New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture Services (Sports Turf) (Level 4)

This programme will take you through technical skills such as soil science, plant biology, machinery maintenance, irrigation and drainage, construction and surveying, supervision of staff and financial planning. Study at our Central Otago Campus, then complete a paid, practical internship at one of New Zealand’s top golf or stadium venues.

Domestic

Duration
18 Months Full-time
Level
4
Credits
185
Fees
$9,020
*Approximate full qualification tuition fee – see Fees section for more info.
Delivery
On campus
Location
Cromwell
Intakes
February

International

Duration
18 Months Full-time
Level
4
Credits
185
Fees
$40,082
*Approximate full qualification tuition fee – see Fees section for more info.
Delivery
On campus
Location
Cromwell
Intakes
February

What You Study

Courses

The courses within this programme have been designed to ensure you gain the skills to ensure excellent employment outcomes for a range of turf facilities. There are no elective courses. 

Course Description Credits
Introduction to Sports Turf Management Develop the foundation skills and knowledge required to operate safely and effectively in the sports turf industry. 30
Sports Turf Plant Science and Health Develop the knowledge of basic plant biology, ecology, taxonomy and species relevant to sports turf management, and identify and control common sports turf pests, diseases, disorders and weeds. 30
Sports Turf Growing Environment Develop a basic knowledge of the properties of soils and root zones; how water behaves within soils and, how to use soils and water in a sustainable way. 30
Routine Maintenance of Sports Turf Develop knowledge and practical skills to operate and maintain common sports turf machinery, equipment and tools used in the routine maintenance of sports turf. 30
Renovation of Sports Turf  Gain practical skills to renovate sports turf to improve performance or ensure the longevity of the surface. 20
Sports Turf Construction and Establishment  Develop knowledge and skills required to survey and construct a sports turf root zone, and establish and grow-in sports turf 20
Supervision of Sports Turf Staff Enable learners to use interpersonal communication skills to achieve desired outcomes in a sports turf organisation. 10
Sports Turf Management Planning To enable learners to develop an annual maintenance plan for sports turf surfaces at a selected sporting venue. 15

Workload

Your workload

Theory and practical classes will take up four days a week from 9.00am-3.00pm.

You will also have one day a week of work experience during the growing season.

In Year One, there will be a full-time work experience placement from September to April. You will then return to the campus and complete the programme in late June. Generally, these days will reflect industry needs and will therefore run from 8.00am-5.00pm.

You will also have assessment and study work to complete.

Entry

Entry requirements

If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.

Selection process

Applicants will be selected according to the entry criteria. If the number of applications exceeds the number of places available, applicants will be placed on a waiting list in the order they were received. 

Want your existing skills recognised?

If you have extensive knowledge and skills due to practical experience in this area, please ask us about our recognition of prior learning process. You may have already gained credits towards this qualification and could achieve it in a shorter timeframe. Please email info@op.ac.nz or call 0800 762 786.

Fees

Domestic fees

First year
Standard
$5,447
Second year
Standard
$3,573

International fees

Full tuition
Standard
$40,082

Additional costs

During your internship placement in the second year, it is your responsibility to organise accommodation and transport, although your employer will try and help you. It is important that you hold a current driving licence and have your own work boots and overalls.

Multi-year 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.

Application

A change for 2023 enrolments

When you apply to study with Otago Polytechnic in 2023, you will be enrolled with Te Pūkenga, the new national network of vocational and applied education in Aotearoa New Zealand. You will learn in the same way, in the same place, and with the same people, and you will graduate with a Te Pūkenga qualification.

Get in touch

0800 762 786
International +64 3 477 3014
Email: info@op.ac.nz
https://www.op.ac.nz/programmes/nzqa/new-zealand-certificate-in-horticulture-services-sports-turf-level-4