Diploma of Horticulture
The Diploma of Horticulture provides students with skills and knowledge in plant nutrition, plant health, propagation and recognition of plants, landscape design, products and services, and business management and administration.
This course has been discontinued and is closed for new enrolments. The information on this page is for continuing students only. To discuss your study options, contact us.
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Duration
2 years full-time or 4 years part-time (day and/or evening) - VET Mar Intake and VET Jul Intake
Intakes
Wantirna (March) - View application and start dates
Study modes
- Full-time,
- Part-time (day),
- Part-time (evening)
VTAC course code
- 3401071044 (fee type determined by provider)

This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.

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Hear about how our industry-ready students showcased their skills, winning five awards including the most innovative use of plants at the 2019 Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show.
Course information in detail
- Course detail, course structure and units of study.
Course description
The Diploma of Horticulture provides students with the understanding and skills they need to start a career in the horticulture industry or to get a step-up for people already working in the field.
Course structure
Units of study
Prepare a landscape design (AHCDES502)
Assess landscape sites (AHCDES503)
Design sustainable landscapes (AHCLSC501)
Identify, select and specify trees (AHCARB502)
Prepare reports (AHCWRK503)
Diagnose plant health problems (AHCPCM501)
Provide specialist advice to clients (AHCWRK509)
Manage landscape projects (AHCLSC502)
Develop an horticultural production plan (AHCPHT502)
Survey and establish site levels (AHCLSC501)
Manage plant cultural practices (AHCPGD501)
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Career opportunities, graduate skills and professional recognition.
Career opportunities
Possible job titles include nursery manager, landscape designer, parks and gardens manager, horticultural consultant, landscaper, garden centre operators, golf course maintenance, or writer/presenter for the horticultural media. These are just some of the careers on offer; there are many other challenging areas that need horticultural expertise.

Graduate skills
Professional recognition
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 HorticultureEstimated 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 | $17,900 | $12,000 | This course is not eligible for Free TAFE |
You will need to pay this amount if you do receive a VET Student Loan | $1,112 | 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: 1,390.
Entry requirements
Additional requirements
- The following additional criteria for entry apply for this course:
Literacy and Numeracy: Applicants will need to demonstrate literacy and numeracy competencies.
Applicants without formal qualifications but with significant relevant work experience are welcome to apply.
How to apply
Find out more
Tel: 1300 SWINBURNE
Training Organisation Identifier (TOID): 3059