The Diploma in Horticulture is a 120-credit, one-year full-time undergraduate diploma at Lincoln University, New Zealand. It provides practical and academic preparation in horticultural technology, production and management, together with applied computing, communication, soils, plant studies, plant health, propagation and engineering. The qualification includes a compulsory minimum of 12 weeks of practical horticultural work.

Important source clarification: the programme is a Lincoln University qualification. The supplied IPU website and IPU programme link do not publicly establish that IPU delivers or awards this qualification. Programme-specific information below is therefore based primarily on Lincoln University's current official sources.

Why Study / Key Benefits

• Develops practical and theoretical knowledge of modern horticulture.
• Covers horticultural technology, production and management systems.
• Develops practical skills in propagation, plant health, soils and plant studies.
• Includes technology, communication and engineering components.
• Provides applied learning through compulsory practical horticultural work.
• Can prepare students for a range of positions within New Zealand's horticulture sector.
• Lincoln University highlights the importance of horticulture to New Zealand food production and exports.
• Students can also study the programme through certain regional partner arrangements in Nelson and Tauranga. 

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

All eight courses are compulsory. There are no elective courses within the standard Diploma in Horticulture structure.

Semester 1:

• MGMT 026 – Horticultural Management Systems A – 15 credits
• HORT 022 – Propagation and Nursery – 15 credits
• SOSC 021 – Soils and Soil Management – 15 credits
• COMP 022 – Technology and Communication – 15 credits.

Semester 2:

• MGMT 027 – Horticultural Management Systems B – 15 credits
• PLSC 021 – Plant Studies – 15 credits
• BIOS 022 – Plant Health – 15 credits
• ENGN 023 – Engineering I – 15 credits.

Main subject areas therefore include:

• Horticultural management systems
• Plant propagation and nursery practices
• Soil science and soil management
• Plant studies
• Plant health
• Technology and communication
• Engineering
• Horticultural production and management.

Practical Work

Practical work is compulsory for the qualification.

Students must complete:

• A minimum of 12 weeks of hands-on practical experience.
• Preferably full-time practical work.
• Experience across at least two different types of horticultural units.

Disciplines / Specialisations

There are no formal majors or specialisations within the Diploma in Horticulture.

Instead, the programme provides a broad foundation across:

• Horticultural production
• Horticultural management
• Plant science
• Plant health
• Propagation and nursery management
• Soil management
• Agricultural/horticultural engineering
• Applied computing and communication.

Programme Highlights

• 120-credit undergraduate diploma.
• One year of full-time academic study.
• February and July intakes.
• Eight compulsory 15-credit courses.
• Practical training is compulsory.
• Minimum 12 weeks of hands-on horticultural experience.
• Practical experience across at least two types of horticultural units.
• Covers horticultural management, propagation, soils, plant health, plant studies, computing, communication and engineering.
• Available at Lincoln University Campus and through selected regional partner campuses.
• Can provide a foundation for further study and horticulture-sector employment.

Career Outcomes

The programme is designed to prepare students for a range of positions in the horticulture sector.

Depending on the student's practical experience and subsequent study, potential areas of employment include:

• Horticultural production
• Nursery operations
• Plant production
• Horticultural management support
• Plant-health operations
• Soil and land-management support
• Horticultural technology
• Horticultural engineering and technical support
• Production and operational roles within horticultural businesses.

International Student Visa Requirements

An international student normally requires an appropriate New Zealand student visa to undertake the full-time Diploma in Horticulture.

For a Fee Paying Student Visa, Immigration New Zealand requires evidence including:

• An offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Evidence that tuition fees can be paid.
• Evidence of sufficient funds for living expenses.
• Evidence of sufficient funds for outward travel or an acceptable travel arrangement.
• Evidence satisfying applicable health and character requirements.
• Appropriate medical and travel insurance.
• Evidence of genuine intentions to study.