Graduate Diploma in Protected Cropping

Study and save: Discounted student fees are available through Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) when undertaking this course in 2026.

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. 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.

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Graduate Diploma in Protected Cropping

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Duration

Full Time: 1 Year (Available Part Time)

Next Start Date

02 March 2026

20 July 2026

Closing Date

Campuses

Hawkesbury UAC 950718

Domestic Student Fees

Indicative annual fee from $11,885

Additional Information

Program Code: 3772

CRICOS Code: 116968B

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.

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Test

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.

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.

What you can expect to study

The program structure is outlined in our handbook. Here you can view all of the subjects you will be studying.

Career Opportunities

As a graduate of this degree, you can look forward to a broad range of exciting career opportunities in different sectors and industries. Below are some examples of the possible careers you can pursue with this degree:

Horticultural consultant
Horticultural technician
Horticultural Business Manager
Crop Manager/ Nursery Manager
Business Consultant
Growers

B Psychological and Social Sciences

Entry requirements for domestic students

Please consult the handbook for more information regarding entry requirements for this course.

You can read more about special requirements here.

B Psychological and Social Sciences

Entry requirements for international students

**Please note, if this course lists a part-time option, this is not available to International Students on a Student Visa.

Please consult the handbook for more information regarding entry requirements for this course.

You can read more about international academic entry requirements here.

Indicative annual fee

PG Direct

The fee estimates provided are indicative only and subject to change. These estimates are based on the current fee structures for a normal full time study load. However, the final fees may vary depending on several factors, including the specific subjects chosen, the duration and timing of study, and annual fee adjustments (subject to Commonwealth student contribution band rates). Please note that these estimates do not include the Student Services and Amenities Fee. We encourage all prospective and current students to consult with our Student Services Hub for the most current fee information.

As a multi-campus institution, Western Sydney University and its entities reserves the right to alter the location of its programs between campuses and other locations as necessary.

Apply as a Domestic Student

If you are a domestic student, you can apply through our Western Application system which is free of charge.

Domestic students are:

Australian Citizens
New Zealand Citizens
Australian permanent residents
Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders

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Scholarships

Western Sydney University recognises and rewards students who demonstrate community engagement, outstanding academic ability and superior leadership skills. Donor-funded scholarships are also available, providing support for students based on both academic achievements and equity considerations. There are also scholarships available for specific degrees.

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PG Direct

As a multi-campus institution, Western Sydney University and its entities reserves the right to alter the location of its programs between campuses and other locations as necessary.

Apply as an International Student

If you are an international student, you can apply for free through our international student application system or through an agent representative.

International students are:

Not an Australian citizen;
Not a New Zealand citizen; and
Not a permanent resident of Australia.

Admission to Western Sydney University is on the basis of meeting minimum academic and English language requirements. For more information about tuition fees and other costs, visit the Fees and Costs page.

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Scholarships

When you apply to Western, you’re automatically assessed for a Scholarship, no additional application required! We’re offering multi-year scholarships (for up to 3 years) valued at $6,000 or $3,000 and even 50% off tuition fees. Scholarships are awarded on academic merit.

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OTHER STUDY OPTIONS

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Graduate Certificate in Protected Cropping

Full Time: 6 Months (Available Part Time)

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Master of Science

Full Time: 2 Years (Available Part Time)*

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As a multi-campus institution, Western Sydney University and its entities reserves the right to alter the location of its programs between campuses and other locations as necessary.

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Graduate Diploma in Protected Cropping