Certificate In Horticulture (Viticulture)
Study viticulture and horticulture in the same course - comprehensive 600 hour foundation course; developed and taught by an international team of expert horticulturists. Train for a job, business or career development in viticulture.
CORE UNITS
The core units comprise fifteen modules that are divided into the following sections:
- Introduction to Plants
- Plant Culture
- Soils and Nutrition
- Plant Identification and Use
- Pests, Diseases and Weeds
Students must complete and pass all of these core units.
1. Introduction to plants (40 hours)
The purpose of this study area is to explain the binomial system of plant classification and demonstrate identification of plant species through the ability of using botanical descriptions for leaf shapes and flowers.
Aims
- Describe the relevant identifying physical features of flowering ornamental plants.
- Demonstrate how to use prescribed reference books and other resources to gain relevant information.
- Dissect, draw and label two different flowers.
- Collect and identify the shapes of different leaves.
- Demonstrate how to identify between family, genus, species, variety and cultivar.
2. Plant culture (60 hours)
The purpose of this study area is to demonstrate the ability to care for plants so as to maintain optimum growth and health while considering pruning, planting, and irrigation.
Aims
- Describe how to prune different plants.
- Demonstrate how to cut wood correctly, on the correct angle and section of the stem.
- Describe how to plant a plant.
- Demonstrate an awareness of different irrigation equipment, sprinklers, pumps and turf systems available by listing their comparative advantages and disadvantages.
- Demonstrate competence in selecting an appropriate irrigation system for a garden, explaining why that system would be preferred.
- Define water pressure and flow rate and how to calculate each.
- Explain the need for regular maintenance of garden tools and equipment.
- List factors that should be considered when comparing types of machinery for use in garden maintenance.
3. Soils and plant nutrition (50 hours)
The purpose of this study area is to provide students with the skills and knowledge to identify, work with, and improve the soil condition and potting mixes, and to evaluate fertilisers for use in landscape jobs to maximize plant growth.
Aims
- Describe the soil types commonly found in plant culture in terms of texture, structure and water-holding and nutrient holding capacity.
- Describe methods of improving soil structure, infiltration rate, water holding capacity, drainage and aeration.
- List the elements essential for plant growth.
- Diagnose the major nutrient deficiencies that occur in ornamental plants and prescribe treatment practices.
- Describe soil pH and its importance in plant nutrition.
- Describe the process by which salting occurs and how to minimise its effect.
- Conduct simple inexpensive tests on three different potting mixes and report accordingly.
- Describe suitable soil mixes for container growing of five different types of plants.
- List a range of both natural and artificial fertilizers.
- Describe fertilizer programs to be used in five different situations with ornamental plants.
4. Introductory propagation (40 hours duration)
The purpose of this study area is to improve the student's understanding of propagation techniques with particular emphasis on cuttings and seeds. Other industry techniques such as grafting and budding are also explained.
Aims
- Demonstrate propagation of six (6) different plants by cuttings and three from seed.
- Construct a simple inexpensive cold frame.
- Mix and use a propagation media suited to propagating both seed and cuttings.
- Describe the method and time of year used to propagate different plant varieties.
- Describe and demonstrate the steps in preparing and executing a variety of grafts and one budding technique.
- Explain the reasons why budding or grafting are sometimes preferred propagation methods.
5. Identification and use of plants (60 hours)
The purpose of this study area is to improve the student's range of plant knowledge and the plant use in landscaping and the ornamental garden, and the appreciation of the different optimum and preferred growing conditions for different plants.
Aims
- Select plants appropriate for growing in different climates.
- Select plants appropriate to use for shade, windbreaks, as a feature, and for various aesthetic effects.
- Categorise priorities which effect selection of plants for an ornamental garden.
- Explain the differences in the way plants perform in different microclimates within the same area.
- List and analyze the situations where plants are used.
6. Pests, diseases and weeds (50 hours)
The purpose of this study area is develop the student’s ability to identify, describe and control a variety of pests, diseases and weeds in ornamental situation, and to describe safety procedures when using agricultural chemicals.
Aims
- Explain in general terms the principles of pest, disease and weed control and the ecological (biological) approach to such control.
- Explain the host pathogen environment concept.
- Describe a variety of pesticides for control of pests, diseases and weeds of ornamental plants in terms of their active constituents, application methods, timing and rates, and safety procedures.
- Photograph or prepare specimens, identify and recommend control practices for at least five insect pests of ornamental plants.
- Photograph, sketch or prepare samples, identify and recommend control practices for three non insect ornamental plant health problems (e.g. fungal, viral, bacterial).
- Describe the major ways in which diseases (fungal, viral, bacterial and nematode) affect turf, the life cycle features that cause them to become a serious problem to turf culture and the methods available for their control.
- Identify, describe and recommend treatment for three different weed problems.
- Collect, press, mount and identify a collection of ten different weeds, and recommend chemical and non-chemical treatments which may be used to control each.
- List and compare the relative advantages and disadvantages of different weed control methods
STREAM STUDIES
The Viticulture stream is divided into the following:
| 1. Introduction To Viticulture | 2. Introduction To Grapevines |
| 3. Propagation Of Grapevines | 4. Improving Grape Quality |
| 5. Climate & Other Factors In Siting Vineyards | 6. Grape Varieties & Selection |
| 7. Establishing A Vineyard | 8. Harvest & Post-harvest Handling |
| 9. Managing A Vineyard | 10. Machinery & Equipment |
| 11. Irrigation | 12. Plant Nutrition |
| 13. Agricultural Chemicals | 14. Supervision |
| 15. Increasing Efficiency |
Fees do not include exam fees
There are two exams for the core and 2 for the stream
Aims
- Describe the nature and scope of the Viticulture industry throughout the world.
- Explain the physiology of the grape and the physiological processes of the plant.
- Outline propagation techniques used for grapevines.
- Describe the processes behind the improvement of grape quality (including pest and disease problems).
- Outline the climatic and other factors that should be considered in selecting a site for a vineyard.
- Describe commonly grown grape varieties that would and would not be suitable for growing in your area.
- Develop a procedure to establish a vineyard.
- Outline the harvesting and post handling procedures for grapes.
- Outline the management procedures and work program for a vineyard.
- Describe the type of equipment you will need to set and manage a vineyard.
- Outline irrigation equipment and procedures required in a vineyard.
- Explain plant nutritional requirements and outline a fertiliser program for a vineyard.
- Outline the characteristics of pesticides and herbicides and health and safety procedures for their use.
- Outline the supervisory structure in a vine yard.
- Outline methods of how to increase efficiency in a vineyard.
Lesson Structure
There are 31 lessons in this course:
-
Plant Identification
- Introduction
- Botanical/Horticultural Nomenclature
- The Binomial (Taxonomic) System
- Botanical Classification
- Plant Families and Species
- Hybrids, Varieties, Cultivars
- Plant Family Names
- Pronunciation of Plant Names
- Significant Genera and Families they belong to
- Meanings and origins of Plant Names
- Pressing Plants (to create a herbaria collection for reference)
- Introduction to Amenity Plants
- Flowering Plants
- Lower Plants – Conifers, Ferns
- Rhododendrons and Azaleas
- Roses
- Bulbs
- Practical – Plant Review Worksheets
-
Parts of the Plant
- Plant Identification Skills
- How to increase your Plant I.D. Skills
- Terminology
- Lead Types
- Structure and Arrangement of Leaves and Leaflets
- Common Leaf Shapes
- Flower Structure
- Parts of a Flower
- The Inflorescence
- Types of Flowers – bisexual, unisexual, monoecious, dioeceous
- How a Seed Forms
- Plant Structure
- Stems and Stem Modifications
- Leaves and Leaf Modifications
- Roots and Root Function
- Root Modifications
- Morphological Changes as a Plant Matures
- Cell Structure and Histology
- Cell Components
- Plant Cell Types
- Plant Tissue Comparisons
- Photosynthesis
- Factors Affecting Photosynthesis
- Respiration
- Rate of Respiration
- Transpiration
- Environmental Factors Affecting Transpiration and Water Uptake
- The Nitrogen Cycle
- Terminology
-
Plant Culture – Planting
- Planting
- Environmental Influences on Plants
- Potting Up Plants
- Potting Shrubs and Trees
- Introduction to Gardening Basics
- Terminology
- Common Mistakes when Planting
- Plant Selection Criteria
- Economics of Planting
- Ongoing Costs
- Longevity
- General Hardiness
- Aesthetic Criteria
- Basic Planting Procedure
- Fertiliser
- Staking
- Bare Rooted Plants
- Timing of Planting
- Considerations, Variety, Time, Locality, Mulching
- Laying a New Lawn – Soil Prep, Levels, Sowing, Raking in, Watering
- Turf Grass Varieties – Couch, Fescue, Rye, Bent, Kentucky Blue
-
Plant Culture – Pruning
- Fruit or Vegetative Buds
- Reasons for Pruning
- Removing Dead or Diseased Wood
- Controlling Growth Type
- Controlling Shape and Size
- Rejuvenation
- Basic Pruning Rules
- Home Orchard Pruning
- Fruit Tree Pruning Styles
- Before Pruning
- Considerations while Pruning
- Pruning Terminology
-
Plant Culture – Irrigation and Machinery
- Water and Irrigation
- Infiltration and Drainage
- Types of Irrigation
- Flood Irrigation
- Sprinkler Irrigation
- Trickle Irrigation
- Power Tools
- Types of Power Tools
- Power Tool Maintenance
- Oil
- Buying Power Tools
- Chainsaws – Use, Starting, Chain Sharpening
- Mowers – types. Guidelines for use, Care
- Brush Cutters/ Strimmers
- Mulchers
- Rotary Hoes
- Hedge Trimmers
- Irrigation Objectives and Feasibility
- Understanding Soil, Water and Plants
- Gravitational, Capillary and Hygroscopic Water
- Measuring Water Available to Plants
- Calculations – Field Capacity, Wilting Point
- Available Moisture Range
- Root Depths for Different Plants
- Estimating Plant Water Requirement
- When to Irrigate
- Symptoms of Water Deficiency and Excess
- Types of Sprinkler Systems and Sprinkler Heads
- Design and Operation of Irrigation Systems
- Cyclic Watering
- Pulse Watering
- Irrigation Scheduling
- Selecting Surface Irrigation Methods
-
Soils and Media
- Potting Mixes
- Factors Affecting Fertiliser Application
- Soils
- Sampling Soils
- Soil Composition
- Colloids and Peds
- Soil Texture and Structure
- Soil Chemical Properties
- Improving Soils – texture, structure, fertility
- Soil Terminology
-
Soils ad Nutrition
- Introduction
- Nutrient Elements
- Macronutrients
- Nitrogen
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Calcium
- Sulphur
- Micronutrients
- Soil pH and Nutrient Availability
- Soil Ameliorants
- Total Salts
- Salinity
- Sources of Salt
- Control Methods for Salinity
- Soil Sodicity
- Water, Air and Nutrients
- Soil Temperature
- Key to Diagnosis of Nutritional Problems
- Fertilisers
- Composting
- Compost Ingredients
-
Propagation – Seed and Cuttings
- Introduction
- Seed Propagation
- Hygiene
- How to Sow Seeds in Containers
- Seed Germination
- Seed Sources
- Seed Storage
- Factors Affecting Seed Storage
- Germinating Difficult Seeds
- Seed Dormancy
- Treatments to Break Dormancy
- Cutting Propagation
- Cutting Types – Softwood, Hardwood, Semi Hardwood, Herbaceous, Stem, Tip, Heal. Leaf, etc
- Factors affecting Rooting of Cuttings
- Plant Breeding
- Hybrid Seed Production
- Maintaining Genetic Identity in Seed
- Hand Pollination
-
Propagation – Other Techniques
- Division
- Aseptic Micro Propagation
- Grafting
- Budding
- Layering
- Tip Layering
- Mound Layering
- Simple Layering
- Compound Layering
- Aerial Layering
- Natural Layering – Suckers, Runners, Offsets, Crowns
- Propagation with Specialised Stems and Roots – Bulbs, Corms, Tubers, Rhizomes, Pseudobulbs
- Propagating Bulbs – Bulblets on Scales, Stem Cuttings, Bulbils, Basal Cutting etc
-
Identification and Use of Plants – Landscape Application
- Plants in the Landscape
- Choosing Plants – criteria
- Inspecting Plants Pre Purchase
- Trees for Landscaping
- Factors for Tree Selection
- Potential Tree Problems
- Choosing Shrubs for Different Purposes
- Groundcovers
- Building Plant Knowledge of Many Tree and Shrub Genera
- Trees for Different Conditions
- Planting Techniques
- Soil Restrictions on Planting
-
Identification and Use of Plants-Problem Situations
- Establishing Trees
- Tree Size & Age at Planting
- Root Containment at Planting - Container Type, Bare Rooted or Balled
- What to look for when Buying a Tree
- Plant Protection at Planting – Staking, Frost Protection, Sun Protection, Cages
- Controlling Birds
- Props
- Cabling & Bolting
- Quick Reference Plant Directory
- Container Growing Outside
- Street Tree Reporting
-
Identification and Use of Plants – Indoor
- Introduction to Indoor Plants
- Why Indoor Plants Die
- Potting Mixes
- Drainage holes in Pots
- How to Pot a small Plant to a Larger Pot
- Potting up Hanging Baskets
- Plantscaping with Ferns
- Fern Families and Genera
-
Pests
- Chemical Pest Control
- Law
- Chemical Labelling
- Non Chemical Pest Control
- Care when Using Chemicals
- Entomology & Insect Control Methods
- Types of Insect Poisons – contact, intermediate, stomach, translocated or not
- Integrated Pest Management
- Insecticide Use with IPM
- Preventative Actions in the Garden
- Understanding Pesticides – Reading the Label
- Toxicity, Activity Spectrum, LD50. Persistence, Volatility, etc.
- Chemical Types -Inorganic, Biological, Organophosphates, Organochlorines, Carbamates, etc.
- Review of Specific Chemical Products
- Diatomaceous earth, Soaps
- Fungicides
- Ways of Applying Chemicals – Spraying, Dusting, Granules, Irrigation injection
- Safety Procedures when Using Agricultural Chemicals
- Differentiation of Pests, Diseases and Viruses
- Review of most Common Pests
-
Diseases
- Fungicides
- Plant Pathology
- Identifying a Problem – Parasitic, Non Parasitic
- Treating a Problem
- Diagnosis of Plant Disorders – Visual Appearance, Possible Cause, Appropriate Treatment
- Common Diseases
- Anthracnose
- Blight
- Canker
- Damping Off
- Galls
- Leaf Spot
- Mildew
- Rots
- Rust
- Smut
- Mould
- Wilt
- Other Common Diseases
- Turf Fungal Diseases
- Plant Virus Detection and Diagnosis
- Arboriculture and Tree Health
-
Weeds
- What is a Weed
- Steps to Controlling Weeds
- Weed Control with Suffocation
- Weed Control with Burning
- Cultivation to Control Weeds
- Other Non Chemical Weed Control Methods – Grazing, Mowing, Flooding, pH change, Biological Controls
- Weed Control with Herbicides
- Modes of Action
- Regulations and Laws - Restricted Use & Supply
- Avoiding Spray Drift
- Types of Herbicide Chemicals – Aliphatics, Amides, Ureas, Carbamates etc.
- Herbicide Resistance and Tolerance
- Safe Use of Weed killers
- Safety Guidelines and First Aid in relation to Chemical Use
- Cleaning Up a Chemical Spill
- Identifying Weeds
- Controlling Weeds in Different Places – fence lines, base of trees, garden Beds, Hard Surfaces
- Types of Weeds
- Noxious Weeds
- Environmental Weeds
- Common Weeds
- Terminology
- THIS CONCLUDES THE CORE STUDIES AFTER WHICH YOU STUDY THE STREAM LESSONS FOR THE SECOND HALF OF THIS COURSE.
-
STREAM LESSONS:
- Overview of the Viticulture Industry
- Global Viticulture
- Climate Change Impacts
- Major Wine Growing Areas around the World
- The Grape
- Genus Vitus and Muscadinia
- Variety Classification
- Table Grapes, Wine Grapes, Dried Fruit, Juice, Canned.
-
Introduction to Grapevines
- Hoe Plants Grow
- Roots, Stems, Leaves
- Reproductive Parts
- Pollination
- Fruit Set, Development and Growth
- Plant Cells & Parts
- Cell Walls
- Types of Plant Cells
- Plant Tissues - Xylem, Phloem, etc
- Photosynthesis
- Chloroplasts
- Environmental Factors affecting Photosynthesis
- Respiration
- Transpiration
- Water Use in Plants
- Growth in the Grape Vine
-
Propagation Of Grapevines
- Introduction to Grafting
- Why Budding or Grafting
- How a Graft Forms
- Factors Influencing Graft Formation
- Carpentry of Grafting
- Types of Grafts
- Grafting Tapes
- Bench Grafting
- Phylloxera
- Characteristics of Commonly Used Rootstocks
- Cutting Propagation
- Hardwood Cuttings
- Softwood Cuttings
- Leaf Bud Single Node Cuttings
- Hormone Treatment
- Terminology
-
Improving Grape Quality
- Flower Set
- Second Set
- Girdling
- Berry Thinning - Hand or Chemically
- Pest and Diseases in Grapes
- Integrated Pest Management in Vineyards
- Pests
- Grape Phylloxera
- Management
- Monitoring and Treatments
- Chemical Controls
- Grape Berry Moth
- Mealy Bug
- Grape Leaf Folder
- Nematodes
- Leaf Hoppers
- Rust Mite
- Midge
- Beetles
- Larger Animals
- Grape Diseases
- Fungal - Mould, Mildew, Dieback etc
- Bacterial Disease
- Viruses
- Organic Grape Culture
- Birds
-
Climate and Other Factors for Siting Vineyards
- Temperature
- Temperature Index and Degree Days
- Sunlight
- Rainfall
- Soil
- Soil Types and Wine regions
- Terroir
- Physical Soil Characteristics
- Chemical Soil Characteristics
- Understanding Plant Nutrition
- Soil Water Content
- Simple Soil Tests
- Measuring Soil Water Content
-
Grape Varieties & Selection
- Grape Types
- Selection Considerations
- What to Plant
- What is First - Site or Variety
- Matching Variety to Site
- Varietal Characteristics
- Selecting Wine Grapes
- Yield
- Available Clones
- Significant Varieties
- Chenin Blanc
- Chardonnay
- Pinot Blanc
- Semillon
- Muscat Ottonel
- Muscadelle
- Gewürztraminer
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Vitus rotundifolia
- Wine Grapes
- Raisin Grapes
- Juice Grapes
-
Establishing a Vineyard
- Planning
- Making Decisions
- Site Planning
- Vineyard Layout
- Site Preparation
- Soil Preparation
- Shelter Belts
- Planting the Vines
- Vine Spacing
- Cropping Infrastructure
- Sloping and Terraced Sites
- Equipment
- How to Plant a Grape Vine
- Planting Bare Rooted Vines
- Pruning and Training
- Shoot Spacing
- Vine Spacing
- Bud Numbers
- Machine Pruning
- Summer Pruning
- Combination Pruning
- Stages in Pruning a Sultana Vine
- Trellising
- Trellis Construction - End Assembly, Posts, Wire, etc
- Geneva Double Curtain System
- Kniffen Systems
- Head Training System
- Cordoning
- Guyot System
- Umbrella System
- Pergola System
-
Harvesting and Post Harvest
- Introduction
- Harvesting
- Ripeness Testing
- The Ripening Process
- Influence of Weather
- Pathogen Life Cycles
- Harvest Techniques
- Selling Grapes
- Guidelines for Selling to a Winery
- Vineyard Resume
- Strategies for Selling Grapes
- Contracts
- Selling Online
- Brokers
- The Salesperson
- Marketing and Economics
- Developing a Marketing Plan
- Advertising
- Publicity
- Market Research
- Market Legalities
- Wine Making
- Fermentation
- White vs Red Processes
- Clearing and Finishing
-
Managing a Vineyard
- Work Scheduling
- Health and Safety
- Communication Skills
- Written Communication
- Conciseness
- Preciseness
- Office Functions
- Office Processes
- Flow Charts
- Statistics
- Data Storage and Management
- Financial Records
- Bookkeeping Basics
-
Machinery and Equipment
- Equipment Used in Vineyards
- Small Tools
- Winery Specific Tools
- Secateurs
- Spades and Shovels
- Wheelbarrows
- Sprayers
- Tractors
- Cultivators
- Tractor Safety and Maintenance
-
Irrigation
- Water Management
- Runoff
- Water Saving Measures
- Irrigating and Feeding Grapes
- Excessive Irrigation
- Seasonal Effects
- Irrigation Monitoring and Timing
- Drip Irrigation
- Irrigation Design Considerations
- Soil and Water
- Gravitational Water
- Capillary Water
- Hygroscopic Water
- Water Deficiency and Excess
- Timing of Irrigations
- Cyclic Watering
- Calculating Field Capacity
- Calculating Permanent Wilting Point
- Available Moisture Range
- Calculating Air Filled Porosity
- Estimating Water Required
- Vineyard Drainage
- Improving Sub Soil and Surface Drainage
-
Plant Nutrition
- Basic Chemistry and Plant Nutrition
- Writing Chemical Names
- What chemicals a Plant Needs
- Calculating Formulae
- Plant Nutritional Elements
- Soil Fertility
- Type and Timing of Fertilising
- Fertigation
-
Agricultural Chemicals
- Chemical Use
- Herbicides
- Knockdown, Residual, Contact, Systemic Herbicides
- Pre emergent herbicides
- Selective Herbicides
- Characteristics of Insecticides
- Chemical Herbicide Control Methods
- Review of Various Pesticides that may be Used in Vineyards
-
Supervision
- Management Fundamentals
- Planning
- Organising
- Leading
- Controlling
- Supervision Fundamentals
- Communication Skills for Supervisors
- Listening Skills
- Active Listening
- Organisation Structures
- Supervision Tasks
- Supervision Styles
- Influence in the Workplace
- Familiarity
- Giving Directives and Orders
- Making Instructions Clear
- Employee Evaluation Systems
- Job Analysis
-
Increasing Efficiency
- Production Plan
- Information Collection for Planning
- Decisions that May be Required
- Propagation Production System
- Organising & Re-organising a Workplace
- Performance Management
- Staff Appraisals
- Labour Wastage
- Age Profiling
- Staff Training
- Improving Efficiency- Vineyard Layout
- Designing a Store
- Customer Service
Accreditations
HOW MIGHT THIS COURSE HELP YOU?
Upon conclusion you can:
- Start up a vineyard.
- Find work in an established vineyard.
- Have improved your knowledge if you are already working in the industry.
- Improve your career options.
- Increase your flexibility within the horticulture industry in general.
WHY CHOOSE US?
Reputation: well-known and respected.
Industry focus: courses designed to suit industry needs and expectations.
Different focus: develop problem solving skills that make you stand out from others.
Hands-on: develop practical as well as theoretical skills.
Lots of help: dedicated and knowledgeable tutors.
Efficient: prompt responses to your questions.
A long track record: established in 1979 with a solid history.
Up to date: courses under constant review.
Resources: huge wealth of constantly developing intellectual property.
Value: courses compare very favourably on a cost per study hour basis.
Student amenities: online student room, bookshop, ebooks.
Contact us by using the link below to ensure that you are choosing the right course for you.
How can I start this course?
You can enrol at anytime and start the course when you are ready. Enrolments are accepted all year - students can commence study at any time. All study is self paced and ACS does not set assignment deadlines.
Please note that if a student is being assisted by someone else (e.g. an employer or government subsidy), the body offering the assistance may set deadlines. Students in such situations are advised to check with their sponsor prior to enrolling. The nominal duration of a course is approximately how long a course takes to complete. A course with a nominal duration of 100 hours is expected to take roughly 100 hours of study time to complete. However, this will vary from student to student. Short courses (eg. 100 hrs duration) should be completed within 12 months of enrolment. Certificates, Advanced Certificates and Awards (eg. over 500 hours duration) would normally be completed within 3 -5 years of enrolment. Additional fees may apply if a student requires an extended period to complete.
If a student cannot submit their assignments for 6 months to ACS, they should advise the school to avoid cancellation of their student
registration. Recommencement fees may apply.
Simply click on the ENROL OPTIONS button at the top of this screen and follow the prompts.
You can see the course price at the top of this page. Click 'enrolment options' to see any payment options available.
You can pay by Credit Card, PayPal, Afterpay or bank transfer.
Yes! We have payment plans for most courses. Click 'enrolment options' to see the available payment plans.
We also have Afterpay that will allow you to pay for your course or payment plans in four instalments (if you are in Australia).
What do I need to know before I enrol?
There are no entry requirements that you need to meet to enrol in our courses, our courses are for everyone.
If you are under 18, we need written permission from your parent/ guardian for your enrolment to continue, we can arrange that after you have enrolled.
You don’t need to purchase any additional resources to complete our courses.
We aim to teach you the essentials without you having to purchase any specific computer program.
We recommend that you have access to a word processing program, such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs, so that you can easily complete and submit your assignments.
You sure can. We are here to help you learn whatever your abilities.
Yes, if you are enrolling in a Certificate or Advanced Certificate, you might be eligible for credits if you have evidence of your previous studies or relevant experience. More information is here.
We recommend that you are able to browse websites, send emails and conduct online research. You will need to be able to type and submit your assignments.
If you have limited computer skills, we can make special arrangements for you.
This is possible, it depends on the institution. We recommend that if you would like to use our courses that you contact the institution first. Our Course Handbook is a good resource for this.
Our courses are written in English and we only have English speaking academic staff. If you can read and complete your assignments in English, our courses are ideal for you.
Our courses are designed to build knowledge, hands on skills and industry connections to help prepare you to work in the area, running your own business, professional development or as a base for further study.
This course is aimed at providing you with a solid understanding of the subject. It has been designed to take 600 hours, which includes your course reading, assignment work, research, practical tasks, watching videos and more. When you complete the course, will have a good understanding of the area/ industry you want to work in.
It’s up to you. The study hours listed in the course are a rough guide, however if you were to study a short course (100 hours) at 10 hours per week, you could finish the course in 10 weeks (just an example). Our courses are self-paced, so you can work through the courses in your own time. We recommend that you wait for your tutor to mark and return your assignment before your start your next one, so you get the benefits of their feedback.
The course consists of course notes, videos, set tasks for your practical work, online quizzes, an assignment for each lesson (that you receive feedback from your tutor from) and ends in an exam (which is optional, if would like to receive the formal award at the end), using our custom built Learning Management System - Login.Training.
Our courses are designed for adults to gain professional development and skills to further their careers and start businesses.
Our custom online learning portal allows you to conduct your learning online. There may be practical tasks that you can do offline. You have the option of downloading your course notes or print them to read later.
There is also the option to pay an additional fee for printed course notes and or USB (availability limited to location and deliverability).
Yes, if you don’t have access to the internet, you can receive the course as paper notes or on a USB stick for an additional fee. We can also make alternative arrangements for you to send your assignments to us.
We offer printed notes for an additional fee. Also, you can request your course notes on a USB stick for an additional fee.
Yes, your tutor is here to help you. Simply post any questions you have in your login.training portal or contact the office and we can pass on a message to your tutor.
We are more learning focussed, rather than assessment focussed. You have online quizzes to test your learning, written assignments and can complete an exam at the end of the course (if you want to receive your certificate). You will not receive a pass/ fail on your course work. If you need to add more details on your assignment, we will ask you to resubmit and direct you where you need to focus. If you need help, you can ask your tutor for advice in the student room.
Each module (short course) is completed with one exam.
Exams are optional, however you must sit an exam if you would like to receive a formal award. You will need to find someone who can supervise that you are sitting the exams under exams conditions. There is an additional cost of $60 incl. GST for each exam.
More information is here
There are practical components built into the course that have been designed to be achieved by anyone, anywhere. If you are unable to complete a task for any reason, you can ask your tutor for an alternative.
When you complete the course work and the exams (8-9 exams) and you will be able receive your course certificate- an Advanced Certificate. Otherwise, you can receive a Letter of Completion.
You can bundle the short courses to create your own customised learning bundle, Certificates or Advanced Certificates. More information is on this page.
Yes, our courses are built to be applicable for people living anywhere in any situation. We provide the fundamentals, and each student can apply their own unique flair for their own interests, region and circumstances with the one-on-one guidance of a tutor. There is also a bit of student directed research involved.
Employers value candidates with industry skills, knowledge, practical skills and formal learning. Our courses arm you with all of these things to help prepare you for a job or start your own business. The longer you study the more you will learn.
ACS has an arrangement with OAMPS (formerly AMP) who can arrange Professional Indemnity from Australian and New Zealand graduates across all disciplines. Ph: 1800 222 012 or email acs@oamps.com.au.
Who are ACS Distance Education?
ACS Distance Education have been educating people for over 40 years.
We are established and safe- we have been in education for over 40 years.
We are focused on developing innovative courses that are relevant to you now and what you will need to know in the future.
We are focused on helping you learn and make the most of your experience.
You can enrol at any time, you can work on your course when it suits you and at your own pace.
We are connected to many industry bodies and our staff participate in continuous improvement and learning activities to ensure that we are ahead of what learning is needed for the future.
Our courses are not accredited by the Australian Government. However many of our courses are recognised and held in high regard by many industry bodies.
Our courses are written by our staff, who all have many years experience and have qualifications in their speciality area. We have lots of academic staff who write and update our courses regularly.
How do I enrol my staff/ sponsored students?
Yes, you can do a request for a bulk enrolment and request an invoice on our Invoice Request Form
We can prepare an invoice, quote or proforma invoice. Simply complete your details on our Invoice Request form
We can arrange bulk discounts for your course enrolment, please get in touch with us to discuss your needs.
Yes, we have many students who are in locked facilities, such as prisons or hospitals. We can cater by also offering paper notes at an additional cost.
What if I have any more questions or need more information?
We can assist you to find the right course for your needs. Get in touch with us via email (admin@acs.edu.au) call on +61 7 5562 1088 or complete our course advice form.
What if I change my mind?
Please get in touch with studentservices@acs.edu.au if you would like to be removed from our mail list.
If you would like ACS Distance Education to delete your information at any time (whether you are a customer or a prospective customer), please contact our privacy officer and we will process this ( admin@acs.edu.au ).
If students require a reproduction of their certificate, an electronic copy can be provided at a cost of AUD$35 incl GST. Printed copies are not available.
Course Contributors
The following academics were involved in the development and/or updating of this course.
Marie Beermann
Marie has more than 10 years experience in horticulture and education in both Australia and Germany. Marie's qualifications include B. Sc., M. Sc. Hort., Dip. Bus., Cert. Ldscp.
Rosemary Davies (Horticulturist)
Leading horticultural expert in Australia.
Rosemary trained in Horticultural Applied Science at Melbourne University. Initially she worked with Agriculture Victoria as an extension officer, taught horticulture students, worked on radio with ABC radio (clocking up over 24 years as a presenter of garden talkback programs, initially the only woman presenter on gardening in Victoria) and she simultaneously developed a career as a writer.
She then studied Education and Training, teaching TAFE apprentices and developing curriculum for TAFE, before taking up an offer as a full time columnist with the Herald and Weekly Times and its magazine department after a number of years as columnist with the Age. She has worked for a number of companies in writing and publications, PR community education and management and has led several tours to Europe.
In 1999 Rosemary was BPW Bendigo Business Woman of the Year and is one of the founders and the Patron, of the Friends of the Bendigo Botanic gardens. She has completed her 6th book this year and is working on concepts for several others.
Rosemary has a B Ed, BSc Hort, Dip Advertising & Marketing
John Mason (Horticulturist)
Parks Manager, Nurseryman, Landscape Designer, Garden Writer and Consultant.
Over 40 years experience; working in Victoria, Queensland and the UK.
He is one of the most widely published garden writers in the world.
Adriana Fraser (Horticulturist)
Over 30 years working in horticulture, as a gardener, propagator, landscape designer
, teacher and consultant. Adriana has spent much of her life living on large properties, developing and maintaining her own gardens, and living a semi self sufficient lifestyle. She has decades of practical experience growing her own fruit, vegetables and herbs, and making her own preserves. She is well connected with horticulture professionals across Australia, and amongst other things, for a period, looked after Australia's national collection of Thymus. Advanced Diploma in Horticulture, Advanced Certificate in Horticulture.
Climbing Plants
“A doctor can bury his mistakes, but an architect can only advise his clients to plant vines.” ― Frank Lloyd Wright This e-book is a wonderful guide to climbing plants. Complete with full colour photographs, it is ideal for the home gardening enthusiast, landscape designer, or architect.
Fruit, Vegetables and Herbs
Home grown produce somehow has a special quality. Some say it tastes better, others believe it is just healthier. And there is no doubt it is cheaper! Watching plants grow from seed to harvest and knowing that the armful of vegies and herbs you have just gathered for the evening meal will be on the table within an hour or two of harvest, can be an exciting and satisfying experience.
Plant Pests & Diseases
Are you one of those people that kill every plant you touch? Perhaps it's not you. Perhaps it's a pest or disease. A little bit of reading might just turn your garden into an oasis. Learn how to identify pests and diseases and bring the spring back into your plant...visit the bookshop to find out more...
Weeds
A good cross section of of common weeds are illustrated and reviewed. These are plants that occur in many parts of the world, and some are not always weeds.
