New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture (General) (Level 3) and New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture (Amenity) (Level 3)
If you’re interested in horticulture but don't know where to start, this qualification will give you a great introduction to the industry. You'll learn about sustainable growing methods, permaculture, plant propagation, plant and soil science, and how to identify and grow healthy plants. Graduates will receive both the New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture (General) (Level 3) and the New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture (Level 3) (Amenity).
Domestic
About the programme
Do you want to enter the horticulture industry?
New Zealand’s diverse and robust horticulture and related industries have experienced steady growth over recent years and this looks set to continue in the future. This means that qualified and experienced horticulturalists are in demand across the country.
This programme will give you the work-ready skills needed to enter a range of sectors in the horticulture industry.
You'll learn about sustainable growing methods, permaculture, plant propagation, plant and soil science, and how to identify and grow healthy plants. In addition, this is combined with the opportunity to develop your skills in amenity horticulture (the care and maintenance of plants in parks and gardens).
A mix of hands-on learning and theory, enjoy the chance to use our nursery facilities, permaculture garden, Living Campus grounds and other sites such as the beautiful, internationally-acclaimed Dunedin Botanic Garden.
Field trips and work experience are important parts of the programme; these will help you connect with those already working in this dynamic industry.
Graduates of this programme will receive the New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture (General) (Level 3) and the New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture (Level 3) (Amenity).
Studying part-time
We know full-time study isn't always possible. We also offer part-time options for this programme - talk to us about what would suit you best!
International
About the programme
Do you want to enter the horticulture industry?
New Zealand’s diverse and robust horticulture and related industries have experienced steady growth over recent years and this looks set to continue in the future. This means that qualified and experienced horticulturalists are in demand across the country.
This programme will give you the work-ready skills needed to enter a range of sectors in the horticulture industry.
You'll learn about sustainable growing methods, permaculture, plant propagation, plant and soil science, and how to identify and grow healthy plants. In addition, this is combined with the opportunity to develop your skills in amenity horticulture (the care and maintenance of plants in parks and gardens).
A mix of hands-on learning and theory, enjoy the chance to use our nursery facilities, permaculture garden, Living Campus grounds and other sites such as the beautiful, internationally-acclaimed Dunedin Botanic Garden.
Field trips and work experience are important parts of the programme; these will help you connect with those already working in this dynamic industry.
Graduates of this programme will receive the New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture (General) (Level 3) and the New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture (Level 3) (Amenity).
Studying part-time
We know full-time study isn't always possible. We also offer part-time options for this programme - talk to us about what would suit you best!
What You Study
Courses
| Course name and description | Credits |
|---|---|
|
Plant and Soil Science (Understand and apply knowledge of plant and soil structure and processes in horticulture)
|
15 |
|
Plant Identification and Selection (Identify, describe, select and name plants in horticulture)
|
15 |
|
Plant Health (Identify and control a range of common pests, diseases, disorders and weeds in horticulture)
|
15 |
|
Sustainable Growing (Understand and apply the principles and practices of sustainable growing systems)
|
15 |
|
Communication (Work as effective team members in the horticulture sector)
|
10 |
|
Health and Safety, Machinery and Lawn Care (Establish and maintain lawns, use machinery and apply health and safety procedures in horticulture)
|
15 |
| Plant Propagation (Propagate plants for use in amenity horticulture)
|
15 |
| Planting (Plant and establish plants in gardens and open spaces)
|
10 |
|
Maintenance of Amenity Areas (Care for, and maintain, parks and open spaces)
|
20 |
Health and safety
There are a number of health and safety issues associated with the practical delivery of horticulture training. You will be advised of the physical risks and requirements of the programme either in person or by telephone before you enrol. You will be advised of the need to purchase the listed personal protective clothing and equipment and the reasons for this.
Risks include injury to the body due to the physical nature of horticultural work (manual labour, lifting, bending, uneven terrain, falls from working at heights, eyesight) and from using sharp tools and equipment (secateurs, hand saws, spades, lawnmowers) and small machinery. There is a risk from poisonous plants, insect stings, the physical environment (excessive heat or cold, wet weather), working in isolation, chemical handling (limited) and machinery noise.
Workload
Your workload
On average, you'll do four days a week of practical instruction and theoretical teaching. In addition to this, you'll carry out your own self-directed study.
You'll also do four weeks of work experience during your programme.
Entry
Skills needed to work in this area
- Physical fitness
- Planning and organisational skills
- Good communication and team work skills
- A good work ethic
- An eye for detail
Entry requirements
- Open entry
- If English is not your first language, you must provide:
- New Zealand University Entrance OR
- Overall Academic IELTS 5.0 with no individual band score lower than 5.0 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years), OR
- Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for NZQA proficiency table and here for list of recognised proficiency tests).
If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.
Selection process
Applications are processed on a first-come-first served basis until the programme has reached capacity.
Fees
Domestic fees
International fees
Fees Free
If you’re a domestic student and this is your first time doing tertiary study in New Zealand (over 60 credits at Level 3 or higher), you may be able to get free tuition fees for this programme.
All the details and criteria are on the Fees Free website and you can check whether you’re going to be able to access funding by entering your National Student Number.
If you can access it, we’ll organise your fees with the Tertiary Education Commission when you’re enrolled to study with us. This funding doesn’t include additional costs or living costs.
Additional costs
You are required to buy some items of personal protective equipment, personal stationery and textbooks. All costs below are approximate only.
- Steel toecap boots ($100 - $200)
- Secateurs ($40 - $120)
- Gloves ($15 - $25)
- Class 5 earmuffs ($40 - $50)
- Safety glasses ($15 - $25)
- Camera ($100 - $200)
- Printing and photo printing ($30)
- Textbooks ($300)
- Stationery ($25)
Financial assistance is available through StudyLink under Course-related Costs. See Student Loans and Allowances section below for more information.
Please note that many suppliers offer student discounts once you have enrolled and it is preferred that you wait until the first week of your programme before purchasing these items.
Student Services Fee
For most students, your tuition fee shown above includes a Student Services Fee - also known as the Student Levy. This compulsory fee covers your access to the student services we offer. This cost is tailored depending on how you're studying.
Tuition fees
The tuition fees shown above are approximate only. There may be a slight fee increase per year once Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) rules and guidelines are applied. These fees also don't include additional costs or living costs.
Studylink
Domestic full-time students can apply for a student loan through Studylink. Some support may be available for domestic part-time students. Apply at the same time as you apply for your course (you can withdraw your application anytime).
A change for 2023 enrolments
When you apply to study with Otago Polytechnic in 2023, you will be enrolled with Te Pūkenga, the new national network of vocational and applied education in Aotearoa New Zealand. You will learn in the same way, in the same place, and with the same people. The great news is that this enables us to share skills and knowledge across a network of passionate education providers, to better help you succeed. Enrolling in programmes that start in 2023, means that you will graduate with a Te Pūkenga qualification.
Disclaimer
While every effort is made to ensure that this sheet is accurate, Otago Polytechnic reserves the right to amend, alter or withdraw any of the contained information. The fees shown in this document are indicative only. Both domestic and international fees are subject to change and are dependent on the development and implementation of Government policies. Please note that additional fees may from time to time be required for external examination, NZQA fees and/or additional material fees.
