Course Description
Career Opportunities
Course Duration
Course Commencement Dates
Entrance Requirements
Application Procedures
Skills Recognition - Exemptions/Transfers
Pathways to Further Study
Course Outline
Assessment Methods
Materials
Qualification

National Code: RTF50803

Course Location and Contact Information

Course Description

The Diploma of Horticulture (Turf) provides training in the skills for establishment maintenance, design and management of recreational turf surfaces. Underpinning these skills will be a sound knowledge in pest and disease management; design of irrigation and drainage systems and management of sport turf facilities. There is an emphasis on the development of management skills in technical and other areas.

There is a strong emphasis on the application of practical skills. Practical classes are conducted at the nearby Riverside Golf and Tennis Centre and the Altona Lakes Golf Course where NMIT holds the maintenance contracts.

Students at NMIT's Fairfield campus will have access to a plant identification laboratory; irrigation training facilities, soils laboratory and computer laboratory with the latest versions of Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) software.

Career Opportunities

As students in this course will already be employed in the turf management industry, successful completion of this course will allow for movement within the turf industry and work in a range of opportunities such as establishment and maintenance of recreational turf, preparation of sports playing surfaces, management of recreational and sports turf facilities, provision of advice on turf irrigation, pest and disease control and management practices. Graduates will be able to work overseas.

Course Duration

Diploma of Horticulture (Turf) is delivered over two and a half years by attendance (one day per week, afternoon and evening) or in a self-paced flexible delivery mode.

Accelerated programs and "hybrid" programs may be negotiated to suit the individual's particular work and study commitments. Enquiries can be made to the course coordinator.

Course Commencement Dates

Courses commence in February. There may be scope for continuous enrolment throughout the year.

Entrance Requirements

The entrance requirement for the Diploma of Horticulture (Turf) is the Certificate III in Horticulture (Turf). Participants are expected to have access to computer facilities, including Internet and email, and be currently employed in the turf industry.

Application Procedures

Apply directly to the Horticulture department.

Skills Recognition - Exemptions/Transfers

Students enrolling in this course who have completed studies at other institutions should discuss the possibility of being exempted from related units in this course. If a student can demonstrate a full understanding of the unit from their work, then they may discuss the option of being assessed for units in their workplace. Students are eligible for Skills Recognition.

Pathways to Further Study

Graduates may seek opportunities for higher education in turf management at degree level.

Course Outline

The Diploma of Horticulture (Turf) requires the successful completion of ten units of competency. Four units are to be selected from Group A, another four units from Group A and/or B and an additional two units from Group B and/or C. Group C units may be selected from other Training Packages or they may be from the Amenity Horticulture Training Package from level 3, 4, 5, or 6. At least eight of the units of competency presented must relate to turf management work procedures, activities or contexts.

In practice NMIT, with industry consultation, has constructed courses that satisfies these packaging rules and are tailored to the requirements of industry.

Group A

RTE5304A Implement a machinery management system
RTE5807A Manage staff
RTF5005A Manage plant health
RTF5008A Plan the establishment of sports turf playing surfaces

Group B

RTC5914A Prepare reports
RTE5601A Audit irrigation systems
RTE5603A Design irrigation systems, drainage and water treatment systems
RTF5521A Monitor and manage soils/growing media

Group C

RTD4406A Implement pest management action plans
RTF4004A Develop a plant nutrition program

Assessment Methods

This is a competency-based course where assessment is based on students' abilities to achieve unit outcomes. There is the opportunity for workplace delivery and assessment of competencies. Assessment methods include:

Materials

List of safety equipment and books that need to be purchased by students will be distributed to students early in the course.

Qualification

As part of the Australian Qualifications Framework this program is nationally recognised. On successful completion students will be awarded the Diploma of Horticulture (Turf).

Links

The Victorian Government makes a significant contribution to these programs.