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
About the programme
This is the only full-time Sports Turf programme on offer in New Zealand!
Sports Turf professionals are responsible for the management and maintenance of golf courses, cricket wickets, sports fields and artificial turf, among others.
Immerse yourself in a comprehensive programme that blends theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on experience. Study on campus and then move into your work placement, which means you can earn as you learn as some of New Zealand’s top golf and stadium venues.
Our Sports Turf graduates are well-respected and in high demand in the industry, with most students being offered full-time positions during their work placements.
Upon successful completion, you will graduate with a New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture Services (Level 4) (Sports Turf).
International
About the programme
This is the only full-time Sports Turf programme on offer in New Zealand!
Sports Turf professionals are responsible for the management and maintenance of golf courses, cricket wickets, sports fields and artificial turf, among others.
Immerse yourself in a comprehensive programme that blends theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on experience. Study on campus and then move into your work placement, which means you can earn as you learn as some of New Zealand’s top golf and stadium venues.
Our Sports Turf graduates are well-respected and in high demand in the industry, with most students being offered full-time positions during their work placements.
Upon successful completion, you will graduate with a New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture Services (Level 4) (Sports Turf).
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
- Open entry.
- If English is not your first language, you must provide:
- New Zealand University Entrance OR
- Overall Academic IELTS 5.5 with no individual band score lower than 5.0 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years), OR
- Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for NZQA proficiency table and here for list of recognised proficiency tests).
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
International fees
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.
Studylink
Domestic full-time students can apply for a student loan through Studylink.
Some support may be available for domestic part-time students if this programme offers a part-time study option.
Apply at the same time as you apply for your course (you can withdraw your application anytime).
Student Services Fee
For most students, your tuition fee shown above includes a Student Services Fee – also known as the Student Levy. This compulsory fee covers your access to the student services we offer. This cost is tailored depending on how you're studying.
The international tuition fee does not include your Student Levy. This will be calculated when you enrol with us.
Click below to find out more about the Student Levy costs and services provided.
Fees Free
The Government has announced that Fees Free for the first year of study or training will finish at the end of 2024. A final-year Fees Free policy will replace it, starting from 1 January 2025.
If you are a first-time tertiary learner in 2025, you may be able to get Fees Free for your final year of study or training. If you are eligible, you will need to apply for your entitlement through IRD from 2026 onwards.
For more information about the transition from first-year Fees Free or the final-year Fees Free policy, visit FeesFree.govt.nz.
Study Grants for international students
We have a range of Study Grants to support our international students.
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.
