialist skills and industry knowledge that are in high demand across Australia to service this growing industry.
Learn in the field from industry experts
Melbourne Polytechnic’s Diploma of Agriculture AHC50116 will train you in vital agricultural business skills and practical techniques, such as budgeting, production planning, climate risk strategies, animal husbandry and long-term crop management. At our fully-equipped Epping campus and Yan Yean working farm training complex, you’ll have the opportunity to work with the latest in agricultural technology. Boasting an expert roster of teachers and industry professionals in sheep and beef production, you'll gain real world, on-farm experience as you study with Victoria’s largest provider of agricultural education.
Reap the rewards of an agricultural qualification
Graduates of Melbourne Polytechnic’s Diploma of Agriculture AHC50116 will have an abundance of skills and growing expertise to move into the rural production industry and associated agribusiness enterprises. You may end up in a career as a stock and station agent, a farm manager or the operator of your very own farm.
Career Pathways
Where will the Diploma of Agriculture AHC50116 take me?
Graduates may enter a wide range of occupations within the rural production industry and associated agribusiness enterprises, such as stock and station agents, farm managers and farm operators.
- Farm Operator
- Stock Manager
- Farm Manager
Study Pathways
You may apply for credits in the Bachelor of Agriculture and Technology.
Applicants who have completed the Certificate IV in Agriculture AHC40116 have direct access and pathway, with 4 units/6 months credit, to the Diploma in Agriculture AHC50116.
Course Details
Class Schedule
3 days per week
The duration of this course is 12 months full time after completing Certificate IV in Agriculture.
Assessment Methods
Assessment methods for this course includes observation and written assessment.
Units of Study
The hours displayed are nominal, actual classroom hours delivered may differ. Please contact us for the latest student contact hours information.
| Code | Subject | Elective | Hours |
| AHCAGB513 | Develop a farm plan | Elective | 120 |
| AHCAGB521 | Select and use agricultural technology | Elective | 100 |
| AHCBAC509 | Plan and manage long-term weed, pest and disease control in crops | Elective | 130 |
| AHCBAC510 | Manage integrated crop and pasture production | Elective | 120 |
| AHCBIO403 | Plan and implement a farm or enterprise biosecurity plan | Elective | 120 |
| AHCBUS518 | Prepare and monitor budgets and financial reports | Elective | 140 |
| AHCLSK402 | Develop livestock feeding plans | Elective | 140 |
| AHCLSK504 | Develop livestock health and welfare strategies | Elective | 150 |
| AHCLSK510 | Develop production plans for livestock | Elective | 180 |
| AHCSOL508 | Manage soils to enhance sustainability | Elective | 100 |
Attend an Information Session
Fees & Costs
| Government subsidised fee | Non-subsidised fee | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition fee | $9650 | $18900 |
| Maximum annual amenities | $250 | $250 |
| Total payable | $9900 | $19150 |
| Per year | $23400 |
| Per semester | $11700 |
The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment.
Displayed course fees are indicative only. There are many variables that impact the total amount of your full course costs including qualification for government subsidies, concessions or recognition of prior learning. Tuition fees do not include the cost of student amenities or material costs.
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. Contact us to find out if you’re eligible for a Government subsidy.
Melbourne Polytechnic offers a range of payment options to help you pay your tuition fees, so you can get on with your studies.
Fees displayed are effective for new applications received on or after 1 November 2021. Tuition fees do not include textbooks, course materials or overseas student health insurance and visa fees.
After initial deposit, international students are able to pay tuition fees in installments, four times per year.
For more detailed information please read the International Student Fees.
Materials
Lists of required materials, books and timetables will be provided at course induction or class enrolment by the teaching department.Fees explained
The fees for those ineligible for a government-funded enrolment.
The cost of tuition for those eligible for government funding.
Additional expenses
The Student Services and Amenities Fee is charged at forty cents (40 cents) per student contact hour and is capped over a twelve (12) month period, effective from the enrolment date, to:
- $250 for full fee-paying students; and
- $175 for concession-paying students studying Certificate I, II, III, or IV.
Amenities fees are used to improve non-academic services including libraries, counselling services, student support, and recreational activities.
You will need:
- PPE - steel capped boots
- Clothing suitable for farm work in a range of environmental conditions
- Access to laptop and internet
These required resources, which can be purchased through the teaching department:
- Sheep AgSkills $15
- Beef AgSkills $15
- Pastures in a farming system AgGuide $20.40
- Fertiliser Essentials $21.60
- AgGuide Property Planning $18
- AgGuide How to Write a Business Plan and Review Farm Performance $15
- Managing and marketing beef $20.40
- AgGuide Marketing agricultural products and services $15
- AgGuide Managing for healthy soils $20.40
- AgGuide Managing weeds $15
Agriculture courses at Melbourne Polytechnic
Requirements
The Diploma of Agriculture AHC50116 is not open for direct enrolment. Applicants are required to enrol into the Certificate IV in Agriculture AHC40116 as a dual qualification pathway into the Diploma program. The Certificate IV in Agriculture AHC40116 is included in the Victorian government's Free TAFE initiative.
2023 Year 1-: Students will complete the Certificate IV in Agriculture which includes four of the 10 units required for the Diploma of Agriculture.
2024 Year 2-. Students will complete the remaining 6 units for the Diploma of Agriculture qualification.
Academic: Certificate IV in Agriculture AHC40116
English: Academic IELTS 5.5 with no individual band below 5.0, or equivalency.
Next Steps
The Diploma of Agriculture AHC50116 is not open for direct enrolment. Applicants are required to enrol into the Certificate IV in Agriculture AHC40116 as a dual qualification pathway into the Diploma program. The Certificate IV in Agriculture AHC40116 is included in the Victorian government's Free TAFE initiative.
When we receive your application, the International Office will be in contact with you shortly to discuss your application and provide you additional instructions.
If you'd like to speak to one of our International Office staff directly, call 1300 635 276
Agriculture at Melbourne Polytechnic
Conservation students working to protect land and sea
Melbourne Polytechnic Conservation and Land Management students are making a real difference with their valuable work on conservation projects around the state of Victoria.
Learn More
A sustainable look at the future for Melbourne Polytechnic
Everyday we’re working towards more sustainable practices at Melbourne Polytechnic, leading us into a cleaner future for everyone that is part of our community. We recently toured 'Repurpose' It in Epping to making some of these practices a tangible reality.
Learn MoreTop reasons why studying Conservation and Land Management is more important than ever
With the world facing a number of challenges in the environment, from climate change to biodiversity loss, land management and conservation is a field that is more important than ever before.
Learn More
Andrew Christie
Andrew is a lecturer in the Bachelor of Agriculture & Technology degree at Melbourne Polytechnic.
Learn MoreRecognising Organisations
Nationally Recognised Training This course is government accredited and has national recognition.
Local student means; you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, a New Zealand citizen or a permanent humanitarian visa holder.