Diploma of Applied Horticultural Science
Sorry, this course is not available for international students.
If you are a local student you may be eligible.
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Overview
18 months full time
February, July
Grow into your new career
Victoria is the number one place for horticulture, with a diverse horticultural industry spanning food production, nursery, garden maintenance and design. This industry alone has a value of $3.9 billion and provides thousands of jobs. Melbourne Polytechnic’s modern facilities utilise the latest technologies and methods to teach you a blend of science and horticulture management to enter an ever-changing industry as a successful horticulturalist. If you have a passion for the science of plants and managing horticultural sites, the Diploma of Applied Horticultural Science 22650VIC could be the pathway for you.
Get into a hands-on career
Horticulture is an industry with many different career pathways. It plays a vital role in providing food, designing amenities for sustainability and the community and providing plants to help combat climate change and restoration projects around Australia. You might find work such as managing gardens, horticultural project management, management of a horticultural enterprise or landscape design (including specialist designs such as therapeutic gardens).
Career Pathways
Where will the Diploma of Applied Horticultural Science 22650VIC take me?
Opportunities in a broad range of horticultural enterprises and disciplines include:
- Management of private and public gardens and parks
- Management of nurseries
- Restoration and management of heritage gardens
- Project management
- Managing a horticultural enterprise
- Garden and landscape design
- Garden Designer
- Greenkeeper
- Landscaping Business Operator
- Landscape Gardener
Study Pathways
These qualifications may lead to further studies in horticulture at tertiary institutes. Examples of further training include:- Associate Degree in Environmental Horticulture
- Bachelor of Horticulture
- Graduate Certificate in Urban Horticulture
Course Details
Assessment Methods
Forms of assessment may include assignments, reports, tests, demonstrations of skills, verbal questioning, practical work, third party reports and folios. 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 |
| AHCDES403 | Develop landscape designs | Elective | 130 |
| AHCPCM404 | Recommend plants and cultural practices | Elective | 80 |
| AHCPCM507 | Diagnose plant health problems | Core | 120 |
| AHCPCM509 | Apply knowledge of plant physiology to horticultural practices | Core | 100 |
| AHCPCM512 | Design specialised landscape | Core | 150 |
| AHCPGD507 | Manage plant cultural practices | Core | 200 |
| AHCWRK513 | Write and present reports | Core | 60 |
| AHCWRK516 | Implement professional practice | Core | 100 |
| VU23597 | Apply the science of botany to plant identification | Core | 60 |
| VU23598 | Manage soils and growing media | Core | 100 |
| VU23599 | Select plants for a range of horticultural applications | Core | 100 |
| VU23600 | Apply sustainability principles to horticultural practices | Core | 70 |
| VU23601 | Develop and implement a pruning program | Elective | 60 |
| VU23602 | Develop and implement a propagation program | Elective | 60 |
| VU23603 | Manage the care and maintenance of trees | Elective | 60 |
Recognition of Prior Learning
You can seek Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) where your work experience or qualifications of an advanced and related nature have been undertaken. RPL is individually assessed based on evidence submitted by the student to the teaching department. Applications for RPL will be assessed by relevant Melbourne Polytechnic trainers, academics and where appropriate, industry experts.
Attend an Information Session
Fees & Costs
| Non-subsidised fee | |
|---|---|
| Tuition fee | $24157 |
| Maximum annual amenities | $250 |
| Total payable | $24407 |
| Per year | $0 |
| Per semester | $0 |
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.
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 1st of November. 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.
Fees explained
The fees for those ineligible for a government-funded enrolment.
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.
Horticulture courses at Melbourne Polytechnic
Requirements
While there are no pre-requisite academic requirements for entry to this course, you will need to have minimum language, literacy and numeracy skillsNext 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.
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Local student means; you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, a New Zealand citizen or a permanent humanitarian visa holder.