Diploma of Horticulture
Overview
available full time
1.5 years
February, July
February, July
Grow your skill set with a Diploma of Horticulture AHC50416 in Melbourne
Sustain your green thumb with the Diploma of Horticulture. Working within a specialised field, you’ll be drawn into an abundance of opportunities and knowledge of the ever-growing field of flora and fauna. You’ll learn everything you need in order to be part of a $2.15 billion industry, applying knowledge of plant sustainability and maintaining our environment for future generations.
Nurture your skills with world class experience
You’ll be trained in practical skills by an array of experienced trade professionals in our industry-replicated working environments. Melbourne Polytechnic is equipped with purpose-built horticulture workshops, featuring state-of-the-art and industry-based teachers who will teach the fundamentals of plant health and design, from flora and fauna, to nuts, fruits and vegetables. Melbourne Polytechnic’s extensive industry connections and partnership with the Nursery and Garden Industry of Victoria, will allow you to apply your horticultural skills at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, combining your qualification with invaluable experience for unique credibility.
A Diploma of Horticulture AHC50416 gives you a bountiful range of career options
As a fully-qualified horticulturist, you’ll have an abundance of employment opportunities that will continue to bloom. You might work within a range of horticultural practises, including landscape construction and design, contract maintenance, consultancy services, or management of botanic gardens and horticultural enterprises
Career Pathways
Where will the Diploma of Horticulture AHC50416 take me?
Opportunities in a broad range of horticultural enterprises and disciplines include:
- maintenance and management of private and public gardens and parks
- restoration and management of heritage gardens
- project management
- managing a horticultural enterprise.
- design and garden drawing
- Garden Designer
- Landscape Gardener
Study Pathways
These qualifications may lead to further studies in horticulture at tertiary institutes.
Course Details
Delivery methods
- Practical Work
How you will study
Each course has a dedicated learning method that is designed to let you thrive in your studies.
On-campus
Interactive learning in a face-to-face environment. Classes will be held at a Melbourne Polytechnic campus or partner institute. Visit the How You'll Study page for more information.
Assessment Methods
Various forms of assessment may be used, including demonstration of skills, tests and assignments, folios, oral activities, third party reports and practical work. At the commencement of each unit you will be given an outline of what is to be covered in that unit and how the unit will be assessed.
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 |
| AHCDES505 | Prepare a landscape design | Elective | 240 |
| AHCPCM507 | Diagnose plant health problems | Elective | 120 |
| AHCPCM510 | Collect and classify plants | Elective | 120 |
| AHCPGD501 | Manage plant cultural practices | Elective | 200 |
| AHCPGD507 | Manage plant cultural practices | Elective | 200 |
| AHCPGD508 | Plan the restoration of parks and gardens | Elective | 120 |
| AHCSOL505 | Monitor and manage soils for production | Elective | 120 |
| AHCWRK507 | Implement professional practice | Elective | 100 |
| AHCWRK509 | Provide specialist advice to clients | Elective | 100 |
| AHCWRK513 | Write and present reports | Elective | 60 |
| VU22736 | Select plants for use in sustainable horticultural practices | Elective | 100 |
Attend an Information Session
Fees & Costs
| Government subsidised fee | Non-subsidised fee | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition fee | $10050 | $21350 |
| Materials fee | $150 | $150 |
| Maximum annual amenities | $250 | $250 |
| Total payable | $10450 | $21750 |
| Per year | $16400 |
| Per semester | $8200 |
| Materials fee | $150 |
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.
- a list of equipment and reference material needed will be distributed at the start of the course
- reference material is available for student loan in all our campus libraries
- items will include your own safety boots (steel capped), Hi Vis vest, good quality secateurs, sunscreen, USB flash drive, one textbook and writing materials
Horticulture courses at Melbourne Polytechnic
Requirements
- to cope with the demands of this course you will need to show evidence of academic skills such as completion of Year 12 or relevant industry experience
- we look forward to welcoming you to Horticultural study at Melbourne Polytechnic
Academic: Australian Year 11 equivalency
English: Academic IELTS 5.5 with no individual band below 5.0, Pearson PTE Academic 42 overall with no individual communicative skill below 36, or Melbourne Polytechnic recognised equivalency.
Next Steps
We're really excited for you to join the Melbourne Polytechnic community and we look forward to supporting you on your education journey.
The first step to enrolling is completing the application short form from the Apply Now page.
You'll then receive a link to complete a few more personal details.
It is a mandatory government requirement for all prospective students to complete an online literacy and numeracy assessment.
Once you are ready to enrol, you will be invited to attend our Skills and Job Centre, or come to campus to complete your enrolment in person.
For Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas, you may be eligible for a VET Student Loan. Read more about them here.
If you need assistance with your application and the next steps, you can contact one of our Education and Course Advisors on 1300 635 276 or follow a step-by-step guide to enrolling for vocational education local students.
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
Local student means; you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, a New Zealand citizen or a permanent humanitarian visa holder.