Swinburne University of Technology - Melbourne Australia
Future Students - Courses
Course Description:
The Diploma of Horticulture provides students with the skills and abilities appropriate to meet the needs of the horticulture industry. The elective units make up the substantive course content and will develop the essential specific skills required to undertake the many vital functions required of people employed in the horticulture industry. Included are competencies relating to general horticultural practices such as plant nutrition, plant health, propagation and recognition of plants, products and services, as well as competencies relating to business management and administration. The essential units are designed to develop the students’ generic workplace skills that are highly valued by employers, and are skills which relate particularly to understanding industry and health and safety requirements. Collecting, analysing and organising information, solving problems and using technology are also important attributes for employees in the horticulture industry. These key competencies, along with others, are integrated into the learning and practical activities. This course is suitable for school leavers who have a demonstrated commitment to horticulture and wish to pursue a career within the nursery, landscape, parks and gardens and floriculture industries. It is also suitable for those people who are already working in the horticulture industry and wish to upgrade or gain professional qualifications.
Aims & Objectives:
This course is based upon industry identified Training Package Competencies. It aims to provide the student with the essential knowledge and skills required to operate at a professional level in the Nursery, Landscape, Parks and Gardens or Floriculture industry streams.
Course Structure:
A total of 10 units of competency must be completed.
Units of Study:
RTF5013A Manage plant cultural practice for amenity horticulture RTC5011A Collect and classify plants RTF5521A Monitor and manage soils RTF5505A Manage plant health RTE4606A Supervise on site irrigation, installation & construction work RTF5010A Prepare a landscape project design RTE5524A Develop and implement sustainable land use strategies RTF5001A Develop a horticultural production plan RTE5902A Develop and review a business plan RTC5801A Provide specialist advice RTF5004A Manage landscape projects RTC5908A Prepare estimates quotes and tenders BSBMGT503 Prepare budgets and financial reports BSBSMB405 Monitor and manage business operations BSBMGT507 Manage environmental performance Note: The department will determine in any year which electives will be offered based on available resources and minimum class sizes.
Career Opportunities:
Employment in a technical, supervisory or management role in the horticultural industry or further study.
Professional recognition:
Graduates will be eligible to apply for membership of the Australian Institute of Horticulture and industry associations.
Entry Requirements:
Satisfactory completion of an appropriate Victorian Year 12 or its equivalent, or mature age. Applicants need to demonstrate competent literacy and numeracy skills and a commitment to the horticultural industry.
Credit Transfer:
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//
Pathways (articulation):
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//
Recognition of Prior Learning:
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.
Course Fees:
TAFE course fees are set by the government, and from 1 January 2008 the fees payable by students enrolled in the TAFE division may be made up of the following: Tuition fee ($1.37 per student contact hour) Amenities fee Materials charges (where applicable) Ancillary fee (where applicable) Concession fees apply for health care card holders. For full details on TAFE fees, visit the student fees website.
TAFE course fees are set by the government, and from 1 January 2008 the fees payable by students enrolled in the TAFE division may be made up of the following:
Concession fees apply for health care card holders.
For full details on TAFE fees, visit the student fees website.
Application Procedure:
Applications must be made through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC). VTAC code: 71311 For further information, visit the VTAC website at: http://www.vtac.edu.au
Further information:
Submit an Online Enquiry Tel: 1300 368 777 Email: study@swinburne.edu.au TAFE School of Arts, Hospitality & Sciences website
