Diploma in Ornamental Horticulture
| Course Code: | 21788VIC |
| Department: | Built & Natural Environments |
| Study Area(s): | Horticulture |
| Location(s): | Broadmeadows |
| Course Length: | Full-time (2 years) Part-time day (Flexible) |
| Direct Entry: | You can apply for this course directly through Kangan Institute. |
| Mid-year Entry: | This course accepts mid-year applications. |
| VTAC: | Year 12 and mature age applicants can apply for this course at the VTAC website during the VTAC period. |
Need more information?
Call us on 13 TAFE (13 8233)
or +613 9279 2222
Email us at enquiries@kangan.edu.au
Or fill in our feedback form
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Course overview
This course is conducted on campus at Broadmeadows, both in the classroom and in our specially developed outdoor training area, by our dynamic teaching department. We offer students an individual and flexible approach to learning in a caring and supportive environment. This course will give you the skills and knowledge required to be a valued and productive employee within the horticulture industry.
Course modules
| CORE | ||
| Module Code | Module Title | Nominal Hours |
|---|---|---|
| RTF4023A | Promote Plant Health | 120 |
| RTF5013A | Manage Plant Cultural Practices For Amenity Horticulture | 200 |
| RTF5521A | Monitor and Manage Soils | 120 |
| VBQU208 | Work Proficiently in The Horticulture Industry | 100 |
| VBQU209 | Apply The Science of Botany to Horticultural Practices | 60 |
| VBQU210 | Apply Plant Physiology to Horticultural Practices | 60 |
| VBQU211 | Identify and Select Plants For a Range of Environments | 180 |
| VBQU212 | Manage Sustainable Horticultural Practices | 90 |
| Total hours: | 930 | |
| ELECTIVE | ||
| Module Code | Module Title | Nominal Hours |
|---|---|---|
| RTC4908A | Supervise Work Routines and Staff Performance | 50 |
| VBN194 | Prepare a Garden Design and Maintenance Program | 120 |
| VBQU213 | Develop and Implement a Pruning Program | 60 |
| VBQU214 | Develop and Implement a Propagation Program | 60 |
| VBQU215 | Manage The Care and Maintenance of Trees | 60 |
| VBQU216 | Conserve and Maintain Heritage Landscapes | 120 |
| VBQU217 | Plan, Establish and Maintain Lawns and Lawn Alternatives | 60 |
Course Fees
Are you eligible for Government Subsidised fees? Find out now!
You may be eligible for concession. Find out now!
| Government Subsidised | Fee For Service (Full fee) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concession | Non concession | RPL | Concession | Non concession | RPL | |
| Tuition fees | $ 100# | $ 2,500^ | $ 95 | n/a | $ 6,500^ | $ 3,250^ |
| Student Services & Amenities Fees | $ 32 | $ 212^ | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Ancillary Fees | $ 26 | $ 26 | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
# Concession card holders enrolling in a Diploma or Advanced Diploma are under 25 as at 01/01/2012 the concession tuition fee applies.
# If an Indigenous student the relevant concession tuition fee applies.
^ Fees will not be more than stated.
* Approximate fees displayed are based on calendar year calculations. The fees apply to the units enrolled in 2012 only. Any enrolments in subsequent years will be charged at the rates applicable for that year.
* Materials fees may be required.
How to calculate fees? See the examples here.
| Tuition fee | Student Services & Amenities Fees | Ancillary Fees | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Example 1: | A student is enrolled in a Skills Deepening program with 200 nominal hours. | |||
| Government subsidised (Non concession) | $1,196.00 | $0.32 x 200 = $64.00 | $26.00 | $1,286.00 |
| Fee-For-Service (Non concession) | $2,392.00 | n/a | n/a | $2,392.00 |
| Fee-For-Service (RPL) | $1,196.00 | n/a | n/a | $1,196.00 |
| Example 2: | A student is enrolled in a Skills Deepening program with 900 nominal hours. | |||
| Government subsidised (Non concession) | Capped at the maximum of $2,500.00 | $0.32 x 900 = $288.00 but capped at the maximum of $212.00 | $26.00 | $2,738.00 |
| Fee-For-Service (Non concession) | $6,500.00 but capped at the maximum of $6500.00 | n/a | n/a | $6500.00 |
| Fee-For-Service (RPL) | $3,250.00 but capped at the maximum of $3250.00 | n/a | n/a | $3250.00 |
See the detailed fees structure.
What costs and other fees should I expect?
For a fee schedule, call us on 13 TAFE (13 8233) or (03) 9279 2222. Alternatively email enquiries@kangan.edu.au. There may be an extra cost for reference books and specialised materials.
What employment opportunities will I have?
This course is designed to provide the necessary skills for supervisory positions, running a small business or assisting professionals in the horticulture industry. Graduates are able to apply for positions in wholesale or retail nurseries, garden supplies centres, garden maintenance, landscape construction, horticultural supply operations and local government. You could also set up and operate your own horticultural enterprise.
What skills will I have when I complete this course?
You will gain the ability to identify and recommend a range of plants, cultivate and propagate the major types of ornamental plant material to meet enterprise guidelines and industry standards. You will have the skills to manage plant care strategies including environment protection issues, maintain occupational health and safety programs and supervise the work of others as well as being able to operate a horticultural business.
What qualifications will I receive?
On successful completion of the course you will be awarded the Diploma in Ornamental Horticulture. This is a Victorian state accredited qualification.
What opportunities for further studies will I have?
Credit transfers may be available into the Advanced Diploma of Horticulture.
Can I apply?
You can apply if you have completed a lower level Certificate in Horticulture studies, have completed VCE or an approved equivalent course, are of mature age with appropriate work experience or currently working in the horticulture industry.
How do I apply?
Full-time applicants may apply by using the VTAC Online Application form available at www.vtac.edu.au or directly at Kangan Institute. Part time applicants must obtain an application form from the Institute. Call us on 13 TAFE (13 8233) or email enquiries@kangan.edu.au. This course also has a mid-year intake.
How will I be selected for this course?
All applicants will be required to attend an informal interview and information session prior to enrolment.
How long is the course?
This is a two year full-time course. This course can also be completed on a part-time basis.
Where and how can I study?
You may study with our friendly, expert teachers at the Broadmeadows campus, both in the classroom and in our specialised outdoor training area.
How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed to show that you have achieved the skills and knowledge required by the course. Assessment may include written, oral or practical assessment methods. You will be advised in advance regarding the type of assessment and how it will operate. There is the opportunity for reassessment and appeal and you will be provided this information.
Additional comments
This course has a mid-year entry.
The Horticulture Department is a small yet dynamic department offering students an individual and flexible approach to learning in a caring and supportive environment.
Kangan Institute Horticulture students have been awarded the Don Fleming Student Design Award held at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show in 2002 and 2005.
What will I study?
See the list of modules.




