Lincoln University Diploma in Horticulture (Level 5)

What Is This Course About?

The Lincoln University Diploma in Horticulture is offered as part-time study off-campus by Fruition Horticulture, at our Bay of Plenty and Nelson sites.

Delivered over two years as evening classes one night per week, this diploma is a great stepping stone if you have completed a lower-level horticulture qualification, have come straight from school, or have been working in the industry for some time and have no or limited formal qualifications.

Course Information

About the Lincoln Diploma in Horticulture (Level 5)

Delivered on behalf of Lincoln University in the Bay of Plenty and Nelson (these are the same papers as offered at the Lincoln campus), our students gain their qualification while being able to stay in their place of work.

The Diploma offers a wide range of topics covering horticultural production, technology, and management and learners will gain skills in problem-solving, applied computing, crop growth and management and understanding plant botany and health.

A practical report is required and can be completed near the end of study. Fruition Horticulture can provide advice on this report closer to the time.


Courses/Papers

The Diploma is made up of eight individual courses. You can start the diploma in either semester, and you choose to do either one or two of the papers offered per semester. In addition to completing the eight papers a practical report is also required to be submitted – more information is supplied as you progress through your studies.  Learners studying this programme are working (usually in horticulture) and that work serves as the practical requirement of the Diploma. The papers offered are:

  • MGMT 026- Horticultural Management Systems A
  • HORT 022 – Propagation and Nursery
  • COMP 022 – Technology and Communication
  • SOSC 021 – Soils and Soil Management
  • MGMT 027 – Horticultural Management Systems B
  • PLSC 021 – Plant Studies
  • BIOS 022 – Plant Health
  • ENGN 023 – Engineering I

Course Dates

Semester 1, 2026 – Tuesday 20 January

Semester 2, 2026 – Tuesday 14 July 

Contact Malcolm

Semester 1, 2026 – Tuesday 13 January

Semester 2, 2026 – Tuesday 14 July 

Contact Greg

To apply visit the Lincoln website. 

Apply Lincoln

Jordan Hetterley-Ngaia

Kia ora whānau, ko Jordan tōku ingoa. I’m the Hastings kaiako for the Hei Whanake programme, bringing a strong background in horticulture and the primary sector into my teaching. Through my journey, I’ve gained hands-on experience across different areas of the industry, shaping both my skills and my passion for working alongside people.

I’ve lived through a range of experiences and challenges, navigating obstacles with resilience and determination. These experiences shape how I show up — with authenticity, empathy, and a strong focus on whanaungatanga.

My passion is people. I’m driven by the desire to support learners from all walks of life to build confidence, discover their strengths, and realise that what once felt out of reach is achievable. I create practical, hands-on learning environments where learners feel supported, challenged, and empowered to grow.

Hei Whanake offers opportunities to develop essential life and employability skills, build strong connections, and engage in meaningful, hands-on learning. I’m committed to walking alongside learners and their whānau, supporting them to set goals and create pathways into employment or further opportunities.

Contact Jordan