- Type of qualification
- Graduate diploma
- Level of study
-
Graduate study
Graduate qualifications normally involve study in a different area to your first undergraduate qualification. Some are stepping stones to postgraduate-level study.
NZQF level 7Our courses follow the New Zealand Qualification Framework (NZQF) levels.
- Time to complete
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1 year full-time (120 credits)Part-time available
Study a Graduate Diploma in Horticulture – GradDipHort
The Graduate Diploma in Horticulture provides graduates with the knowledge and skills to succeed in one of New Zealand's most innovative and rapidly evolving industries, or to pursue postgraduate study in horticulture.
You'll explore sustainable horticultural production, horticultural systems, plant science and environmental management while developing the expertise sought by employers across the horticulture sector.
Moving to another area of science
This qualification is useful if you have a background in 1 area of science, and are looking to move into another.
This graduate diploma is also useful if you are looking for a flexible qualification that allows you to undertake a shorter course of study at university level than that required by a 3-year bachelor’s degree. It will take 1 year full-time to complete (120 credits).
Study at a higher level
This qualification does require an existing competence in the subject you are to study. You will be required to complete a number of courses at 300-level (third year).
Enter with industry experience
If you have substantial industry experience at a senior level this may be considered towards your application. This is on a case-by-case basis.
Not right for you?
If you do not have a background in science, only need a few courses or are looking for a qualification with more flexibility, we recommend you consider the Certificate or Graduate Certificate in Science and Technology. These 60-credit qualifications will give you the background you need to progress to a degree in science or technology-related areas.
Further study
If you successfully complete your Graduate Diploma in Horticulture, you could go on to study a Postgraduate Diploma in Horticulture or a Master of Science depending on your academic background.
A GradDipHort is a good fit if you:
- are looking for a tertiary qualification in a shorter time frame
- wish to enter postgraduate study but do not have the prerequisite qualification in the area you wish to choose
- are interested in developing practical and scientific skills in sustainable horticultural production, plant science, and horticultural systems.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
To enter the Graduate Diploma in Horticulture you will:
- have been awarded or qualified for a relevant bachelor’s degree, or equivalent; or
- have been admitted to the qualification on the basis of equivalent relevant professional experience.
You may be expected to have the relevant background to meet prerequisite requirements for courses that you wish to include in your qualification.
You will need to provide verified copies of all academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University.
English language requirements
To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
This qualification is classified as NZQF Level 7 and requires the same English language standard as most undergraduate bachelor degrees, diplomas and certificates.
Time limits for Honours, Distinction and Merit
If you complete this qualification within the stated time limit and to a high standard, you may be able to graduate with Distinction.
Look for further information under ‘Student Progression’ in the regulations for this qualification.
More information
- Read the regulations for this qualification thoroughly
- Contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.
Prior learning, credit and exemptions
For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:
- review the Recognition of Prior Learning regulations
- contact us through the Get advice button on this page.
English language skills
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.
Official regulations
To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.
You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Undergraduate Degrees, Undergraduate Diplomas, Undergraduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas and Graduate Certificates.
Returning students
For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.
In some cases the qualification or specialisation you enrolled in may no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these qualifications go to the Massey University Calendar.
Please contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.
Structure of the Graduate Diploma in Horticulture
Structure of the Graduate Diploma in Horticulture
If you study full-time you’ll take four 15-credit courses (60 credits per semester), making a total of 120 credits in 1 year.
The Graduate Diploma in Horticulture is awarded without endorsement.
The majority of available courses are those listed for the Bachelor of Horticultural and Plant Systems and its majors (at 200 and 300-level).
Courses and specialisations
Courses and specialisations
Credit summary
Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.
120 credits
- Courses at 200 and 300 level from 119 Agriculture and Horticulture – 30 credits
- Courses at 200 and 300 level from the 120, 284 and/or 285 prefix(es) – 60 credits
- Courses from the Schedule – 30 credits
Ensure that overall, you have:
- At least 75 credits at 300 level
30 credits from courses at 200 level and 300 level selected from the following prefixes:
119 Agriculture and Horticulture
60 credits from courses at 200 level and 300 level selected from the following prefixes:
120 Plant Biology, 284 Horticulture, 285 Plant Health.
At least 30 credits from courses at 200 level and 300 level selected from the following prefixes:
112 Agribusiness, 119 Agriculture and Horticulture, 120 Plant Biology, 121 Environmental Science, 122 Biochemistry, 123 Chemistry, 138 Agricultural Engineering, 188 Natural Resource Management, 189 Soil Science, 233 Earth Science, 246 Natural Sciences,
283 Agronomy, 284 Horticulture, 285 Plant Health.
Fees and scholarships
Fees and scholarships
Course fees
You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.
Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme
You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.
The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Find out more about the scheme, including how much could be covered and your eligibility on the Inland Revenue website.
Scholarships and awards
Search our scholarships and awardsRelated study options
Horticultural Management – Bachelor of Agribusiness
Grow your skills. Learn how to build and deliver profitable and sustainable horticultural businesses, alongside the science of food crops. Get a job before you graduate in New Zealand’s booming industry.
Horticultural Production – Bachelor of Horticultural and Plant Systems
Do you have a passion for plants and people? Join one of the country’s largest economic sectors and gain skills for managing various crop production systems including orchards, open-fields and controlled environments.
Horticultural Science – Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology
Learn from, and research with, highly-skilled, researchers in horticulture. A Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology (Horticultural Science) is the stepping stone to a research-based qualification.
Horticultural Science – Master of Science
Dig deeper into horticulture. Use Massey’s experts and world-leading facilities to develop your own ground-breaking research.
Integrative Plant Biology – Bachelor of Horticultural and Plant Systems
Where plant biology meets real-world impact – hands-on, job-ready, future-focused.
Postgraduate Diploma in Horticulture – PGDipHort
Lead the future of horticulture.
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