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Diploma of Horticulture 

JRTF50103      RTF50103


Study Mode Study Level Duration Campus and Intake Show intake calendar
Full-time
Part-time (day)
Part-time (evening)
TAFE 18 months to 2 years full-time or equivalent part-time Prahran (Spring Term, Summer Term, Term 1, Term 2, Winter Term, Term 3, Term 4)
Wantirna (Spring Term, Summer Term, Term 1, Term 2, Winter Term, Term 3, Term 4)

The Diploma of Horticulture is ideal for students who have demonstrated commitment to horticulture and wish to pursue a career within the nursery, landscape, parks and gardens, turf, arboriculture or floriculture industries. Students learn about plant nutrition, plant health, propagation and recognition of plants, landscape design, products and services, as well as business management and administration.

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The Diploma of Horticulture provides students with the skills they need to kick start a career in an industry that is making a positive contribution to greening our cities. Students could find themselves working in an industry that is more than just a job, it’s a lifestyle. Students can choose to study full-time or part-time face-to-face during the day at Prahran or Wantrina, or part-time at night, Wantirna only.

(International students are required to study full-time.)

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This course provides students with the understanding and skills they need to start a career in the horticulture industry or to get a step up for people already working in the field.

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Full-time students complete a Certificate IV in Horticulture in the first year and receive six units credit towards a Diploma of Horticulture.  In the second year, students complete the final four elective units of the Diploma of Horticulture.

Part-time students will undertake studies in the day or evening, working towards completion of the ten units.

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Full-time mode
RTC4701A  Implement and monitor the enterprise OHS program
RTC4024A  Recommend plants and cultural practices
RTF4003A  Plan a plant establishment program
RTF4001A  Design plant displays
RTF4015A  Plan a propagation program
RTF4004A  Develop a plant nutrition program
RTC4206A  Supervise landscape project works
RTE4401A  Control weeds, pest and/or diseases
RTF5005A  Manage plant health
RTC5011A  Collect and classify plants
RTF5013A  Manage plant cultural practices for amenity horticulture 
RTF5018A  Assess trees
RTE5603A  Design irrigation, drainage and water treatment systems
RTF5009A  Plan the restoration of parks and gardens
BSBSUS501A  Develop workplace policy and procedures for sustainability
RTF5001A  Develop a horticultural production plan
RTF5004A  Manage landscape projects
RTC5908A  Prepare estimates, quotes and tenders
 
Part-time mode 
RTF5018A  Assess trees 
RFT5521A  Monitor and manage soils and growing media
RTE5603A  Design irrigation, drainage & water treatment systems 
RTE5524A  Develop and implement sustainable land use strategies
RTC4024A  Recommend plants and cultural practices 
RTC5801A  Provide specialist advice to clients
RTC5011A  Collect and classify plants
RTF5005A  Manage plant health 
RTF5013A  Manage plant cultural practices for amenity horticulture   
RTF5001A  Develop a horticultural production plan 
RTF5004A  Manage landscape projects
 
Note: The department will determine in any year which electives will be offered based on available resources and minimum class sizes.

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With a Diploma of Horticulture you could be part of the growing green collar economy. Possible job titles include:
  • Nursery manager
  • Landscape designer
  • Parks and gardens manager
  • Horticultural consultant
  • Landscaper
  • Garden centre operators
  • Golf course maintenance
  • Writer/presenter for the horticultural media

These are just some of the careers on offer; there are many other challenging areas that need horticultural expertise.

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Graduates will be eligible to apply for membership of the Australian Institute of Horticulture and industry associations.

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Applicants need to have completed Victorian Year 12 or its equivalent, or be a mature age applicant. They need to demonstrate competent literacy and numeracy skills and a commitment to the horticultural industry.

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Applicants with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this course may be granted 'credit' and/or entry to the course with 'advanced standing'. University policies apply and applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis. For further information refer to the Credit Transfer Guide at: http://www.swinburne.edu.au/corporate/marketing/pathways//

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An advanced credit transfer system, known as the Pathways program, is in place at Swinburne. Through Pathways, students with one or more of a wide range of post-secondary qualifications (both local and international) can gain entry into a course with advanced standing. Certain subject requirements must be met and an acceptable standard of results achieved in order to gain admission and for maximum credit to be granted. For further information refer to the Credit Transfer Guide at: http://www.swinburne.edu.au/corporate/marketing/pathways//

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Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process where a student may be granted credit or partial credit towards a qualification in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training.

Further details for students considering TAFE courses can be found on the RPL website.

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Details of the fee structure and TAFE course fees can be found at www.swinburne.edu.au/fees

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Direct Application: forms can be downloaded from the website at: http://www.swinburne.edu.au/tafe/apply or applications for Semester 1 can be made through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC).

VTAC code: 71311

For further information, visit the VTAC website at: www.vtac.edu.au

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Submit an Online Enquiry 
Tel: 1300 275 794
Email: study@swinburne.edu.au

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