15 January 2007 Lincoln diploma study a passport to work in key NZ industries

Would you like to work in an industry which is of major importance to the New Zealand economy? Are you interested in working both in an office and in the outdoors? Do you enjoy working with people? Do you enjoy working with plants or animals?

Lincoln University's diploma programmes in agriculture and horticulture, farm management and horticultural management could be just what you're looking for.

The Diploma in Agriculture involves one year of academic study and 12 weeks of industry work experience or practical work.

Students who complete the Diploma in Agriculture can graduate with that qualification but those aspiring to management roles in the agribusiness industry are encouraged to continue on to the Diploma in Farm Management.

The diploma comprises a further year of study and an additional 44 weeks of practical work. In addition to the core subject of farm management students can choose from four elective subjects including plant and animal production, agroforestry, horticulture, engineering, organics and selected undergraduate degree subjects.

In the horticultural option, the Diploma in Horticulture (equivalent to level 5 on the national qualifications framework) involves one year of academic study and 12 weeks of industry work experience or practical work.

As with the Diploma in Agriculture, students can graduate with this qualification or move up to the Diploma in Horticultural Management (equivalent to level 6), which involves an additional year of study and a further 44 weeks of practical work experience. This is an ideal qualification for those aspiring to management roles in the horticultural industry.

With the combined agriculture and horticulture industries forming the backbone of the New Zealand economy, and the demand for qualified personnel being widespread and constant in both of them, a Lincoln University diploma in either of these areas could be your passport to the future.

For further details about diploma study at Lincoln University see the University web site www.lincoln.ac.nz

Ian Collins, Communications Group, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand