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

Duration
1 Year Full-time
Level
3
Credits
130
Fees
$6,926*
*Approximate full qualification tuition fee
Delivery
On campus
Location
Dunedin
Intakes
February

International

Duration
1 Year Full-time
Level
3
Credits
130
Fees
$27,739*
*Approximate full qualification tuition fee
Delivery
On campus
Location
Dunedin
Intakes
February

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)

  • Describe plant structure and processes and apply these to the growing of plants.
  • Describe soil properties and processes and apply these to the growing of plants.

15

Plant Identification and Selection (Identify, describe, select and name plants in horticulture)

  • Identify and describe plants and their characteristics and uses.
  • Identify and apply plant naming conventions.
  • Select plants for use in specific horticulture contexts.

15

Plant Health (Identify and control a range of common pests, diseases, disorders and weeds in horticulture)

  • Identify and describe common pests, diseases, disorders and weeds in horticulture.
  • Describe and apply solutions to plant health problems in horticulture.

15

 

Sustainable Growing (Understand and apply the principles and practices of sustainable growing systems) 

  • Describe the features of natural systems.
  • Apply sustainable techniques to the growing of plants.

 15

 Communication (Work as effective team members in the horticulture sector) 

  • Cooperate and participate within a horticulture team.
  • Communicate effectively using a range of techniques.
  • Listen and respond appropriately to team members and colleagues.

 10

Health and Safety, Machinery and Lawn Care (Establish and maintain lawns, use machinery and apply health and safety procedures in horticulture)

  • Apply health and safety procedures in horticulture.
  • Use and maintain horticultural machinery and equipment. 
  • Establish and maintain amenity lawns.

 15

 

Plant Propagation (Propagate plants for use in amenity horticulture)

  • Apply a range of plant propagation techniques to the growing of amenity plants.
  • Select and use appropriate media for the propagation and growing of plants.
  • Maintain plant propagation records.

 15

 

Planting (Plant and establish plants in gardens and open spaces) 

  • Plant and establish a range of amenity plants in gardens and open spaces.
  • Plant and establish indigenous plant communities.

10

Maintenance of Amenity Areas (Care for, and maintain, parks and open spaces)

  • Develop, care for, and maintain amenity horticulture areas.

 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

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

Full tuition
Standard
$6,926

International fees

Full tuition
Standard
$27,739

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.

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.

Get in touch

0800 762 786
International +64 3 477 3014
Email: info@op.ac.nz