Graduate Certificate in Arboriculture
Course code: GC-ARBCULT
February, July, November
AUD $20,496 (2026 indicative first year fee). Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) are not available
February, July, November
AUD $30,496 (2026 indicative first year fee)
IELTS 6.5: with no band less than 6.0
Course structure
Overview
Course structure
The Graduate Certificate in Arboriculture is a 50-point program (4 core subjects), covering:
- Tree growth and function, including the biology, structure and environmental factors affecting tree performance
- Tree Identification and selection, including the recognition of common trees, and analysing and selecting trees for a range of applications
- Plant health, including the identification and treatment of common tree pests and diseases
- Urban tree management, including the methods of tree planning, assessment and evaluation.
Technical and professional skills
At the end of the course, you will be confidently able to:
- Manage urban forests
- Write management plans for urban trees
- Conduct tree risk assessments
- Discuss issues of sustainability in managing trees (including environmental, social, and economic factors)
- Articulate the contribution trees can make to urban life.
Explore this course
Explore the subjects you could choose as part of this certificate.
Complete all of the following subjects:
| Accordion | |
|---|---|
| Tree Growth and Function · 12.5 pts |
Environmental stresses such as drought, extreme heat and severe wind events are increasing in urban environments. This subject aims to teach students how and why urban trees are vulnerable to such stresses through an understanding of fundamental tree biology. Mechanisms used by trees to adapt to stress will be investigated from a cellular to a whole tree level. This subject will be delivered through participation in a five-day intensive teaching period, including lectures and practical classes. Further study and completion of assessments are required in the eleven weeks following the intensive teaching period. |
| Managing Urban Trees · 12.5 pts |
This subject aims to provide students with the tools to critically evaluate methods used to manage trees in the urban forest. The content will include critically evaluating tree assessment, evaluation and tree protection methods. It will include the study of planning and management issues and the role of community participation in urban forest management. It includes examples of methods used to map and survey trees in the urban forest. The subject will be delivered through attendance at a six day intensive workshop, followed by a 10 week period of on-line tutorials and assessment. |
| Tree Identification and Selection · 12.5 pts |
This subject aims to provide students with a thorough understanding of the tree selection and tree identification principles. Students will develop skills in the identification of urban trees commonly used in landscape horticulture and apply taxonomic and report writing best practice in the use of botanical, common and family names and the description of tree form and environmental tolerances. This subject develops report writing skills in accordance with the ICN (International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi and plants) and the ICNCP (International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants). The subject will be delivered through attendance at a five day intensive workshop. |
| Plant Health · 12.5 pts |
This subject assesses and evaluates plant pests and diseases, which are the key biological factors impacting on plant health in urban landscapes. Students will learn how to assess and identify common pest and disease species; be able to describe the symptoms; and learn how and when to control and manage them in various settings. Maintaining the health of plants will also be approached from different perspectives such as various Integrated Pest Management methodologies. Students will explore industry-specific plant health issues relevant to trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants. Safe and effective practices when using chemicals will be discussed, including the relevant legislation relating to chemicals, pests and diseases. The subject will be delivered through a six-day intensive teaching period and a subsequent 12 week period of on-line subject delivery and assessment. |