New Zealand Certificate in Land Based Sustainability Practices (Level 3)
This is the perfect programme if you’re passionate about conserving our natural environment. Made up of online modules to allow for self-paced study, you will learn to identify and apply sustainable practices associated with water, riparian margins and native plants. The content of this online programme is delivered by a mix of practical activities, videos, notes and recommended readings. You will interact with other learners and lecturers via online discussion groups, and you are encouraged to interact within your community of learners to share your growing experiences.
Domestic
July
About the programme
Already keen on conserving our environment?
Learn to identify and apply sustainable practices associated with water, riparian margins, native plants, composting and conservation.
This programme is the ideal way to develop your sustainable practice to gain a better understanding of sustainable development in a land-based context…online! Within an interactive community of learners, you’ll be encouraged to share your growing experiences while gaining a range of practical and theoretical skills.
The demand for people with skills in sustainability is steadily increasing and this qualification may lead to job opportunities in orchards and nurseries. With motivation and hard work, you may set your sights on self-employment or use this qualification as a springboard into further study.
What You Study
Courses
This programme is made up of online modules to allow for self-paced study. The content of the online courses is delivered by a mix of practical activities, videos, notes and recommended readings.
You will interact with other learners and lecturers via the online discussion groups and are encouraged to interact within your community of learners to share your growing experiences. You will need to pass one 10-credit and two 15-credit modules in order to complete the qualification.
| Course name | Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Sustainability | It focuses on sustainability from a New Zealand perspective, highlighting vital issues for New Zealand. You will have the opportunity to reflect on your current practices and identify areas for change. | 10 |
| Native Plant Propagation | Gain knowledge of native plants, explore eco-sourcing and propagation. | 15 |
| Riparian Planting | Learn about the factors influencing waterway quality in New Zealand and explore the reasons and techniques for effective riparian planting. You will apply this learning to prepare a riparian planting plan. | 15 |
Further study options
Upon successful completion of this programme, you will have developed a range of practical and technical skills required in core areas of growing sustainably. You could expand your employment potential by studying the New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture (General) (Level 3) or our Level 3 and 4 Nursery and Fruit Production programme.
Workload
Your workload
You will be expected to undertake approximately 30 hours of study per week, for 15 weeks (this includes two vacation weeks).
Entry
Entry requirements
- Open entry.
- This programme is not available for international students.
- If English is not your first language, you must provide:
- New Zealand University Entrance OR
- Overall Academic IELTS 5.0 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.
Please note: This programme is not available to international students.
Fees
Domestic fees
Study for free during 2022!
You can study this programme for free during 2022 due to the Government's Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund (TTAF).
- You will need a laptop/device to study this programme online which isn't covered by this fund.
- You can pay for this yourself or apply for a loan/allowance via Studylink.
TTAF will only cover your study during 2022. You may be eligible for some additional tuition fees cover under the Government's Fees Free scheme during 2023. See the Paying for your study section below for more info.
Additional costs
You will need a laptop/computer and to have access to the internet to be able to study this programme online.
Paying for your study
TTAF
The Government’s Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund (TTAF) is currently running but will end in December 2022. That means only your 2022 study will be covered. You may be able to get some financial help for your remaining study through the Fees Free scheme if you’re eligible (see info below).
Whilst this programme is free for you to study during 2022, the TTAF fund only covers tuition fees and compulsory costs such as student levies. It does not cover any additional costs or living costs. You can pay for additional and living costs by yourself if that is possible or by applying for a loan or allowance through Studylink (which is only available for domestic learners).
It is important to apply for your student loan/allowance at the same time as you apply for this programme, due to the length of time Studylink take to process. Loan/allowance applications can be cancelled at any time if you decide to withdraw your programme application or if it is unsuccessful.
For information about student loans and allowances please visit the Studylink website.
Fees Free
The Government is also running a funding scheme called Fees Free for domestic learners. This scheme normally pays for your first year of study if you’ve never been enrolled in tertiary study over 60 credits at Level 3 or higher in New Zealand. They have confirmed that TTAF does not impact on a learner’s entitlement to also access the Fees Free scheme.
So, you’ll be covered by TTAF for your 2022 study and, if you would have originally been eligible for Fees Free, you’ll be able to access that to cover some of your remaining study.
You can check your Fees Free eligibility here >
Fees Free only covers your tuition fees. You would still need to pay for things like accommodation, living costs and placement transport costs.
Again, you can pay for these costs by yourself if possible or by applying for a loan or allowance through Studylink (only available for domestic learners).
If you have any questions about student loans and allowances, please email our Studylink Advisor: Amanda.McAra@op.ac.nz
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.
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.
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. The great news is that this enables us to share skills and knowledge across a network of passionate education providers, to better help you succeed. Enrolling in programmes that start in 2023, means that you will graduate with a Te Pūkenga qualification.
Disclaimer
While every effort is made to ensure that this sheet is accurate, Otago Polytechnic reserves the right to amend, alter or withdraw any of the contained information. The fees shown in this document are indicative ONLY. Both domestic and international fees are subject to change and are dependent on the development and implementation of Government policies. Please note that additional fees may from time to time be required for external examination, NZQA fees and/or additional material fees.
