- Type of qualification
- Postgraduate diploma
- Level of study
-
Postgraduate study
Once you’ve graduated with a bachelor’s degree – or have equal experience – you can study at the postgraduate level. Doctoral qualifications require additional entry requirements.
NZQF level 8Our courses follow the New Zealand Qualification Framework (NZQF) levels.
- Time to complete
-
1 year full-time (120 credits)Part-time available
Study a Postgraduate Diploma in Horticulture – PGDipHort
The Postgraduate Diploma in Horticulture develops advanced knowledge of horticultural production, innovation, sustainability, and industry leadership. Designed for graduates and professionals, the programme equips you with the expertise to address contemporary challenges and drive innovation across New Zealand's horticulture sector. Massey University’s Postgraduate Diploma in Horticulture gives you the opportunity to join the pathway to in-depth research at a master’s level.
Further study
If you are successful in this qualification, you may have the opportunity of proceeding to a master’s degree such as the Master of Science.
A PGDipHort is a good fit if you:
- have an undergraduate qualification in horticulture
- are interested in postgraduate study, but do not have a research background
- want to advance your expertise in horticultural production, sustainability and innovation
- are looking to develop the knowledge and skills required for technical or leadership roles in horticulture.
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 Postgraduate Diploma in Horticulture you will have been awarded or qualified for:
- an agricultural or business-related Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent; or
- have been awarded or qualified for a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent and have completed at least 3 years of relevant work experience.
You will need to provide copies of all official academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University.
Time limits for Honours, Distinction and Merit
Where your qualification is completed within the stated time limit and to a high standard, you may be able to graduate with Distinction or Merit.
- Look for information under ‘Student Progression’ in the General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas and Postgraduate Certificates.
- 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.
Maximum time limits for completion
There are maximum time limits to complete postgraduate qualifications. If you do not complete within the maximum time, you may be required to re-apply for the qualification if you wish to continue your studies.
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 Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Postgraduate 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 Postgraduate Diploma in Horticulture
Structure of the Postgraduate Diploma in Horticulture
If you study full-time, you’ll take 120 credits per year or 60 credits per semester.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Horticulture is available part-time.
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 700 level from the 119, 120, 284, 285 prefix(es) – 60 credits
- Courses at 700 level from the above prefixes plus 112, 188, 189, 233, 238, 283 – 60 credits
Ensure that overall, you have:
- No more than 30 credits of approved Special Topic or professional development courses.
60 credits from courses at 700 level selected from the following prefixes:
119 Agriculture and Horticulture, 120 Plant Biology, 284 Horticulture, 285 Plant Health.
60 credits from courses at 700 level selected from the following prefixes:
112 Agribusiness, 119 Agriculture and Horticulture, 120 Plant Biology, 188 Natural Resource Management, 189 Soil Science, 233 Earth Science, 238 AgriScience, 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
Graduate Diploma in Horticulture – GradDipHort
Cultivate a career in horticulture.
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.
Related content
