You'll learn how to survey animals and plants, monitor waterways, assess and restore natural sites, and undertake cultural studies relating to land management.
You will also go on field trips to a variety of locations around Melbourne, as well as overnight excursions to places such as Heywood and Barmah Forest.
Learn about cultural heritage and Indigenous land management with direct input from Aboriginal Elders and community organisations.
Learn how to conduct site assessments and identify plants first-hand through weekly field-trips.
Developed in close collaboration with key industry stakeholders, including Melbourne Water, Parks Victoria, and local councils.
This diploma is based on the National Agriculture, Horticulture and Conservation and Land Management Training Package.
RMIT offers a variety of learning and teaching approaches including lectures, seminars, workshops, presentations, group discussions and fieldwork.
Each week you will complete the following:
Ongoing assessment throughout the semester includes examinations, reports, presentations, group projects, research projects, and field trip assignments.
The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.
Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.
The world is constantly changing, and there are universal skills that can help you adapt to the evolving nature of work and global engagement.
As part of your study experience at RMIT, we provide 6 future-focused RMIT Capabilities:
RMIT Capabilities are built into your course as well as some of our extracurricular experiences. They inform the design and delivery of your learning activities and assessments, so by the time you graduate, you’ll be ready to apply these capabilities in your life and work.
This diploma has been developed in collaboration with key industry stakeholders, including Melbourne Water, Parks Victoria, and local councils.
You'll undertake extensive fieldwork in collaboration with these organisations. Guest speakers from conservation and wildlife groups are also a feature of the curriculum.
You will also be encouraged to undertake voluntary work throughout your studies.
This course is competency-based and has been designed to help you develop the practical skills and knowledge necessary to work effectively in your chosen field. You will learn and be assessed by practising and demonstrating your capabilities, all of which can be readily applied in the workplace.
In addition to the specific vocational skills you build throughout this course, you will also develop a set of essential employability skills, including communication, planning, organising, and problem solving, self-management, initiative and teamwork. These foundational skills will enable you to navigate the world of work, collaborate effectively with others, and successfully get the job done.
You will study plant identification and ecology, and learn skills related to site assessment and industry-specific communication.
You will be introduced to cultural heritage and aspects of Indigenous land management with input from Aboriginal Elders and community organisations.
You'll also learn how to conduct wildlife surveys and interpret the data using the appropriate format.
You'll study revegetation and the management of water, and learn about pest management. You will also explore Indigenous and cultural heritage issues and how these relate to land management.
These are taught in collaboration with Indigenous Elders and community members, and include an extended field trip to western Victoria, where you will have the opportunity to work alongside Indigenous land care workers.
Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.
International student visa holders can only study full-time.
Graduates may find work as a park ranger or member of a bush crew.
They can work with organisations involved in conservation and land care, including:
You need to satisfy all of the following academic (entry) requirements to be considered for entry into this course.
There are no minimum academic entry requirements for this course. Applicants must meet the minimum university entry requirements.
There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.
A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.
You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this course.
You must have successfully completed a qualification recognised by RMIT as equivalent to the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) with a minimum average of 50% (see calculator below).
Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies course or a recognised post secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.
Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.
There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.
A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.
To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
Note: RMIT does not accept scores from 'at-home' or 'online' testing.
For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.
Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English Language Pathways (Academic English) Upper Intermediate at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).
The following information outlines the tasks you will be required to undertake during professional experience placement and on-campus learning activities.
The non-academic abilities listed are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.
By understanding the types of activities you'll participate in, you can:
If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there is a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities.
Please contact the Equitable Learning Services (ELS) team to discuss any adjustments you may require. To receive learning adjustments, you need to register with ELS.
If you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition, we can support you by making adjustments to activities in your course so that you can participate fully in your studies.
The University considers the wellbeing and safety of all students, staff and the community to be a priority in academic and professional experience placement settings.
A pathway is an alternative way to get into a course. RMIT's pathways can help you move through different levels of study to reach the qualification you're aiming for, even if you don't meet the requirements for your destination course.
This course has pathways available.
The Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management provides credit and guaranteed entry into further study.
You can gain entry to this diploma from RMIT Foundation Studies or a range of vocational study courses.
You are guaranteed entry with credit into one of the following programs when you successfully complete the Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management:
Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry to other RMIT undergraduate study courses.
Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.
Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.
Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.
When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.
The tuition fees you will pay depends on your eligibility for government subsidies.
Not sure which fee type applies to you? Learn more and check your eligibility.
Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
You may be eligible for a fee concession if you hold a valid Commonwealth Health Care Card, Pensioner Card, or Veteran's Gold Card, or are enrolled in the Asylum Seeker VET program. Find out more about fee concessions.
| Item | Description | Cost (AUD) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition fee student pays
The total tuition fee you will be charged for a full-fee place
|
The total tuition fee you will be charged for a full-fee place
|
$29,500.00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
|
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
|
$746.00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Material fees
Total cost of material fees associated with this course |
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
|
$1,269.25
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Estimated total cost to you
Includes all fees listed above |
$31,515.25 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The tuition fees shown include the Victorian Government contribution. This amount is reflected in your fees and is paid directly to RMIT by the Government: $ per nominal hour ($ total).
| Item | Description | Cost (AUD) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition fee student pays
Tuition fees after government subsidy
|
Tuition fees after government subsidy
|
$17,500.00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
|
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
|
$746.00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Material fees
Total cost of material fees associated with this course |
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
|
$1,269.25
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Estimated total cost to you
Includes all fees listed above |
$19,515.25 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The tuition fees shown include the Victorian Government contribution. This amount is reflected in your fees and is paid directly to RMIT by the Government: $8.25 per nominal hour ($13,117.50 total).
| Item | Description | Cost (AUD) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition fee student pays
Tuition fees exempt for eligible students in a government subsidised place
|
Tuition fees exempt for eligible students in a government subsidised place
|
$0.00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
|
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
|
$0.00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Material fees
Total cost of material fees associated with this course |
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
|
$1,269.25
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Estimated total cost to you
Includes all fees listed above |
$1,269.25 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The tuition fees shown include the Victorian Government contribution. This amount is reflected in your fees and is paid directly to RMIT by the Government: $8.25 per nominal hour ($13,117.50 total).
Generated on 30 June 2026 | RMIT University's Registered Training Organisation (RTO) Code is 3046 | Payment and refund information
VET Student Loan cap for Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management (C5418): $19290
Any tuition fees above the cap must be paid upfront to RMIT by their due date. Caps are indexed annually by the Commonwealth Government. Eligibility applies.
Learn about eligibility for VSL|
|
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
|
$0
|
||||
|
|||||
|
|
|||||
$ per nominal hour ($ total).
Choose the specific course plan to see relevant fee information:
VET Student Loan cap for (): $
Any tuition fees above the cap must be paid upfront to RMIT by their due date. Caps are indexed annually by the Commonwealth Government. Eligibility applies.
Learn about eligibility for VSLIn addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.
In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.
The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2026 is $373.
You may also be required to purchase other items related to this course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.
While we make every effort to ensure that materials fees are kept to a minimum and are competitive with alternative suppliers, material fees are not compulsory and you may choose to purchase these items independently.
For more information about material and other fees for this course, see additional fees and expenses.
Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.
Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.
RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.
RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.
Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.
Learn more about our commitment to Indigenous cultures
