Diploma of Conservation and Land Management - AHC51116
Student type:
Quick facts
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Entry score
Not applicable
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Duration
Full-time 2 years, Full-time 4 years -
Location
Melbourne City -
Fees
Next intake
February Entry score
IELTS 5.5
Duration
Full-time 2 years Location
Melbourne City
Overview
This course will introduce you to the skills used by land managers, park rangers, site assessors, water quality assessors and conservation staff.
You'll learn how to survey animals and plants, monitor waterways, assess and restore natural sites, and undertake cultural studies relating to land management.
The course includes field trips to a variety of locations around Melbourne, as well as overnight excursions to places such as Heywood and Barmah Forest.
Details
This course 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.You'll have access to online resources through the myRMIT student portal.
Ongoing assessment throughout the semester includes examinations, reports, presentations, group projects, research projects, and field trip assignments.
This course 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 course.
You will also also be encouraged to undertake voluntary work throughout your studies.
Year 1
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.
Year 2
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 program structure
Choose a program structure
Program code: C5367
National curriculum code: AHC51116
Career
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:
- local government
- local area management committees
- Parks Victoria
- Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning
Admissions
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 or an equivalent senior secondary school qualification with a minimum average of 50% (check calculator below).
Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program 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.
If you don't meet the entry requirements, there may be other RMIT programs you are eligible for that can lead you to your preferred program. Explore pathway options.
Entry requirements
To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
- IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 5.5 (with no individual band below 5.0)
- TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 50 (with minimum of 5 in Reading, 5 in Listening, 14 in Speaking and 15 in Writing)
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 42 (with no communication band less than 36)
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 162 with no less than 154 in any component.
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 for Academic Purposes (EAP) Upper Intermediate Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
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.
If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there are a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities. Please contact the Equitable Learning Service to discuss any adjustments you may require.
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.
If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there are a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities. Please contact the Equitable Learning Service to discuss any adjustments you may require.
By understanding the types of activities you’ll participate in, you can:
- understand more about the program
- determine if you may need support during your studies
- make an informed decision about whether the program is suitable for you
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 program so that you can participate fully in your studies.
To receive learning adjustments, you need to register with Equitable Learning Service
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.
Pathways
This course offers pathway into further study at RMIT.
Undertaking a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree can help you meet the entry requirements for your preferred degree. These qualifications often provide credit, reducing the duration of your bachelor degree and helping you get the degree you want.
Graduates of this course will be eligible for exemptions from the courses below, subject to meeting the entry requirements. For more information, explore our Pathway finder, or contact Study@RMIT.
Pathways into the Diploma of Conservation and Land Management
The completion of the Certificate III in Science or the Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation science stream may provide a pathway into this program (certain criteria must be met).
Credit and recognition of prior learning
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. Find out if you might be eligible.
When you successfully complete the Diploma of Conservation and Land Management you are guaranteed entry in the following programs:
- Bachelor of Environmental Science
- Bachelor of Environmental Science/Bachelor of Business (Management)
- Bachelor of Environmental Science/Bachelor of Engineering (Environmental Engineering) (Honours)
The major discipline, and any complementary discipline you choose to study in the bachelor degree, determines the amount of credit you will receive:
- Environmental Biology (major) – you will receive 2 semesters of advanced standing (equivalent to 96 credit points)
- Environmental Biology (major) plus Geospatial Science (complementary) – you will receive 2 semesters of advanced standing (equivalent to 108 credit points)
- Environmental Chemistry (major) – you will receive 1 semester of advanced standing (equivalent to 72 credit points)
- Environmental Chemistry (major) plus Geospatial Science (complementary) – you will receive 1 semester of advanced standing (equivalent to 84 credit points)
Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry to other RMIT vocational study or undergraduateprograms.
Fees
2020 fees
The tuition fees you will pay for this program will depend on whether you are offered a Victorian Government subsidised place or a full-fee place. To find out if you are eligible for a government subsidised place, follow the steps at How to check if you are eligible.
- 2020 government subsidised place: AU$7,000* per annum
- 2020 full-fee place: AU$11,750* per annum
*Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.
Use our fee finder to get an estimate of your fees for this program.
Additional expenses
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$308 maximum fee for 2020.
- Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.
Annual fee adjustment
The student tuition fees as displayed by the fee finder are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
Eligibility criteria waver
**The Victorian Government is currently waiving two (2) eligibility criteria around prior qualifications. This means that more people who want to study a vocational education program at RMIT, and already have a qualification, will be able to access a government subsidised place in a program. Find out how to check your eligibility.
Defer your payment
The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the VET Student Loans scheme, which allows eligible students in eligible programs to defer payment of their tuition fees, up to the maximum loan amount for their program.
VET Student Loans
The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the VET Student Loans scheme, which allows eligible students in eligible programs to defer payment of their tuition fees, up to the maximum loan amount for their program.
How does a VET Student Loan work?
If your VET Student Loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT your tuition fees on your behalf, up to the maximum loan amount for your program.
Your VET Student Loan becomes part of your VETSL debt. You will start repaying your accumulated VETSL debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is adjusted each year (this also applies if you are still studying).
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.
For more information see VET Student Loans or Study Assist.
Vet Student Loan cap
If your program is eligible for the VET Student Loan scheme and has a loan cap that doesn’t cover the total amount of the tuition fees for your program, then you’ll need to pay RMIT the difference by the due date once you exceed the cap.
It’s easy for you to keep track of your VET Student Loan debt, and you can choose to make upfront payments at any time before the census date.
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 2020 is $308.
For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.
You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.
The annual tuition fee for 2020 is AU$18,000.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2020 commencement is AU$36,500.
In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) in each calendar year.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) - Student visa holders must have cover for the total duration of their visa.
- Some programs incur additional expenses.
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.