Diploma of Agriculture

Agriculture makes up 60 per cent of the regional economy of south-west Victoria. As a result, the need for qualified staff is growing and SWTAFE graduates are in demand from farms to agricultural service providers.

This qualification is suitable for people working on farms who currently or aim to manage farm enterprise production. It is also suitable for employees and operators of agribusinesses who provide advice and services to production enterprises on cropping, pasture, livestock or business management.  The subject choices allow you to focus on a specific area of expertise you require whether it is animal health and production, business management or agronomic practices around plant nutrition, soils and weed, pest and disease management.

People who complete this qualification will have developed valuable skills to run a property or provide advice to property managers.

During this course, you will gain skills and knowledge in:

• developing a farm plan
• planning and managing weed, pest and disease control in crops
• managing integrated crop and pasture production
• managing enterprise staff requirements
• preparing and monitoring budgets and financial reports
• managing livestock production
• developing and implementing breeding strategies
• managing workplace health and safety
• developing climate risk management strategies.

During this course, you will participate in one, four-hour virtual class a week and eight, full-day face-to-face workshops at the Glenormiston training facility during the school holidays. You will also be required to 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.

After successfully completing this qualification, you may gain employment in manager roles in the agriculture industry including farming and agriculture providers.

Upon completion of this course, you may continue to study in the agronomy field or at bachelor level.

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

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Have demonstrated knowledge or experience in agricultural or related fields.
• Be able to undertake physical work involving lifting, standing for long periods, or cardio activity

To be eligible for this qualification, you must successfully complete 10 units: 2 core and 8 elective.

Core Units

Elective Units

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.

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.

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.

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

2. Payment plan - can be directly debited from your bank account or via a VET Student Loan (for diploma or advanced diploma courses only)

3. 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.

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

1. Apply – Submit your online application form.
2. LLN Assessment – Complete an LLN assessment if required.
3. Chat to our team – Discuss your course and study plan with a teacher or specialist.
4. Enrol – Accept your offer and confirm your details.
5. Pay – Receive your invoice and arrange payment.

Need help? Contact us or visit your nearest campus.

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.

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.