Graduate Certificate in Urban Horticulture
Course code: GC-URBHORT
This course is available to domestic students only
March, July
AUD $20,496 (2026 indicative first year fee). Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) are not available
Course structure
Overview
Course structure
The Graduate Certificate in Urban Horticulture is a 50-point program (four compulsory core subjects).
You'll leave the course with knowledge and practical skills in the planning, installation and management of vegetation across a range of urban landscape applications.
You'll study the science, function and identification of landscape plants, as well as their propagation, cultivation and use. You'll also learn how soil, water and growing conditions impact plants.
Sample course plan
View some sample course plans to help you select subjects that will meet the requirements for this certificate.
Graduate Certificate in Urban Horticulture – 50 point program
Explore this course
Explore the subjects you could choose as part of this certificate.
Complete all of the following subjects:
| Accordion | |
|---|---|
| Urban Soils, Substrates and Water · 12.5 pts |
Urban soils can present distinct and unique challenges to the land manager, landscape architect or horticulturist responsible for developing, maintaining or improving urban landscapes. Often compacted, contaminated, or otherwise unsuitable for plant growth, urban soils require assessment, solutions and practical methods to ensure successful outcomes. This applications-oriented subject covers several fundamental soil science issues with direct relevance to urban landscape impacts, uses and requirements. Topics covered include compaction, nutrition, contamination, water supply, drainage and structural soils. |
| Horticultural Plant Science · 12.5 pts |
This subject considers the evolution of plants, their structure and function, how they reproduce, cell physiology, energy transformations, metabolism, photosynthesis, water and nutrient uptake and transport, plant nutrition and whole plant physiology. Upon completion of this subject, students should be able to demonstrate their understanding of the structure of plant cells and tissues, the basic processes involved in the growth of plants and the integration of these processes in the physiology of plant growth. |
| Plant Production and Establishment · 12.5 pts |
This subject provides an overview of the horticultural industry from plant production to installation and establishment of plants in the landscape. It introduces plant propagation techniques and plant growing systems; site analysis, with specific reference to the properties of urban soils and related issues affecting plant performance; plant quality; planting techniques; plant establishment; water delivery and management issues; and the plant maintenance activities during production and at planting that are required for designed landscapes to succeed. |
| Plants in the Landscape · 12.5 pts |
This subject explores the identification, selection and design use of plants in urban landscapes. The content includes an introduction to botanical nomenclature, plant selection, sources of information, planting design, planting plans, the design use of major plant groups, and recognition and identification of representative plants. Case studies of plant use and management in urban landscapes and relevant site visits are also discussed. |