Master of Urban Horticulture

The Master of Urban Horticulture (Coursework) was developed specifically for those seeking professional employment or developing research careers in urban horticulture and landscape management. 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 subjects are offered using semester long, intensive or online delivery modes to give students flexibility. Core studies are completed in the areas of plant production and establishment, horticultural science, urban soil and vegetation and landscape management as well as science and business tools subjects. Discipline electives include social and therapeutic horticulture, urban food production, garden design, urban tree management and green infrastructure subjects as well as a research project. Elective subjects to complement your degree are available from across the university.

Note: Graduates from relevant Honours programs or from the Graduate Diploma in Horticulture can apply for up to 100 points credit into the Masters program.

On completion of this course students should be able to:

• demonstrate skills and knowledge in the design, implementation and current management practices of urban landscapes.
• interpret, critically analyse and evaluate data generated through research activities in order to effectively implement horticultural programs and operations
• investigate and demonstrate innovative approaches to the contemporary, interdisciplinary management of urban landscapes and ecosystems by applying the principles and practices of biological, socio-cultural and environmental factors
• evaluate urban vegetation, compare and explain green infrastructure systems and communicate the future effects of climate change and its relevance to the discipline of urban horticulture
• develop an understanding of problem solving methodologies and demonstrate personal accountability by applying solutions to the diversity of challenges facing urban horticultural managers
• effectively communicate, to a range of audiences, the social, the environmental and functional value of urban horticulture to develop creative and vibrant cities

The 200 point Master of Urban Horticulture program is normally completed over two years of full-time study but many students study part-time. However, there are different entry points available to students with a horticulture/plant science study background and those with no horticulture / plant science study experience.

The 150 point Master of Urban Horticulture program is available to students who have completed an undergraduate degree in Plant Science or Horticulture. These students will be exempted from completing four of the core subjects within the 200 point program.

The program comprises of:

• 75 credit points of Core subjects (200 point program); OR
• 25 credit points of Core subjects (150 point program);

Plus

• A minimum of 75 credit points of Discipline Elective subjects;
• A minimum of 25 credit points of Science Toolbox and Business Tool/Scientific Communication subjects
• A maximum of 25 credit points of General Elective subjects

Master of Urban Horticulture

Core Subjects

200 Point Program

Students must complete all of the following six subjects (75 points)

150 Point Program

Students must complete all of the following two subjects (25 points)

Discipline Electives

Students must complete at least six of the following subjects (75 points):

Science Toolbox

Students must complete at least one of the following subjects (12.5 points):

Business Tool/Scientific Communication Electives

Students must complete at least one of the following subjects (12.5 points):

Students will select the remaining 25 points of their course from the Discipline Electives, Science Toolbox, Business Tool/Scientific Communication Electives or General Elective lists.

Example General Electives

Students who wish to take an elective subject not listed are advised to contact the subject coordinator for approval.

1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed:

• an undergraduate degree or a graduate or postgraduate certificate any discipline with at least an H3 (65%) weighted average, or equivalent;

OR

• an honours degree, graduate diploma or postgraduate diploma in any discipline, or equivalent;

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.

2. In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider:
• prior academic performance.

3. The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments.

4. The minimum English language requirements for this course are Band 6.5.

Students who have completed an undergraduate degree in Plant Science or Horticulture will be eligible for entry into the 150 point program.

The Faculty of Science welcomes applications from students with disabilities. It is University and Faculty policy to take reasonable steps to make reasonable adjustments so as to enable the student’s participation in the Faculty's programs. The Faculty of Science contributes to the New Generation degrees and offers a broad range of programs across undergraduate and post-graduate levels many of which adopt a multi-disciplinary approach.

Students of the Faculty's courses must possess intellectual, ethical, and emotional capabilities required to participate in the full curriculum and to achieve the levels of competence required by the Faculty. Candidates must have abilities and skills in observation; motor in relevant areas; communication; in conceptual, integrative, and quantitative dimensions; and in behavioural and social dimensions.

Adjustments can be provided to minimise the impact of a disability, however students need to be able to participate in the program in an independent manner and with regard to their safety and the safety of others.

I. Observation: In some contexts, the student must be able to observe demonstrations and experiments in the basic and applied sciences. More broadly, observation requires reading text, diagrams, maps, drawings and numerical data. The candidate should be able to observe details at a number of scales and record useful observations in discipline dependant contexts.

II. Communication: A candidate should be able to communicate with fellow students, professional and academic staff, members of relevant professions and the public. A candidate must be able to communicate effectively and sensitively. Communication includes not only speech but also reading and writing.

III. Motor: Candidates should have sufficient motor function necessary for participation in the inherent discipline-related activities. The practical work, design work, field work, diagnostic procedures, laboratory tests, require varying motor movement abilities. Off campus investigations may include visits to construction sites, urban, rural and/or remote environments.

IV. Intellectual-Conceptual, Integrative and Quantitative Abilities: These abilities include measurement, calculation, reasoning, analysis, and synthesis. Problem solving, the critical skill demanded of professionals in land and environment industries, requires all of these intellectual abilities. In addition, the candidate should be able to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and to understand the spatial relationships of structures.

V. Behavioural and Social Attributes: A candidate must possess behavioural and social attributes that enable them to participate in a complex learning environment. Students are required to take responsibility for their own participation and learning. They also contribute to the learning of other students in collaborative learning environments, demonstrating interpersonal skills and an understanding of the needs of other students. Assessment may include the outcomes of tasks completed in collaboration with other students.

Students who feel their disability will prevent them from meeting the above academic requirements are encouraged to contact the Disability Liaison Unit.

Upon completion of the course students may be able to apply to progress to PhD studies at the University of Melbourne. 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 Melbourne Experience enables our Graduates to become: Academically excellent Our Graduates will be expected to: have strong sense of intellectual integrity and the ethics of scholarship have in-depth knowledge of their specialist discipline(s) reach a high level of achievement in writing, generic research activities, problem-solving and communication be critical and creative thinkers, with an aptitude for continued self directed learning be adept at learning in a range of ways, including through information and communication technologies Knowledgeable across disciplines.

Our graduates will be expected to:

examine critically, synthesise and evaluate knowledge across a broad range of disciplines expand their analytical and cognitive skills through learning experiences in diverse subjects have the capacity to participate fully in collaborative learning and to confront unfamiliar problems have 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, including professions and workplaces have excellent interpersonal and decision-making skills, including an awareness of personal strengths and limitations mentor future generations of learners engage in meaningful public discourse, with a profound awareness of community needs

Attuned to cultural diversity

Our graduates will be expected to : Value different cultures be well-informed citizens able to contribute to their communities wherever they choose to live and work have an understanding of the social and cultural diversity in our community respect Indigenous knowledge, cultures and values Active global citizens Our graduates will be expected to: accept social and civic responsibilities be advocates for improving the sustainability of the environment have a broad global understanding, with a high regard for human rights, equality and ethics.

• 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