Diploma of Arboriculture
Sorry, this course is not available for international students.
If you are a local student you may be eligible.
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Overview
2 years full time
Rolling
February, March
Branch out while studying a Diploma of Arboriculture AHC50520.
If you are passionate about sustainability and the health of our trees, seek out a career in arboriculture.
Our qualified, professional teachers will train you in identifying and selecting trees, diagnosing and treating their health, and preparing tenders and report.
Be guided by teachers with deep roots in the industry.
Learn from skilled arborists in Melbourne who are industry connected, have expertise and up-to-date knowledge about an ever-changing field. Our Diploma of Arboriculture AHC50520 allows students to access industry-standard equipment and facilities such as our Yarra Edge Nursery.
You will take part in theory-based and practical field-based learning, preparing you to be job-ready for your career as an arborist. Melbourne Polytechnic’s strong industry links to the Victorian Tree Industry Organisation ensures that the skills you acquire with us will reflect the needs of the industry.
Grow into a dynamic new career as an Arborist.
Qualified and skilled arborists are in high demand throughout Australia. At the conclusion of our Diploma of Arboriculture AHC50520, you could branch out into a number of careers with help from our Skills and Job Centre. Explore opportunities such as researching urban development benefits or completing risk assessments for councils.
Career Pathways
Where will the Diploma of Arboriculture AHC50520 take me?
Complete our Diploma of Arboriculture AHC50520, become an arborist, and work anywhere in the country. Spend your days in botanical gardens and large parks or pursue contract and consultancy roles, such as an urban planning specialist or timber analyst.
- Arborist
Study Pathways
The Diploma of Arboriculture AHC50520 may lead to further study including degrees in science and horticulture.
Course Details
Delivery methods
- Practical Work
How you will study
Each course has a dedicated learning method that is designed to let you thrive in your studies.
On-campus / Virtual classroom
A blend of both face-to-face and virtual learning with scheduled classes taking place on-campus and in virtual classrooms. Visit the How You'll Study page for more information.
Class Schedule
1 day per week over 2 years.
Assessment Methods
A competency based course assessment is built on your ability to achieve unit outcomes. Assessment methods include demonstration of skills, tests and assignments, folios, oral activities and third party reports. At the commencement of each unit you will be given an outline of what is to be covered in that unit and how the unit will be assessed
Units of Study
The hours displayed are nominal, actual classroom hours delivered may differ. Please contact us for the latest student contact hours information.
| Code | Subject | Elective | Hours |
| AHCARB408 | Perform a ground-based tree defect evaluation | Core | 100 |
| AHCARB508 | Identify, select and specify trees | Core | 120 |
| AHCARB509 | Develop an arboricultural impact assessment report | Core | 90 |
| AHCARB510 | Specify and audit tree work | Core | 100 |
| AHCARB511 | Prepare arborist reports | Core | 90 |
| AHCARB513 | Examine and assess trees | Core | 120 |
| AHCARB514 | Diagnose tree diseases | Core | 120 |
| AHCWRK507 | Implement professional practice | Elective | 100 |
| AHCWRK508 | Interpret legislation | Core | 100 |
| AHCWRK509 | Provide specialist advice to clients | Elective | 100 |
Attend an Information Session
Fees & Costs
| Government subsidised fee | Non-subsidised fee | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition fee | $6800 | $16200 |
| Materials fee | $50 | $50 |
| Maximum annual amenities | $250 | $250 |
| Total payable | $7100 | $16500 |
| Per year | $0 |
| Per semester | $0 |
The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment.
Displayed course fees are indicative only. There are many variables that impact the total amount of your full course costs including qualification for government subsidies, concessions or recognition of prior learning. Tuition fees do not include the cost of student amenities or material costs.
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. Contact us to find out if you’re eligible for a Government subsidy.
Melbourne Polytechnic offers a range of payment options to help you pay your tuition fees, so you can get on with your studies.
Fees displayed are effective for new applications received on or after 1st of November. Tuition fees do not include textbooks, course materials or overseas student health insurance and visa fees.
After initial deposit, international students are able to pay tuition fees in installments, four times per year.
For more detailed information please read the International Student Fees.
Materials
Lists of required materials, books and timetables will be provided at course induction or class enrolment by the teaching department.Fees explained
The fees for those ineligible for a government-funded enrolment.
The cost of tuition for those eligible for government funding.
Additional expenses
The Student Services and Amenities Fee is charged at forty cents (40 cents) per student contact hour and is capped over a twelve (12) month period, effective from the enrolment date, to:
- $250 for full fee-paying students; and
- $175 for concession-paying students studying Certificate I, II, III, or IV.
Amenities fees are used to improve non-academic services including libraries, counselling services, student support, and recreational activities.
Other Horticulture Courses
Requirements
To commence this qualification an individual must have achieved the following units of competency or their equivalent:
- AHCARB314 Implement a tree maintenance program
- AHCARB316 Perform pruning operations
- AHCARB323 Identify trees
If you need to achieve one or all of these units of competency, please enquire and/or email stephenconnolly@melbournepolytechnic.edu.au.
Academic: Australian Year 11 equivalencyEnglish: Academic IELTS 5.5 with no individual band below 5.0, Pearson PTE Academic 42 overall with no individual communicative skill below 36, or Melbourne Polytechnic recognised equivalency.
Next Steps
We're really excited for you to join the Melbourne Polytechnic community and we look forward to supporting you on your education journey.
The first step to enrolling is completing the application short form from the Apply Now page.
You'll then receive a link to complete a few more personal details.
It is a mandatory government requirement for all prospective students to complete an online literacy and numeracy assessment.
Once you are ready to enrol, you will be invited to attend our Skills and Job Centre, or come to campus to complete your enrolment in person.
For Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas, you may be eligible for a VET Student Loan. Read more about them here.
If you need assistance with your application and the next steps, you can contact one of our Education and Course Advisors on 1300 635 276 or follow a step-by-step guide to enrolling for vocational education local students.
We're Victoria's Large Training Provider of the Year
Study with Melbourne Polytechnic, proud winner of Victoria’s 2024 Large Training Provider of the Year! Recognised for our innovative programs, industry partnerships and commitment to student success, we’re here to help you build the skills for a thriving future.
Recognising Organisations
Nationally Recognised Training This course is government accredited and has national recognition.
Local student means; you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, a New Zealand citizen or a permanent humanitarian visa holder.