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Protected cropping is one of the fastest growing food producing sectors in Australia. This program is fully accredited and unique to Western, incorporating science, technology and business skills with a focus on intensive horticulture.
Study options
FULL TIME
1 year
PART TIME
2 years
Start times
Autumn
March
(2024)
Spring
July
(2024)
This program is predominately taught online with flexible online learning modules to allow you the flexibility to work while studying. Practical "on-site" workshops are taught at the Hawkesbury campus.
Available campuses
Be a leader in the sector
This program prepares you to take on the challenges of sustainable greenhouse production in a changing global environment.
Meet experts in the field and gain industry experience with our unique Masterclass. You’ll work in a world-class greenhouse facility and learn about software and hardware systems, crop and produce management, integrated pest management and fertigation systems.
Start building your career portfolio with the opportunity to design and complete your own protected cropping industry project.
By developing your knowledge and gaining real life experience, this program will open doors to your future. Whether it’s further postgraduate study, bringing the latest research findings to your workplace, or pursuing a new career in horticulture, your opportunities are unlimited.
Industry partners will host students for their industry research projects so engaged students will be job-ready to start in the protected cropping industry following completion of the program. Find out more about our industry partners here.
Flexible study options
Accreditation
Real life experience
Find the flexibility to work while you study. Our delivery model includes a combination of lectures, self-paced online modules, live digital-platform sessions, and practical on-site workshops.
The Graduate Diploma in Protected Cropping is recognised by Protected Cropping Australia and the Hydroponic Farmers Federation.
This program forms a key education and training component of the National Vegetable Protected Cropping Centre. With nine independently controlled growing spaces designed with the world’s best glasshouse infrastructure and sensor-controlled systems, The Centre provides opportunities for research, education and training in modern protected cropping horticulture.
The practical experience gained in this program will allow you to be part of the sustainable solution that focuses on resource management, reducing agriculture pollutants and our environment footprint, and using technology to advance production.
See photos of our facility
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Program structure
Our program structure is outlined in our handbook. Here you can view all of the subjects you will be studying.
Fees and delivery
Fees: $23,488*
Delivery: Online
This program is only available to domestic students. Unfortunately, student visa holders are not eligible to study this degree.
Start your unlimited journey today.
Your career
Graduates can look forward to career opportunities including:
- Horticultural consultant
- Horticultural technician
- Horticultural Business Manager
- Crop Manager/ Nursery Manager
- Business Consultant
- Growers
Your career
Horticultural consultant
An horticultural consultant is required to give advice to farmers and enterprise, government about crop choices, soil usage and fertilizer options. Outcomes for stakeholders include successful cultivation and higher yields which meet financial objectives.
Horticultural technician
As a technician in this field you will grow and sustain plants so they can be used for food, medicine, education or decoration. Duties may include diagnosing and treating plant diseases as well as planting, watering, fertilizing, pruning and transplanting plants.
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Apply now and start your unlimited journey.
*The tuition fees quoted above are the fees for the normal full-time study load of the program (80 credit points) per annum. International students will be subject to a variable fee regime; i.e. enrolled students will be required to pay fees during their program based on the approved fee for each calendar year. Fee changes (if any) will occur at 1 January each calendar year. Students who extend their program past the normal finish date of the program will be required to pay additional fees based on the prevailing fee level. Western Sydney University is a multi-campus institution. The University reserves the right to alter the location of its programs between campuses and other locations as necessary. Students should be aware of the possibility of change of location for the whole or part of programs for which they enrol and should plan for the need to travel between Western Sydney campuses.
** Lowest Selection Rank
