Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management

Course Code AHC51120
Locations Sherwood Park (Warrnambool)

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Study Mode Part-time, Online, Workshops
Length Two years
Commencement February, July
Timetable 16 face-to-face workshops over two years, usually held on a Saturday. Plus virtual classes and self-paced online study.
Course Overview
Introduction

Do you enjoy the natural environment?  Are you interested in the wise management of our natural areas?

This course includes the skills and knowledge required to understand natural systems, identify issues and plan appropriate works. Studies include the theory and practical aspects of conservation and ecosystem  management in a variety of different environments including coastal, rural, urban and aquatic systems.

What will I Learn?

Studies focus on a variety of areas in the catchment and ecosystem management including: 

  • biological surveys
  • water quality monitoring
  • fauna management
  • river restoration
  • pest animal and plant control
  • revegetation

You will also develop skills in workplace safety, organizing data, planning surveys and works and writing reports. 

Students are strongly encouraged to investigate natural areas in their local region and develop strong networks with local conservation organisations during their course.  

Mode of delivery

During this course, you will participate in 16, one-day face-to-face workshops over two years. These workshops are usually on Saturdays. These workshops allow you to reinforce the subject content in a practical environment.

You will also be required to attend virtual classes* and complete self-paced online study.

*Virtual classroom - a live online teaching and learning environment where teachers and students can present course materials, engage, interact, and work in groups together.

Course Outcomes and Career Opportunities

  • Environmental Consultant
  • Coast Care Managers
  • Eco-green Corporation Leaders
  • Catchment Management Officer
  • Environmental Officer
  • Conservation Officer
  • Field Services Officer
  • Field Team Leader
  • Ranger
  • Landcare Facilitator

Pathways

This course offers a pathway to further study in Advanced Diploma or Bachelor level courses in the Conservation and Environmental Sciences field.

Information Session

Why don’t you come along to our next course info session to find out everything you need to start your learning journey? You can chat with our teachers, tour our facilities, learn more about the course, find out about the application process and get your questions answered by our course experts. 

Find the next info session near you

Course Requirements
Entrance requirements & pre-requisites

To apply for this course, you must be at least 18 years of age.

Paid or voluntary practical experience in the industry will be considered in your application and will greatly assist successful completion of this course.

Course requirements

To be eligible for this qualification you must complete 10 elective units.

Units offered

Elective Units

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Unit Code Unit Name Unit Hours Unit Consumables
AHCFAU501 Manage fauna populations 150 $0.00
AHCPMG413 Define the pest problem 100 $0.00
AHCPMG412 Develop a pest management plan 90 $0.00
AHCECR502 Conduct biological surveys 200 $0.00
AHCECR503 Design an ecological restoration project 200 $0.00
AHCECR505 Plan river restoration works 150 $0.00
AHCLPW506 Develop a management plan for a designated area 200 $0.00
AHCNRM510 Develop a water quality monitoring program 120 $0.00
AHCPCM510 Collect and classify plants 120 $0.00
AHCWRK513 Write and present reports 60 $0.00
Assessment

This course involves accredited units.  You will be required to complete assessment tasks to demonstrate your underpinning knowledge, skills and attributes to meet the course outcomes.  A combination of written, oral and practical assessment strategies will be used in either a classroom, online or workplace environment. 

Where units require demonstration of skills in a workplace environment, you will have the opportunity to do this either in your own workplace (where appropriate), through a practical placement, or by using one of the Institute's simulated workshops/classrooms.  Detailed information about the types, conduct and dates of assessments will be provided in advance.  You will also be provided with information about the opportunity for reassessment and appeal.

After applying

Once you have applied for your chosen course, you will receive a thank you email from South West TAFE with a few steps to help process your enrolment.

Complete a Pre-Training Review
You will receive an email to complete a Pre-Training Review online evaluation. This evaluation helps us tailor your training to suit your needs.

Create or provide a Unique Student Identifier (USI)
A USI is a nationally recognised reference number that provides an online record of your training qualifications gained in Australia.
Create your USI
Already have a USI but can’t remember it? Find your USI

Skills recognition
If you have experience or prior qualifications, you may be eligible to apply for recognition of prior learning and gain credits. You will be asked to provide any relevant Statement of Attainment to support identified credits.

Fees
Course Fees

Here's an outline of fees and costs associated with your course.

Your fees each year can be made up of 3 different elements.  Everyone has different circumstances that can affect what you pay and how much you pay. :

  1. Tuition fees - charged as an hourly rate that varies from course to course. A large portion of the tuition is subsidised by the Victorian Government for eligible students.
  2. Resource and/or materials costs - covers the cost of materials and other incidentals. This fee will vary according to the course being undertaken.
  3. Booklist items - such as textbooks, equipment and stationery recommended for your course

Tuition fees

There are 4 different rates of tuition fees. Only one will apply to you (depending on your eligibility and circumstances). 

  1. Government Subsidised Fee - you could be eligible for a government-subsidised rate under the Skills First funding depending on your age, educational history, and citizenship or residency status. If you are eligible, the government will contribute to the cost of your training.
    Find out more about subsidised training

  2. Government Subsidised Concession Fee - If you are eligible for a Skills First government-subsidised place and hold a current healthcare or pension card, that you can provide at enrolment, you may be eligible for the concession rate. Note, the concession rate is not applicable to Diploma level courses.
    Find out more about concession rates

  3. If the course is a Free TAFE course or part of the Free TAFE Pathways Program - Eligible students will not pay course tuition fees for the duration of their enrolment in this course, however, there may be some consumable/material fees for the course (find out more below). Any resource or material costs, or booklist items for this course are listed in the table below.
    Find out more about Free TAFE
    Find out more about Free TAFE Pathways Programs

  4. Full fee - If you are not eligible for a Skills First government-subsidised place, exemption, concession or are enrolling in a course that isn't government-subsidised, you may be required to pay the full fee rate.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT FEES AND ELIGIBILITY

The fees listed below are indicative only. The course fees published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Course fee funding is made available to eligible individuals by the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments. If funding is utilised, this may affect opportunities to access additional funding in the future. An accurate quote for this course will be provided during the enrolment process.

Swipe for full table
Course fees by student type Indicative Course Fee
Government subsidised rate (if eligible) $6,130.00
Full fee rate (if not eligible for govt subsidy) $16,865.00
Resource and/or materials costs

Some courses require specific resources or materials necessary for your study eg: tools of the trade, excursions, etc. Final costs will be determined upon enrolment.

Swipe for full table
Additional course fees Indicative Course Fee
Course consumable/materials (approximate) $141.75
How do I pay my fees?

Once we have processed your enrolment form, you will receive an email with your invoice.

You have three options when organising your payment:

  1. Upfront payment - can be made over the phone with EFTPOS
  1. Payment plan - can be directly debited from your bank account, debited from your Centrelink payments or via a VET Student Loan (for diploma or advanced diploma courses only)
  1. Paid by employer, school or job network agency - if your fees are being paid by your employer, school or job network agency, you will need to complete an Authority to Invoice form.

Payments will need to be arranged within five(5) business days of receiving the email containing your invoice.

We also offer a range of scholarships each year which you may be eligible to apply for to assist with course fees.

Next Steps
How to apply

There are five simple steps to apply for a course with us.

  1. Apply - complete a short online application form. Once this form is submitted we'll send you a thank-you email.
  2. Literacy and Numeracy Assessment - we will assess whether you need to undertake a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) assessment and email it to you if required.
    If you are not required to undertake this assessment, you will skip to step 3.
  3. Chat to our team - your teacher or course specialist will contact you to discuss the course in more detail and ensure the right units of study are selected for you.
  4. Enrol – you will be sent an email to accept your offer for the course. By accepting, you will be directed to verify your details and submit your enrolment for processing.
  5. Pay - once we’ve completed your enrolment, we will send you an invoice to arrange payment of your course fees.

If you need any assistance with applying, contact our team on 1300 648 911 or visit your nearest campus.

Careers and Course Advice

Not sure which course is right for you? South West TAFE will help you find your way.

Our Careers Coaches at the Skills and Jobs Centre is here to support you. Whether you’re exploring career options, transitioning from school to the workforce or looking to study after school we’re here to help you.

Student Support

As a SWTAFE student, you can access a variety of support services that will enhance your study experience and help you complete your studies successfully. For more information about any of these services, visit our student page.