AHC51120 | CRICOS: 104852B

Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management

Upgrade your skills and knowledge of environmental sustainability with this advanced-level course, and make a world of difference in your career.

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STUDY LOCATIONS Sunshine Coast

WAYS TO STUDY On campus International

LAST CHANCE TO APPLY Start date: 14 Jul 2025 Duration: 1 year View all intakes

WHAT YOU'LL PAY

Full Fee

$13,380

International

$16,600

Eligibility calculator

Course overview

Upgrade your skills and knowledge of environmental sustainability with this advanced-level course, and make a world of difference in your career. The Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management reflects the role of personnel working in management positions with technical level skills in conservation and land management roles.

According to the Australian Government's Job Outlook service, the number of people working as environmental scientists is growing strongly. This large occupation includes roles such as park ranger, conservation officer, and environmental consultant. According to the latest job figures, there will likely be around 14,000 job openings in this area over the next five years.

In this course you'll obtain knowledge and practical skills in the management of flora, the classification of plant life, and conducting biological surveys. You will also learn how to be an effective manager in the conservation and land management industry, and develop skills such as natural area restoration, developing management plans, and data collection and management. Our highly experienced team of industry professionals will give you the personal support and expert guidance needed to focus and refine your career.

Successful completion of this course will prepare you for many different career opportunities in the field of conservation and land management around the country including natural resource manager, bush regenerator, park and wildlife manager, and senior ranger. This course also provides a stepping stone to further study. At TAFE Queensland we work in partnership with a number of universities, providing a pathway to higher education. In many cases completing one of our diplomas will give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.

What can I do?

Community Project Coordinator (Land Care)
Senior Park Ranger
Natural Resource Manager

Course outcome:

AHC51120 Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management

What you will study

The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete 10 elective units from the list below.

UNIT CODE
UNIT NAME

UNIT CODE
AHCBUS515

Prepare estimates, quotes and tenders

UNIT CODE :
AHCBUS515

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare estimates, quotes and tenders for project-based work.
UNIT NAME
Prepare estimates, quotes and tenders

UNIT CODE
AHCECR502

Conduct biological surveys

UNIT CODE :
AHCECR502

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to plan and conduct biological surveys and produce a biological survey report, according to client requirements and biological components to be surveyed.
UNIT NAME
Conduct biological surveys

UNIT CODE
AHCECR503

Design an ecological restoration project

UNIT CODE :
AHCECR503

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare a design for an ecological restoration project in conservation or for ecosystem management.
UNIT NAME
Design an ecological restoration project

UNIT CODE
AHCFAU501

Manage fauna populations

UNIT CODE :
AHCFAU501

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare a fauna management plan, including controlling or maintaining fauna populations.
UNIT NAME
Manage fauna populations

UNIT CODE
AHCPCM510

Collect and classify plants

UNIT CODE :
AHCPCM510

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to collect and classify plants, including preparing for plant collection, collecting plant specimens, preserving specimens and identifying plant specimens using taxonomic keys.
UNIT NAME
Collect and classify plants

UNIT CODE
AHCPMG413

Define the pest problem

UNIT CODE :
AHCPMG413

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to apply a strategic pest management approach to define a weed, vertebrate or invertebrate pest problem for a target area.
UNIT NAME
Define the pest problem

UNIT CODE
AHCWRK502

Collect and manage data

UNIT CODE :
AHCWRK502

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to collect, analyse and manage data.
UNIT NAME
Collect and manage data

UNIT CODE
AHCWRK509

Provide specialist advice to clients

UNIT CODE :
AHCWRK509

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to maintain technical currency for specialist knowledge and provide specialist advice to clients.
UNIT NAME
Provide specialist advice to clients

UNIT CODE
AHCWRK511

Develop workplace policy and procedures for sustainability

UNIT CODE :
AHCWRK511

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to develop workplace policy and procedures for sustainability.
UNIT NAME
Develop workplace policy and procedures for sustainability

UNIT CODE
AHCWRK513

Write and present reports

UNIT CODE :
AHCWRK513

Unit description :
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to write and present reports, including researching and evaluating information, producing a document and delivering a verbal presentation.
UNIT NAME
Write and present reports

Note: For some courses, not all electives are available at all campuses.

Ways to study

Choose your study location

On Campus

You'll learn face to face with a teacher in a classroom or simulated workplace environment. You may access learning materials through our online learning management system Connect. Learn more
View comparison chart

CAMPUS	STUDY MODE	START DATE	DURATION	WORKLOAD	WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Nambour	On Campus	27 Jan 2026	1 year	Full time 2 days per week Monday, Tuesday	Full fee: $13,380 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. More Apply
Nambour On Campus Online Time How much of the course will be delivered online. 0% On Campus Time 100% START DATE The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 27 Jan 2026 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. 1 year The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Workload The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. Full time 2 days per week Monday, Tuesday The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY Full fee: $13,380 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. Class format Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. Teacher-led, Scheduled Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. VIRTUAL CLASS Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). No Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). ASSESSMENT The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. On-Campus The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. TEACHER COMMS The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Less Ask a question Apply

Choose your study location

On Campus

You'll learn face to face with a teacher in a classroom or simulated workplace environment. You may access learning materials through our online learning management system Connect. Learn more
View comparison chart

CAMPUS	STUDY MODE	START DATE	DURATION	WORKLOAD	WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Nambour	On Campus	14 Jul 2025	1 year	Full time 2 days per week	International: $16,600 This is the total course fee for international students. Learn more More Apply
Nambour On Campus Online Time How much of the course will be delivered online. 0% On Campus Time 100% START DATE The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 14 Jul 2025 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. 1 year The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Workload The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. Full time 2 days per week The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY International: $16,600 This is the total course fee for international students. Learn more Class format Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. Teacher-led, Scheduled Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. VIRTUAL CLASS Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). No Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). ASSESSMENT The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. On-Campus The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. TEACHER COMMS The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Less Ask a question Apply
Nambour	On Campus	27 Jan 2026	1 year	Full time 2 days per week	International: $16,600 This is the total course fee for international students. Learn more More Apply
Nambour On Campus Online Time How much of the course will be delivered online. 0% On Campus Time 100% START DATE The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 27 Jan 2026 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. 1 year The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Workload The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. Full time 2 days per week The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY International: $16,600 This is the total course fee for international students. Learn more Class format Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. Teacher-led, Scheduled Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. VIRTUAL CLASS Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). No Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). ASSESSMENT The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. On-Campus The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. TEACHER COMMS The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Less Ask a question Apply

Studying on campus is a great way to enjoy the benefits of face-to-face education in a way that is far removed from a typical school. No matter which campus you choose, you know that you will be learning in an adult environment where you will be respected and nurtured. Attend a campus to learn face-to-face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces; such as a classroom, workshop, laboratory or simulated environments, or interact with teachers using real-time video or web conference tools. Learn more

Courses delivered on campus may have a combination of online and classroom based learning. Students are expected to undertake additional personal study to complete the course requirements.

As an international student at TAFE Queensland you will gain practical, hands-on experience in our purpose-built classrooms, laboratories and workshops with the same tools and equipment used in industry.

Studying with TAFE Queensland, an internationally recognised education provider, will give you the skills and knowledge to launch your career.

No matter where you are in your study journey, our team of international student support advisors can help you settle into life in Australia and provide support and assistance to help you throughout your studies.

As an international student you’ll study face-to-face in a classroom with other international and Australian students at one of our campus locations across Queensland, while enjoying the unique Australian landscape, culture, and lifestyle

You will be expected to undertake additional personal study to complete the course requirements. The number of hours of personal study required is dependent on your existing knowledge, skills and language needs.

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Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management (AHC51120)

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Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management

COURSE CODE: AHC51120

Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what’s right for you, get in touch. We’re here to help.

Payment plan

If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.

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Upfront payment

This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.

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VET Student Loan - $18,838 cap

The VET Student Loans program assists eligible students enrolled in approved courses to pay their tuition fees. The Australian Government charges full fee-paying (non-subsidised) students a 20 per cent loan fee in addition to their tuition fees. A VET Student Loan is a debt that must be repaid.

Learn more

International student payment

Our preferred payment method is telegraphic transfer or credit card using Convera Global Pay for Students or the Flywire Payment Portal. Convera and Flywire both allow you to complete your payment in your own currency using a telegraphic transfer with no processing fees or delays.
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Entry requirements

Skills check

Domestic students
You will be invited to complete a Skills Check following your application submission, before enrolling to your studies. This helps you to decide if your course is right for you and allows us to understand your current abilities in English, Maths, as well as using Digital technology.

The recommended benchmark levels for this course are 4 in English, 4 in Maths and 3 in Digital Technology.

If you are applying for a VET Student Loan the required levels to meet academic eligibility, as outlined by Commonwealth guidelines, is Level 4 English and Maths.

Access and instructions on how to complete the Skills Check will be emailed to you once you have submitted your application.

Read the Skills Check FAQs.

Selection criteria

Domestic students
It is highly recommended that you have previously completed the Certificate III in Conservation and Land Management or Certificate III in Horticulture, as it is highly desirable that you have underpinning knowledge and skills from that area.

International Students
The following selection criteria requirements apply only to International students:

You must be at least 18 years of age to enter into this course;
English Language Proficiency: Academic IELTS 6.0 (no individual band less than 5.5) or equivalent - For a list of all English Language tests accepted by TAFE Queensland International.
Academic Requirements: Completion of Year 12 (or equivalent). Non school-leavers must have relevant work experience or qualification that indicates likely success of course completion. For more information on the international education achievement levels equivalent to Year 10 and 12.

Applicants should be a minimum of 17 years of age and turning 18 during the first year of study with TAFE Queensland. International students who are under 18 years of age and are applying for a student visa are required by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs to have adequate welfare arrangements in place.

Resources required

It is recommended that you have access to a reliable internet connection to access TAFE Queensland's online learning system Connect, and a computer with up-to-date software, including Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Reader. This equipment and software is available for use at all TAFE Queensland locations.

You will also be required to have access to and bring to class:

a light long sleeved shirt
protective footwear with safety toe cap and non-slip soles to AS2210
safety glasses
ear muffs or plugs
a sun safe hat
sunscreen
secateurs
rubber dishwashing gloves
gardening gloves

Assessment methods

Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at TAFE Queensland, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning. Read more about assessment methods.

Pathways

University pathways

If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.

Learn more about University Pathways

How to apply

Direct application

If you're ready to get started, simply hit the Apply Now button on your preferred course information page and get your application underway online.

Apply through QTAC

You can apply to study this course through the Queensland Tertiary Admission Centre (QTAC). You will need to submit your application on the QTAC website. It will be assessed, and if you are successful you will receive an offer directly through QTAC. You will need to accept your offer from QTAC before enrolling with TAFE Queensland. Visit the QTAC website for campus locations.

For International students

International students can either apply directly through our TAFE Queensland International Application portal, or through one of our education agents. Our registered agents can assist you with your visa application and guide you through the enrolment process. If you are from this list of countries, you will need to apply through an agent.
Learn more

Course disclaimer

All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees, available subsidies, and course content is subject to change without notice. Course commencement is dependent on sufficient enrolment numbers. Timetable information is subject to change prior to commencement and/or during the duration of your course.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and credit transfers

Fast track your way to a formal qualification by earning credit for the things you already know. We can assess your skills, directly apply credits from previous successful study, and give you advanced standing in your course.

Learn more

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Next Start : 14 Jul 2025

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Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management

Course overview

What can I do?

Course outcome:

Elective units

Nambour

Nambour

Nambour

Download Brochure

Ask a question

Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management

Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

Payment plan

Upfront payment

VET Student Loan - $18,838 cap

International student payment

Entry requirements

Skills check

Selection criteria

Resources required

Assessment methods

Pathways

University pathways

How to apply

Direct application

Apply through QTAC

For International students

Course disclaimer

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and credit transfers

Related courses

Diploma of Agribusiness Management

Careers