
- Location
Central Otago
- Duration
- One year full-time; part-time options
- Delivery
On campus with hands-on training and work experience
- Credits
- 160
- Level
- 3 and 4
- Start
- February and July
- Apply
- Until start date
-
LocationIntakeStudy breaks
-
Central Otago15 February 202128 June 2021 - 16 July 2021
5 April 2021 - 16 April 2021
27 September 2021 - 8 October 2021
-
Central Otago26 July 202129 November 2021 - 11 February 2022
27 September 2021 - 8 October 2021
18 April 2022 - 29 April 2022
-
Central Otago14 February 20224 July 2022 - 22 July 2022
18 April 2022 - 29 April 2022
3 October 2022 - 14 October 2022
Gain the fundamental skills and knowledge required of horticulturists in orchards, vineyards, nurseries or any other major commercial operation with this hands-on programme.
Employment opportunities are extremely diverse in this industry and, with motivation and hard work, you may find yourself working as an irrigation technician, fruit grower, plant propagator, vineyard supervisor or even at the head of your own business!
Successful graduates of this programme will receive both the New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture (Level 3) (Nursery Production) and the New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture Production (Level 4) (Fruit Production).
This qualification is a 50-50 mix of theoretical and practical studies and your learning will be based in the campus plant nursery, modern glasshouses, hydroponics unit and the ten-hectare Otago Polytechnic crop production facility where wine grapes and cherries are grown. You will also undertake work experience within Central Otago's extensive horticulture industry, enabling you to develop real-world skills and forge important relationships.
Skills required
- An enjoyment of working outdoors
- Physical fitness
- Planning and organisational skills
- Good communication skills
- An eye for detail.
Entry requirements
- Open entry.
- International students will be individually assessed to ensure you are ready for this study.
- 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.
Recognition of prior learning
If you have extensive knowledge and skills due to practical experience in this area, enquire about our recognition of prior learning process at Capable NZ. You may have already gained credits towards this qualification.
Additional documentation
You need to provide academic records, proof of identity and proof of residency (where appropriate).
Selection procedure
Applications will be processed as they are received. If the number of applications exceeds the number of places available, applicants will be placed on a waiting list in the order that they applied.
You will study
This qualification is a 50-50 mix of theoretical and practical studies and your learning will be based in the campus plant nursery, modern glasshouses, hydroponics unit and the ten-hectare Otago Polytechnic crop production facility where wine grapes and cherries are grown. You will also undertake work experience within Central Otago's extensive horticulture industry, enabling you to develop real-world skills and forge important relationships.
Qualification structure
New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture (Level 3) (Nursery Production) |
70 credits |
Course Propagation Plant Identification and Selection Nursery Plant Care Plant Science Communication |
Credits 15 15 15 15 10 |
New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture Production (Level 4) (Fruit Production) |
90 credits |
Course Viticulture Canopy Management Orchard Canopy Management Soils and Water Seasonal Tasks Pests, Weeds and Agrichemicals Machinery Tools and Equipment Communication |
Credits 15 15 15 10 15 10 10 |
Your workload
You should expect to spend a minimum of 30 hours a week on this programme.
Further study options
Advance your knowledge with the New Zealand Diploma in Horticulture Production (Level 5) (Fruit Production). Horticulture may also be studied at degree-level in New Zealand.
Additional costs
You must have clothing and footwear suitable for the outdoors.
Student loans/allowances with TTAF
Whilst this programme is free for you to study via the Trades and Apprenticeship Fund (TTAF), this 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 for you or by applying for a loan or allowance through Studylink.
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
Please note: Student Loans and Allowances and TTAF are available for domestic students only. .
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.