This course provides opportunities for extensive practical skills to be developed or enhanced, supported by talented teaching staff. The Diploma program is predominantly delivered at the SuniTAFE farm. The well-equipped training farm offers the student unique experiences covering a broad range of horticultural practices, supported by farm management and staff.
The Diploma of Horticulture equips the graduate with the skills required to gain a management role in the expansive horticulture industry or to gain a place to continue studies at bachelor degree level.
On successful completion of this qualification there are opportunities to continue your horticultural studies with a bachelor of Horticultural Science or similar, offered by a number of universities. A degree qualification in horticulture could potentially lead to a management position or a senior role in a number of horticultural or educational organisations.
Students must be at least 18 years old when they commence studies.
SuniTAFE operates a 30 hectare commercial horticulture farm growing citrus, vines, almonds, olives, annual vegetables and nursery plants. A range of fruit trees, garden plants and native plants are propagated in the on-farm nursery. Students undertake classes and practical components of the program at the SuniTAFE SMARTFarm at Cardross which is 10 kilometres from the main Mildura campus.
Students are recommended to purchase work boots and wear appropriate sun safe work clothes including hats for classes at the SuniTAFE Farm.
| Duration | 52 weeks |
| English Proficiency | IELTS 6.0 Academic, PTE Academic 50 or equivalent test score, or successful completion of Upper Intermediate ELICOS at Sunraysia Institute of TAFE. |
| Fees per Term (AUD) | $3,625 |
| Total Fees (AUD) | $14,500 |
| Course Start Dates | 28 January, 21 July |
| Academic Requirements | Completion of year 11 or Australian Year 11 equivalent. |
| Study Mode | Full-time, face to face 20 hours per week. Classes are timetabled 3 days per week. |
| Code | Unit Name | Hours | Material |
| AHCWHS503 | Manage workplace health and safety processes | 90 | $35.00 |
| AHCWRK513 | Write and present reports | 60 | $30.00 |
| AHCWRK520 | Develop workplace policy and procedures for environment and sustainability | 100 | $35.00 |
| Code | Unit Name | Hours | Material |
| AHCBUS511 | Manage enterprise staff requirements | 140 | $30.00 |
| AHCBUS518 | Prepare and monitor budgets and financial reports | 140 | $30.00 |
| AHCCHM501 | Develop and manage a chemical use strategy | 80 | $30.00 |
| AHCIRG437 | Schedule irrigations | 50 | $30.00 |
| AHCPCM507 | Diagnose plant health problems | 120 | $30.00 |
| AHCSOL406 | Sample soils and interpret results | 60 | $30.00 |
| AHCSOL505 | Monitor and manage soils for production | 120 | $30.00 |
