Master of Urban Horticulture

Course K02-BU (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008. Search for this in the current handbook

Year and Campus:	2008
Fees Information:	Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Level:	Graduate/Postgraduate

 ContactCourse AdministratorMaster of Urban Horticulture Faculty of Land & Food ResourcesBurnley CampusThe University of Melbourne500 Yarra BoulevardBurnley Vic 3121 AUSTRALIATel: +61 39250 6800 

Course Overview:	The Master of Urban Horticulture (Coursework) was developed specifically for those seeking professional employment or developing research careers in urban horticulture. There is a focus on the design, implementation and management of urban landscapes. Employment opportunities can be found in a variety of settings including arboricultural services and tree management, urban parks and public open space, revegetation and restoration, residential landscape design, landscape and asset management, landscape construction and services and in nursery and greenhouse management. Upon completion of the course students can progress to PhD studies at the University of Melbourne. Whilst it is beneficial for students to have some experience in the horticultural industry it is not essential to have previous employment to gain entry to the course. There are different pathways for students depending on the previous studies completed. The course has excellent linkages and contacts to the urban horticulture industry, adding to the currency and relevancy of the study experience, but also building employment opportunities for the future. The Master of Urban Horticulture is a graduate coursework program of 200 points completed over two years of full-time study or part-time equivalent. Offered primarily at the Burnley and Parkville campuses the course will begin in 2008. Some subjects may be offered online or using intensive, residential or mixed-mode delivery. Core studies are completed in the areas of ecology and environments, landscape management, plant production and establishment, horticultural science, urban flora, and either project management, social research or experimental design and statistics. Elective subjects include social and therapeutic horticulture, garden history and design, urban tree management, managing invasive species and many others across the university. A number of research project studies can also be completed as elective studies. Note: Students can elect to exit after the first year of full time study (100 points) with a Graduate Diploma in Urban Horticulture. Graduates from relevant Honours programs or from the Graduate Diploma in Horticulture can apply for up to 100 points credit into the Masters program.
Objectives:	On completion of the Master of Urban Horticulture, students should be able to: Display skills, knowledge, understanding and competence in the area of urban horticulture; Analyse problems, advise, guide, develop and organise horticultural programs and operations; Develop a holistic approach to horticultural management through an understanding of the biological, socio-cultural and environmental factors within the system; Extend scholarly and critical attitudes in the discipline of urban horticulture; Develop an understanding of a range of problem solving methodologies suited to horticultural management; Apply such understanding to a contemporary issue or problem affecting urban horticulture
Subject Options:	Master of Urban Horticulture Core Subjects Subject Study Period Commencement: Credit Points: 207-412 Environments of Urban Landscapes Semester 1 12.50 207-408 Managing Urban Green Space Semester 1 12.50 207-417 ContemporaryPlantProduction&Establishmt Semester 1 12.50 207-421 Horticultural Plant Science Semester 1 12.50 207-422 Urban Horticultural Flora Semester 2 12.50 207-506 Social Research Methods Semester 1 12.50 208-730 Project Management Semester 2 12.50 208-503 Research Philosophies & Statistics Semester 1 12.50 Elective Subjects Subject Study Period Commencement: Credit Points: 207-418 Urban Horticulture Project A Semester 2 25 207-515 Urban Horticulture Project B Year Long 50 207-516 Urban Horticulture Project C Semester 2 50 207-419 Garden History & Design Semester 2 12.50 207-514 Social & Therapeutic Horticulture Semester 1 12.50 207-420 Managing Trees in Urban Landscapes Semester 2 12.50
Entry Requirements:	The Selection Committee will evaluate the applicant's ability to pursue successfully the course uing the following criteria: An honours degree or equivalent qualification; or A three-year undergraduate degree with a grade average of 65% or greater in the final year; or A Graduate/Postgraduate Diploma with a weighted average of 65% or better in the final year; or A Graduate/Postgraduate Diploma with a weighted average of 65% or better in the final year; or The Selection Committee may conduct interviews and tests and call for referee reports and employer references to elucidate any of the matters referred to above.
Core Participation Requirements:	It is the University policy to take all steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a students participation in the university's programs. This course requires all students to enrol in subjects where they must actively and safetly contribute to laboratory activities and field trips. Students who feel their disability will impact on meeting this requirement are encouraged to discuss this matter with the Subject Coordinator and Disability Liason Unit.
Further Study:	Upon completion of the course students can apply to progress to PHd studies at the University of Melbourne. Whilst it is beneficial for students to have some experience in the horticultural industry it is not essential to have previous employment to gain entry to the course. There are different pathways for students depending on the previous studies completed. The course has excellent linkages and contacts to the urban horticulture industry, adding to the currency and relevancy of the study experience, but also building employment opportunities for the future.
Graduate Attributes:	The Melbourne Experience enables our Graduates to become:Academically excellentOur Graduates will be expected to: have strong sense of intellectual integrity and the ethics of scholarshiphave in-depth knowledge of their specialist discipline(s)reach a high level of achievement in writing, generic research activities,problem-solving and communicationbe critical and creative thinkers, with an aptitude for continued self directedlearningbe adept at learning in a range of ways, including through information andcommunication technologiesKnowledgeable across disciplinesOur graduates will be expected to:examine critically, synthesise and evaluate knowledge across a broad range of disciplinesexpand their analytical and cognitive skills through learning experinces in diverse subjectshave the capacity to participate fully in collaborative learning and to confront unfamiliar problemshave a a set of flexible and transferable skills for different types of employment.Leaders in communities Our graduates will be expected to:initiate and implement constructive change in their communities, includingprofessions and workplaceshave excellent interpersonal and decision-making skills, including an awareness ofpersonal strengths and limitationsmentor future generations of learnersengage in meaningful public discourse, with a profound awareness of community needsAttuned to cultural diversity Our graduates will be expected to : Value different culturesbe well-informed citizens able to contibute to their communities wherever they choose to live and workhave an understanding of the social and cultural diversity in our communityrespect Indigenous knowledge, cultures and valuesActive global citizensOur graduates will be expected to: accept social and civic responsiblitiesbe advocates for improving the sustainability of the environmenthave a broard global understanding, with a high regard for human rights, equality and ethics.
Generic Skills:	A profound respect for truth, intellectual and professional integrity, and the ethics of scholarship Capacity for independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed learning and research An ability to derive, interpret and analyse social, technical or economic information from primary and other sources Awareness of and ability to utilise appropriate communication technology and methods for the storage, management and analysis of data Capacity for creativity and innovation, through the application of skills and knowledge Ability to integrate information across a relevant discipline to solve problems in applied situations Highly developed computer - based skills to allow for effective on-line learning and communication. Highly developed written communication skills to allow informed dialogue with individuals and groups from industry, government and the community Highly developed oral communication skills to allow informed dialogue and liaisonwith individuals and groups from industry, government and the community. Appreciation of social and cultural diversity from a regional to a global context Ability to participate effectively as a member of a team Ability to plan work, use time effectively and manage small projects
Links to further information:	www.horticulture.unimelb.edu.au

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