Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management
As our climate changes, so does the environment around us. By studying a Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management at Swinburne, you’ll learn what you can do to protect the natural world and our relationship with it.
Conservation and ecosystem management is a growing industry – never more so than now, as humanity’s impact on the environment increases. With these changes, though, come career opportunities for people like you who are passionate about caring for the land we share.
This course provides you with a high level of skills and knowledge through practical experience. Field studies feature heavily in the curriculum as you learn what it takes to work at a paraprofessional level – with full industry recognition.
Upon graduation, you’ll have the opportunity to apply for Parks Victoria Summer Rangers positions and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) Project Fire Fighter positions. You’ll also be ready to pursue work in areas such as land management, conservation earthworks, Indigenous land management, and natural area restoration and management.
Duration
1.5 years full-time and 2+ years part-time - VET Mar Intake (01/03/2022) and VET July Intake (11/07/2022).
Intakes
Wantirna (March, July) - View application and start dates
Study modes
- Full-time,
- Part-time (day & evening)
VTAC course code
- 3401070754 (fee type determined by provider)
This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.
Course information in detail
- Course detail, course structure and units of study.
Course description
This qualification reflects the skills and knowledge required for skilled and paraprofessional work in conservation and ecosystem management. This practical hands-on course provides students with a solid grounding in conservation and ecosystem management in line with current industry standards. Field studies are an integral part of the course.
Course structure
Students undertake a range of competencies. A total of 10 elective units of competency must be successfully completed. With a substantial practical component in the course, participants may be required to work and liaise with a range of community, government and professional organisations and individuals to achieve competence.
Units of study
Students may choose a minimum of 10 electives from the following list:
Develop a water quality monitoring program (AHCNRM510)
Write and present reports (AHCWRK513)
Conduct biological surveys (AHCECR502)
Collect and classify plants (AHCPCM510)
Define the pest problem (AHCPMG413)
Develop a management plan for a designated area (AHCLPW506)
Conduct field research into natural and cultural resources (AHCILM501)
Maintain work health and safety processes (AHCWRK401)
Plan river restoration works (AHCECR505)
Manage implementation of ecological restoration programs (AHCECR504)
Supervise the monitoring of biodiversity (AHCLPW406) – Night delivery only
Alternatively 2 units can be imported from any currently endorsed Training Package or accredited course, such as our Diplomas of Horticulture and Landscape Design, but these must ensure the integrity of the qualification’s Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) alignment and contribute to a valid, industry-supported vocational outcome.
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Career opportunities, course aims and objectives and graduate skills.
Career opportunities
Students will have the opportunity to apply for Parks Victoria Summer Rangers positions and Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) Project Fire Fighter positions.
Aims and objectives
Students have the opportunity to develop a broad knowledge in environmental science and to specialise in the development of management strategies for the sustainable use of our resources.
Graduate skills
Pathways and scholarships
- Pathways, credit transfer, recognition of prior learning and scholarships.
Course fees and requirements
- Entry requirements and non-year 12 entry.
Course fees
A VET Student Loan is available for this course – allowing you to defer part of your fees if you're eligible.
The maximum VET Student Loan amount for this course is $16,788. You must start repaying this loan once you earn above the compulsory repayment threshold.
Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem ManagementEstimated course fees for 2023* |
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|---|---|---|---|
| For students who are not granted a Skills First government-subsidised place | For students who are granted a Skills First government-subsidised place | Is this a Free TAFE course? | |
| You will need to pay this amount if you do not receive a VET Student Loan | $19,800 | $12,700 | This course is not eligible for Free TAFE |
| You will need to pay this amount if you do receive a VET Student Loan | $3,012 | Fully Covered | This course is not eligible for Free TAFE |
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.
You could be granted a Skills First government-subsidised place when you apply for this course. Check your eligibility now.
Concession rates for Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs are also available if you self-identify as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent and qualify for a government-subsidised training place under the Indigenous Completions Initiative.
The eligibility criteria are set by the Victorian Government and assessed by Swinburne in accordance with government directives, which are subject to change at any time.
Find out if you’re eligible for a fee concession here.
If you are not granted a government subsidised place, the full course fee will apply. Check your eligibility now.
Indicative nominal course hours: 1,460.
Entry requirements
Applicants require a minimum of Year 12 completion or equivalent.
Applicants without formal qualifications but with significant relevant work or volunteer experience are welcome to apply.
How to apply
Find out more
Tel: 1300 SWINBURNE
Training Organisation Identifier (TOID): 3059