Study the New Zealand Certificate in Organic Primary Production (Level 4) - Crop or Livestock Production to further your training and learn about organic production growing systems, their environments and day-to-day operational management of an organic primary production operation.
This programme is delivered in partnership with The Biological Husbandry Unit (based at Lincoln University).
17 weeks full-time
2022 Intake 2: 25 July to 02 December - Applications Close 18 July 2022
This programme is available for free under the Government's Targeted Training and Apprenticeships Fund (TTAF). TTAF will cover fees until 31 December 2022.
International Students
Further your organic production training and learn about organic production growing systems, their environments and day-to-day operational management of an organic primary production operation.
The aims of the qualification are as follows:
Learners will benefit by having an organic production qualification within a training pathway that recognises progression through the primary industry, as well as increased skills and knowledge acquisition to enable improved job performance.
COH200 Factors influencing the development of organic horticulture in New Zealand (10 credits)This paper provides the theoretical foundation necessary for students to apply to the development of a viable organic horticulture venture. On successful completion of this paper, students will be able to:
COH201 Biotic and abiotic interactions within organic ecosystems (10 credits)This paper provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to discern the role of biotic and abiotic factors in the lifecycle of an organic production ecosystem. On successful completion of this paper, students will be able to:
COH202 Characteristics of successful organic primary production (10 credits)This paper introduces students to success factors within organic horticulture production, including the role of exporting organic horticulture products. On successful completion of this paper, students will be able to:
COH203 Integrating organic principles in primary production (10 credits)This paper provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to integrate organic principles into primary production activities. On successful completion of this paper, students will be able to:
COH205 Soil and soil nutrient management (10 credits)This paper provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to evaluate soil health status and establish a nutrient management regime for organic horticulture production. On successful completion of this paper, students will be able to:
COH206 Composting (10 credits)This paper introduces students to composting techniques and provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to undertake composting activities for organic horticulture production. On successful completion of this paper, students will be able to:
Graduates of this qualification are likely to be employed as an:
Applicants should be a minimum of 16 years of age, and have attained NCEA Level 2 as follows:
Literacy – minimum of 10 credits at Level 1 or above through either:
Numeracy – a minimum of 10 credits at Level 1 or above through either:
Mature Applicants Applicants over the age of 20 years at time of enrolment will be considered where they can demonstrate the ability to succeed in a programme. Examples of demonstration of ability to succeed are the provision of evidence of successful completion of a programme of study at Level 2 or above and/or employment in the related sector for one or more years. They may be admitted subject to programme regulations approved by the Head of Faculty in consultation with the Programme Manager as appropriate. Personal commitment and a belief in one’s own ability to succeed are important personal traits and will always be taken into consideration during the selection process.
English Language Requirements
Applicants, whose first language is not English, or who come from a country where the language of instruction in schools is not English, are required to provide evidence of having achieved one of the following
NCEA Level 3 with University Entrance, or
an International Baccalaureate Diploma or Cambridge A- level qualification for which the teaching and assessment was conducted in English; or
Cambridge Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CELTA),or Trinity College London Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CertTESOL);or
Successful completion of all primary education (being the equivalent of New Zealand primary school years 1 to 8) and at least three years of secondary education (being the equivalent of three years from New Zealand secondary school years 9 to 13) at schools in either New Zealand,,Australia,Canada, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States one of the countries listed in Rule 18.5 where the student was taught using English as the language of instruction; or
Successful completion of at least five years of secondary education (being the equivalent of New Zealand secondary school years 9 to 13) at schools in either New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States where the student was taught using English as the language of instruction; or
Successful completion of a Bachelor's Degree, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Bachelor Honours degree, Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma, Masters' Degree or Doctoral Degree, the language of instruction of which must be in English and which must be from a tertiary education provider from New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom or the United States or
Successful completion of one of the following internationally recognised proficiency tests listed below to the level required of the programme of study and with all scores achieved in a single test during the two years preceding the proposed date of enrolment
IELTS test - General or Academic score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5 TOEFL Paper based test (pBT) - Score of 530 (with an essay score of 4.5 TWE) TOEFL Internet based test (iBT) - Score of 46 (with a writing score of 14) Cambridge English Examination - B2 First or B2First for schools with a score of 162. No less than 154 in each skill. OET - Minimum of Grade C or 200 in all sub-tests NZCEL - a) Expiring Level b) Current: a) Level 4 (Academic) b) Level 4 (Academic) Pearson Test of English (Academic) - PTE (Academic) score of 42 with no band score lower than 36 Language Cert - B2 Communicator IESOL (LRWS) with PASS and no less than Pass in each skill Trinity ISE - ISE II with no less than pass in any band
* New versions of some NZCEL qualifications, and in some cases new qualifications, were published on 13 June 2017. These are intended to replace pre-existing versions and qualifications, which have been given expiring status until discontinued on 31 December 2019. (a) denotes expiring (b) denotes current
This programme of study is supported by the Biological Husbandry Unit Organic Farm located in Lincoln. Information about the Biological Husbandry Unit can be found at: https://www.theorganiccollege.org.nz/ or by calling their office at 03 325 3684
Please use the following checklist to ensure that all relevant information and documentation has been included. Remember, your application will be assessed based on the information that you provide us with. Processing of your application will be delayed if we need to come back to you for missing information.
What is the Zero Fees Scheme?
The Zero Fees Scheme means we do not charge tuition fees. However, there is a Student Direct Material Cost that you need to pay and a non-refundable administration fee. The administration fee is for processing your application and the Student Direct Material Cost gives you secure access to Blackboard® our online learning environment and to student support services throughout your study with us.
Who qualifies for the Zero Fees Scheme?
Instructions to help you with your application:
If you are a new student …
Attach supporting documents as required and outlined on the previous page.
What happens next?
To satisfactorily complete the New Zealand Certificate in Organic Primary Production (Level 4) (Crop Production, Livestock Production), and be awarded this qualification the student must successfully achieve:
Please Note: Students failing to engage in study as per programme requirements may forfeit Zero Fees entitlement.
The assessments in this programme include short paragraph questions and practical activities. You will also need to draft a permaculture plan.
