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 at Cardross which is 7 kilometres away from the Mildura campus. Students will undertake training and practical classes at the farm. The Institute has a minibus so students can get to the farm for classes. Students are recommended to purchase work boots for classes on the farm.
| Duration | 52 Weeks |
| English Proficiency | IELTS 5.5 or equivalent test score, or successful completion of Upper Intermediate ELICOS at Sunraysia Institute of TAFE |
| Fees per Semester (AUD) | $7,000 |
| Total Fees (AUD) | $14,000 |
| Course Start Dates | February, July |
| Academic Requirements | Successful completion of the equivalent of Australian Year 11 high school studies |
| Pre-requisite course(s) | Certificate III in Horticulture |
* Duration of a course includes periods for orientation and enrolment, teaching, assessment, structured learning support, study breaks and public holidays.
* Fees are subject to change.
| Code | Unit Name | Hours |
| AHCBUS501 | Manage staff | 140 |
| AHCBUS508 | Prepare and monitor budgets and financial reports | 140 |
| AHCCHM501 | Develop and manage a chemical use strategy | 80 |
| AHCIRG408 | Schedule irrigations | 50 |
| AHCIRG502 | Design irrigation system maintenance and monitoring programs | 80 |
| AHCMOM501 | Manage machinery and equipment | 90 |
| AHCNSY402 | Plan a propagation program | 120 |
| AHCPCM402 | Develop a soil health and plant nutrition program | 90 |
| AHCPCM501 | Diagnose plant health problems | 120 |
| AHCPCM502 | Collect and classify plants | 120 |
| AHCPHT404 | Implement and monitor a horticultural crop harvesting program | 100 |
| AHCPHT502 | Develop a horticultural production plan | 180 |
| AHCPHT503 | Manage a controlled growing environment | 120 |
| AHCSOL402 | Develop a soil use map for a property | 100 |
| AHCSOL501 | Monitor and manage soils for production projects | 120 |
| AHCWAT502 | Manage water systems | 120 |
| AHCWHS501 | Manage work health and safety processes | 90 |
| AHCWRK503 | Prepare reports | 60 |
| BSBFIM501 | Manage budgets and financial plans | 70 |
