Course

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Graduate Diploma in Protected Cropping

Approved Abbreviation: GradDipProtectCrop

Western Sydney University Course Code: 3772.1

AQF Level: 8

Students should follow the course structure for the course version relevant to the year they commenced. This version applies to students whose commencement year in this course is Spring 2020 or later.

Units may be revised or replaced to ensure students are provided with up to date curriculum throughout their studies, and this may result in a new course version. Refer to the Check My Course Progress page in MySR for the most up to date information for your course

Protected cropping is one of the fastest growing food producing sectors in Australia. This unique Graduate Diploma/Graduate Certificate in Protected Cropping offers you exciting learning opportunities to extend your knowledge and further develop your expertise in the areas of science, technology and business with a strong focus on intensive horticulture. The highlight for your learning journey is the Masterclass experience, where you will be meeting with industry experts and working on real life industry challenges in a world-class greenhouse facility. Themes for the Masterclass include software and hardware systems, crop and produce management, integrated pest management and fertigation systems. In addition, you will have the opportunity to set up and complete your own protected cropping industry project by integrating and applying what you have learned. It will also help you to harness and showcase leadership, communication and business skills. This versatile degree will open up more doors for your future, including articulation into postgraduate study, bringing back the latest research findings and practices to your workplace, or exploring new career options in the field of horticulture with an elevated perspective and a new skillset.

Study Mode
One year full-time or two years part-time

Accreditation
The Graduate Certificate in Protected Cropping and the Graduate Diploma in Protected Cropping are recognised by Protected Cropping Australia and the Hydroponic Farmers Federation.

Admission

Applicants must have successfully completed:

an undergraduate degree, or higher, in agriculture, horticulture, environment, science, technology or business

An undergraduate degree, or higher, in any discipline and two years full-time equivalent professional experience in technical or management roles in the agriculture, horticulture, environment, science, technology or business industry areas.

Applicants seeking admission on the basis of work experience must support their application with a Statement of Service for all work experience listed on the application.

Statement of Service

Applications from Australian and New Zealand citizens and holders of permanent resident visas must be made via the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). Use the links below to apply via UAC or Western Sydney University. Applications made directly to Western Sydney do not have an application fee.

Applicants who have undertaken studies overseas may have to provide proof of proficiency in English. Local and International applicants who are applying through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) will find details of minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof on the UAC website. Local applicants applying directly to the University should also use the information provided on the UAC website.

http://www.uac.edu.au/

https://westernsydney.uac.edu.au/ws/

International applicants must apply directly to the University via the International Office. International students applying to the University through the International Office can find details of minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof on their website.

International Office

Overseas qualifications must be deemed by the Australian Education International - National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (AEI-NOOSR) to be equivalent to Australian qualifications in order to be considered by UAC and Western Sydney University

Work Integrated Learning

Western Sydney University seeks to enhance student learning experiences by enabling students to engage in the culture, expectations and practices of their profession or discipline. This course includes a placement or other community-based unpaid practical experience.

There is a mandatory work component required for completion of this course. Please contact the Course Advisor listed above for information.

International students should also refer to the 'Work Integrated Learning (WIL) for international students' website for more information and a link to the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) for international students

• Work Integrated learning is included in the four technical units which will each include a three-day masterclass with the involvement of the protected cropping industry through guest lecturing, presentations and site visits to industry facilities.

• Students will also undertake an industry project which will address a protected cropping issue proposed by an industry partner.

• Students will be supervised on site visits by arrangement with the industry partner and overseen by an academic staff member. This course is part of the Graduate Diploma in Protected Cropping and Graduate Certificate in Protected Cropping, developed and delivered with the support of partners through a research agreement with the Horticulture Innovation Australia. The research agreement provides initial support for industry liaison, including site visits, through a funded position. The agreement is subject to ongoing review and evaluation by WSU and industry partners.

Course Structure

Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 80 credit points which include the units listed in the recommended sequence below.

Session 1

301357

Plant-Climate Interactions in Controlled Environments

301358

Advanced Greenhouse Technology

301361

Industry Project

200838

Business Operations and Logistics

Session 2