Study Horticulture at Home -Self Paced Open Learning
- Horticulture is a cornerstone to our society.
- Learn from an international team or renowned horticultural experts led by John Mason, Fellow Institute of Horticulture (UK), Fellow Australian Institute of Horticulture, Fellow Parks and Leisure Australia.
- A unique opportunity to connect and learn from our international faculty that includes Rosemary Davies (formerly Garden Advisory Service, and Age Garden Writer, Melbourne), Maggi Brown (former Education officer for Garden Organic, UK), Gavin Cole (former Operations Manager for the Chelsea Gardener, London), and Dr Lyn Morgan (renowned Hydroponic expert from New Zealand); and a host of other equally qualified professionals.
Plants provide us with food, have a major impact upon our environment (eg. Air quality, temperature, flood control etc), and provide places to play (sports grounds, children’s playgrounds etc. These are only a few of the more obvious places we find horticulture.
Horticultural staff need to have a strong foundation in both science and plants. They need to know:
- What affects plant growth (Soils, nutrition, water, temperature, pests etc)
- Cultural Techniques (Propagation, pruning, planting, shelter, etc)
- Plant Knowledge (Plant family characteristics, classification system, etc
“Flexibility is the key to this course - it won’t pigeon hole you into one area but develops the broad skills and flexibility required by horticulturists in all sectors of the industry. An excellent course for those not necessary wanting to specialise. More employment opportunities exist for those with broad knowledge and skills.” - Adriana Fraser Cert.Hort., Cert.Child Care, Adv.Cert.App.Mgt., Cert IV Assessment and Training, Adv.Dip.Hort, ACS Tutor.
Course Structure and Content
Stage 1 Core Studies
Exemption is granted for this stage to anyone who has the following:
- Any Certificate or Advanced Certificate from ACS
- Horticultural studies of 600 hrs or more class contact duration from another approved institution (Approved institutions include universities, IARC recognized institutions, institutions with a teaching approach that have a strong emphasis upon foundation science and plant knowledge)
Note: Modules from either stages II & III may be undertaken after stage I is complete.
Stage II Electives
Other options may be considered, though the above are generally considered the better options for this particular course.
Modules
Note that each module in the Associate Diploma In Horticulture is a short course in its own right, and may be studied separately.
This course provides a broad based foundation to allow you to adapt to and work in different sectors of the industry, as a technician, business owner, consultant, etc.
Whatever is in vogue at different times throughout your career, this course will prepare you to move into and adapt to working in that part of the industry.
Course Manager
This course has been designed, and is managed by John Mason, our principal. Since graduating in horticultural science (1971), John has worked as a landscape designer, nurseryman, parks manager and research officer working with field crops, prior to establishing this school in 1979. Since then, apart from managing this school he has been editor of 4 national gardening magazines, written over 40 books and maintained a small practice as a horticultural consultant.
John has been made a fellow of the Institute of Horticulture (UK) and the Parks and Leisure Institute (Australia).
Tutors
All teaching staff are highly qualified and experienced professional horticulturists. Most hold both degrees an post graduate qualifications. On average, their industry experience exceeds 20 years.
A unique aspect of this course (and others through ACS) is that tutors and course developers come from both northern and southern hemispheres, and from both warm and cool climates. The content and delivery of the course aims to prepare you to work in any climate, country or social situation. We consider this aim to be exceedingly important in a world that is changing so rapidly. We aim to provide a foundation that will serve you wherever you find yourself in the future.
Prerequisites:
Either Year 12 (passed), an acceptable certificate (eg. Completed apprenticeship) or over 21 yrs of age
WHY CHOOSE US?
- Distance education doesn't mean you're going it alone - you have tutor support every step of the way
- Don't follow the crowd - develop uniqueness and skills unlike others in your field
- Resources are extensive and under continuous revision
- Study to suit your commitments - your education doesn't need to stop as life make demands
- Our program design has less focus on assessment and more on your lifelong learning
- Affordable study and payment options available
- Our independence from government means we can offer courses suited exactly to employer needs and wants chance of business success.
