Diploma of Horticulture Management

The Diploma of Horticulture Management at Viva Institute is a one-year qualification for people who want to work in the business and operations side of horticulture, not just the hands-on growing. You'll cover plant science, soil and nutrition, irrigation, pest and disease management, and the management skills that keep a nursery, landscape operation or production property running, budgeting, scheduling, supervising staff, and workplace safety. The course is practical and industry-focused, so you'll spend time applying what you learn to real growing situations.

How the qualification is structured

Australian diplomas are typically delivered over one year of full-time study, often across two or three study periods (semesters or trimesters). The course is made up of units of study, each with a set number of credit points. You'll complete a mix of core units and electives, and may have the option to study part-time. Assessment is usually a combination of written tasks, practical demonstrations, and projects based on real horticultural enterprises. Work-integrated learning is common in this field, you may complete a supervised placement or industry project as part of your studies, giving you direct experience in a nursery, landscape business, or production setting.

What you'll learn

You'll graduate with the skills to plan and manage horticultural operations: selecting and propagating plants, managing soil and water, diagnosing plant health problems, and applying sustainable practices. You'll also learn how to lead a team, manage budgets and resources, and comply with relevant regulations. The focus is on making decisions that balance plant health, productivity, and business viability.

Who it suits

This diploma suits people already working in horticulture who want to move into supervisory or management roles, career changers with an interest in plants and outdoor work, and school leavers who want a practical qualification that leads directly to employment. It's also a pathway to further study, you may be able to use credit from this diploma towards a bachelor degree in horticulture or a related field, subject to the receiving institution's rules. International students should note that while studying in Australia on a Student visa, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight once your course has started, and after graduating you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream. Always check the official CRICOS page and the Viva Institute website for the most current details on structure, fees, and entry requirements.

• Horticulture supervisor or team leader
• Nursery manager or production manager
• Landscape coordinator
• Parks and gardens supervisor
• Irrigation technician or manager
• Horticultural consultant (with further experience)
• Grower or farm manager (production horticulture)

These roles are found in nurseries, landscape and garden maintenance businesses, local councils, golf courses and sports turf facilities, orchards and vineyards, and government parks departments across Australia.