| Course Code | AHC51120 |
| Locations |
Sherwood Park (Warrnambool)
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| Study Mode | Part-time, Online, Workshops |
| Length | Two years |
| Commencement | July 2026, October 2026 |
| Timetable | 16 face-to-face workshops over two years, usually held on a Saturday. Plus virtual classes and self-paced online study. |
Do you enjoy the natural environment? Are you interested in the wise management of our natural areas?
This course includes the skills and knowledge required to understand natural systems, identify issues and plan appropriate works. Studies include the theory and practical aspects of conservation and ecosystem management in a variety of different environments including coastal, rural, urban and aquatic systems.
Studies focus on a variety of areas in the catchment and ecosystem management including:
You will also develop skills in workplace safety, organizing data, planning surveys and works and writing reports.
Students are strongly encouraged to investigate natural areas in their local region and develop strong networks with local conservation organisations during their course.
During this course, you will participate in 16, one-day face-to-face workshops over two years. These workshops are usually on Saturdays. These workshops allow you to reinforce the subject content in a practical environment.
You will also be required to attend virtual classes* and 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.
This course offers a pathway to further study in Advanced Diploma or Bachelor level courses in the Conservation and Environmental Sciences field.
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.
To apply for this course, you must be at least 18 years of age.
Paid or voluntary practical experience in the industry will be considered in your application and will greatly assist successful completion of this course.
To be eligible for this qualification you must complete 10 elective units.
| Unit Code | Unit Name | Unit Hours | Unit Consumables |
|---|---|---|---|
| AHCFAU501 | Manage fauna populations | 150 | $0.00 |
| AHCPMG413 | Define the pest problem | 100 | $0.00 |
| AHCPMG412 | Develop a pest management plan | 90 | $0.00 |
| AHCECR502 | Conduct biological surveys | 200 | $0.00 |
| AHCECR503 | Design an ecological restoration project | 200 | $0.00 |
| AHCECR505 | Plan river restoration works | 150 | $0.00 |
| AHCLPW506 | Develop a management plan for a designated area | 200 | $0.00 |
| AHCNRM510 | Develop a water quality monitoring program | 120 | $0.00 |
| AHCPCM510 | Collect and classify plants | 120 | $0.00 |
| AHCWRK513 | Write and present reports | 60 | $0.00 |
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. :
There are 4 different rates of tuition fees. Only one will apply to you (depending on your eligibility and circumstances).
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.
| Course fees by student type | Indicative Course Fee |
|---|---|
| Government subsidised rate (if eligible) | $6,675.00 |
| Full fee rate (if not eligible for govt subsidy) | $18,490.00 |
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.
| Additional course fees | Indicative Course Fee |
|---|---|
| Course consumable/materials (approximate) | $156.25 |
Once we have processed your enrolment form, you will receive an email with your invoice.
You have three options when organising your payment:
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.
If you need any assistance with applying, contact our team on 1300 648 911 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.
This is Free TAFE course. Free TAFE is a Victorian Government program that covers tuition fees for priority courses for students who are eligible for government-subsidised training. There may still be some costs like course materials, uniform or excursions applicable to the course you select.
A Free TAFE Pathways Program is a group of courses that complement each other to help you continue to train for the career and industry you may wish to work in.
For eligible students, these courses are tuition fee free. Depending on the course, you may still be required to pay material fees. The consumable fees for this course are listed in the above table.
Find out more about Free TAFE Pathways Program and eligibility or contact our Customer Service team.
Skill sets are courses that are available free of any tuition fees for eligible applicants.
These courses are not part of the Free TAFE program and therefore will not impact your eligibility to study a Free TAFE course in the future.
