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Conservation and Ecosystem Management
TAFE

AHC51120 Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management

Update your personalisation settings to view information about this course.

This course is only available to Domestic students and your preference is currently set to International.

This course is only available to International students and your preference is currently set to Domestic.

Key details

Duration

1 year/s

This course can typically be completed within 1 to 2 years.
* The actual duration may vary depending on where and how you study, the units you choose, and the time needed to demonstrate the required skills and knowledge.

Intake

Locations

Online
Not available to international students.

Course code

AHC51120

Overview

Availability:Applications for 2027 are now open.
Online Application: This course is available for online application.
Apprenticeship/Traineeship: Currently not available as either an apprenticeship or traineeship.  

This qualification reflects the skills and knowledge required for skilled and paraprofessional work in conservation and ecosystem management. Workers with this qualification perform in operational managerial and/or technical positions often with specialist skills and knowledge in a range of sectors.

Examples of areas of specialisation include:

  • Indigenous land management
  • Ecosystem restoration, rehabilitation and renewal
  • Conservation works
  • Parks management and/or administration
  • Wildlife management
  • Marine and/or coastal management
  • Water and catchment management

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.

Delivery Details
LocationOnline
Duration1 year full-time
2 years part-time   
* Course duration may vary depending on the time required to achieve the required competencies.
Study ModeOnline
Workplace based
* Information about study modes are available in the 2027 TAFE Student Guide.
Start DateFebruary 2, 2027 to November 30, 2027     
* You can enrol any time after the start date. The delivery team will work with you to confirm your start date and the next available unit.
AttendanceOnline self-paced   

Career opportunities

After completing this course, you may be able to work in roles such as:

  • Soil Conservation Specialist
  • Landcare Manager
  • Land Management Unit Supervisor
  • Indigenous Land Manager
  • Park Ranger
  • Environmental Officer (Lands, Parks and Wildlife)
  • Natural Resource Manager

Credit transfers and advanced standing

Skill recognition

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) recognises skills and knowledge gained through previous study, work experience, volunteering, or life experience. If your existing skills and knowledge meet the requirements of a unit of competency, you may be eligible to receive credit towards your qualification. If you would like to apply for RPL, please indicate this when completing your enrolment form. For more information, please contact CDU TAFE Student Services on 08 8946 7111, or email TAFE@cdu.edu.au.

Credit Transfer
If you have completed the same, or an equivalent, unit through another Australian Registered Training Organisation (RTO), you may be eligible for a credit transfer. To apply, submit a completed Application for Credit Transfer Form and supporting documentation. Applications are encouraged at the time of enrolment. There is no fee for credit transfer applications.

Pathways

VET to Higher Education Pathway Mapping for completed Awards in the same field or discipline.

If you completed a VET qualification at Certificate IV level or above and later enrol in a Bachelor degree in the same field, you may be eligible to receive credit towards your degree. 

The table below shows the maximum credit available based on your completed qualification. 

Completed Qualification
HE
VET
Bachelor Degree
Maximum Credit Available
Certificate IV
*
3 year Bachelor award
up to 40 credit points
Certificate IV
*
4 year Bachelor award
up to 40 credit points
Diploma
*
*
3 year Bachelor award
up to 80 credit points
Diploma
*
*
4 year Bachelor award
up to 80 credit points
Advanced Diploma
*
*
3 year Bachelor award
up to 160 credit points
Advanced Diploma
*
*
4 year Bachelor award
up to 160 credit points
Associate Degree
*
3 year Bachelor award
up to 160 credit points
Associate Degree
*
4 year Bachelor award
up to 160 credit points

VET to Higher Education Pathway Mapping for completed Awards in the same field or discipline.


Professional Recognition



Course Structure


To achieve AHC51120 Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management, a total of 10 units of competency must be completed comprising 10 elective units as detailed in the packaging rules and listed below. The electives offered may vary between campuses.

The total nominal hours for the sequence listed below is 950 - 1370.

CodeModule/Unit of CompetencyHours
Elective units of competency (Select 10 units)
Group A Electives - Complete at least 4 from this group
AHCECR502Conduct biological surveys200
AHCECR503Design an ecological restoration project200
AHCLPW506Develop a management plan for a designated area200
AHCPCM510Collect and classify plants120
AHCPMG413Define the pest problem100
AHCPMG501Develop a regional pest management plan120
AHCPMG508Develop a system to monitor and evaluate the pest management plan100
Group B Electives
AHCBUS515Prepare estimates, quotes and tenders120
AHCPMG412Develop a pest management plan90
AHCWRK506Collect and manage data

120

BSBPMG430Undertake project work60
CPPSSI5064Conduct complex spatial data analysis60
SITTPPD013Develop interpretive activities60

Total nominal hours for the qualification

950 - 1370



If applicable select Timetables
and follow the instructions provided for information on
class times at Casuarina, Palmerston or Alice Springs
Campuses.
Check the University
Bookshop
for detail on any textbooks that may be
required.


Employability Skills


Course Fees

2027 Fees

  Fee Type  2027 Course Fees
  NT Government supported*  $3,752.50 - $5,411.50
  Full Fee  $13,404.50 - $19,330.70

Eligible domestic students who are NT residents may be able to study this course with Northern Territory Government support. Places are limited, so apply early.

Read the eligibility requirements to check if you're eligible.

Fees shown are indicative and subject to change annually. Actual course fees may vary depending on the units chosen. International non-student visa-holders; study eligibility needs to be verified before enrolment. Fees may vary depending on the visa type.

For further clarification and information on fees, payment options, instalment plans, and refunds, contact CDU on 1800 061 963 or refer to TAFE Fees and Payments.

Fee Exemptions

Exemptions apply to TAFE tuition fees for NTG supported courses only.

At the time of enrolment, students in these categories will be exempt from paying tuition fees:

  • Hold a current Centrelink Concession or Healthcare card
  • Hold a Veteran's Healthcare card
  • Enrolled Secondary Students
  • Hold a permanent resident visa with Refugee or Humanitarian status

Certified copy of the evidence must be provided at the time of enrolment.

If your course is delivered in a location that is listed on the NTG's Location Categories for VET Funded Programs, with remote as the location category you may be eligible for the Remote 2 Location tuition fee exemption.

Delivery allowance for VET funded programs

VET Student Loans

Eligible students may access a VET Student Loan to pay for their course fees (up to capped amounts).  
Determine your eligibility using the VET Student Loan Eligibility Tool on the Your Career website.

2026 VET Student Loan schedule
2027 VET Student Loan schedule


General Description


Availability:Applications for 2027 are now open.
Online Application: This course is available for online application.
Apprenticeship/Traineeship: Currently not available as either an apprenticeship or traineeship.  

This qualification reflects the skills and knowledge required for skilled and paraprofessional work in conservation and ecosystem management. Workers with this qualification perform in operational managerial and/or technical positions often with specialist skills and knowledge in a range of sectors.

Examples of areas of specialisation include:

  • Indigenous land management
  • Ecosystem restoration, rehabilitation and renewal
  • Conservation works
  • Parks management and/or administration
  • Wildlife management
  • Marine and/or coastal management
  • Water and catchment management

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.

Delivery Details
LocationOnline
Duration1 year full-time
2 years part-time   
* Course duration may vary depending on the time required to achieve the required competencies.
Study ModeOnline
Workplace based
* Information about study modes are available in the 2027 TAFE Student Guide.
Start DateFebruary 2, 2027 to November 30, 2027     
* You can enrol any time after the start date. The delivery team will work with you to confirm your start date and the next available unit.
AttendanceOnline self-paced   


Course Information Flyer(s)

AHC51120 Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management - 2027


Accreditation

This is a current, nationally accredited qualification from the AHC Agriculture, Horticulture, Conservation and Land Management Training Package.

Locations and Study Mode

Locations:Online

Study Mode:Online, workplace assessment

Note:

Delivery at individual locations is subject to demand. Additional locations and/or study modes may become available pending sufficient demand.


Entry Requirements Domestic

To ensure you have the skills and support needed to study this course, all applicants are required to complete a Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy (LLND) evaluation.

To gain entry into AHC51120 Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management, candidates need to:

  • Have completed AHC40920 Certificate IV in Conservation and Ecosystem Management or a relevant qualification; OR
  • Be employed in the conservation industry. 
  • Have access to a suitable workplace to undertake workplace-based assessments and demonstrated ongoing application of skills and knowledge
  • An equivalent Australian Year 12 certificate

Required Resources

Students will have access to assessments and learning resources at any time through CDU's online learning platform, Learnline. Before getting started, make sure your computer meets the required system requirements.


Duration

Estimated completion time: 1 year/s

This course can typically be completed within 1 to 2 years.
* The actual duration may vary depending on where and how you study, the units you choose, and the time needed to demonstrate the required skills and knowledge.


Career Opportunities

After completing this course, you may be able to work in roles such as:

  • Soil Conservation Specialist
  • Landcare Manager
  • Land Management Unit Supervisor
  • Indigenous Land Manager
  • Park Ranger
  • Environmental Officer (Lands, Parks and Wildlife)
  • Natural Resource Manager


Marketing Professional Recognition



Marketing Course Description



Marketing Career Opportunities


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  • CRICOS Provider No: 00300K (NT/VIC) | 03286A (NSW)
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Fees

2027 Fees

  Fee Type  2027 Course Fees
  NT Government supported*  $3,752.50 - $5,411.50
  Full Fee  $13,404.50 - $19,330.70

Eligible domestic students who are NT residents may be able to study this course with Northern Territory Government support. Places are limited, so apply early.

Read the eligibility requirements to check if you're eligible.

Fees shown are indicative and subject to change annually. Actual course fees may vary depending on the units chosen. International non-student visa-holders; study eligibility needs to be verified before enrolment. Fees may vary depending on the visa type.

For further clarification and information on fees, payment options, instalment plans, and refunds, contact CDU on 1800 061 963 or refer to TAFE Fees and Payments.

Fee exemptions

Exemptions apply to TAFE tuition fees for NTG supported courses only.

At the time of enrolment, students in these categories will be exempt from paying tuition fees:

  • Hold a current Centrelink Concession or Healthcare card
  • Hold a Veteran's Healthcare card
  • Enrolled Secondary Students
  • Hold a permanent resident visa with Refugee or Humanitarian status

Certified copy of the evidence must be provided at the time of enrolment.

If your course is delivered in a location that is listed on the NTG's Location Categories for VET Funded Programs, with remote as the location category you may be eligible for the Remote 2 Location tuition fee exemption.

Delivery allowance for VET funded programs

VET student loans

Eligible students may access a VET Student Loan to pay for their course fees (up to capped amounts).  
Determine your eligibility using the VET Student Loan Eligibility Tool on the Your Career website.

2026 VET Student Loan schedule
2027 VET Student Loan schedule

International VET Package

Course information flyer(s)

CDU Aquaculture students

Why study at CDU?

Study with the Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience. Whether you're a high school student or a working professional, we've got the courses and qualifications you want plus the support and flexibility you need to succeed. 

  • Learn from expert lecturers and industry professionals
  • Access to first-class facilities
  • Recognition of prior learning to qualify faster
VET-palmerston-cookery-flipped

Why study at CDU?

Study with the Northern Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience.

  • Access to first-class facilities
  • Recognition of prior learning accepted
  • Packages into higher education available for most courses
CDU Aquaculture students

Why study at CDU?

Study with the Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience. Whether you're a high school student or a working professional, we've got the courses and qualifications you want plus the support and flexibility you need to succeed. 

  • Learn from expert lecturers and industry professionals
  • Access to first-class facilities
  • Recognition of prior learning to qualify faster
VET-palmerston-cookery-flipped

Why study at CDU?

Study with the Northern Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience.

  • Access to first-class facilities
  • Recognition of prior learning accepted
  • Packages into higher education available for most courses

What will I study?

To achieve AHC51120 Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management, a total of 10 units of competency must be completed comprising 10 elective units as detailed in the packaging rules and listed below. The electives offered may vary between campuses.

Course structure

The total nominal hours for the sequence listed below is 950 - 1370.

CodeModule/Unit of CompetencyHours
Elective units of competency (Select 10 units)
Group A Electives - Complete at least 4 from this group
AHCECR502Conduct biological surveys200
AHCECR503Design an ecological restoration project200
AHCLPW506Develop a management plan for a designated area200
AHCPCM510Collect and classify plants120
AHCPMG413Define the pest problem100
AHCPMG501Develop a regional pest management plan120
AHCPMG508Develop a system to monitor and evaluate the pest management plan100
Group B Electives
AHCBUS515Prepare estimates, quotes and tenders120
AHCPMG412Develop a pest management plan90
AHCWRK506Collect and manage data

120

BSBPMG430Undertake project work60
CPPSSI5064Conduct complex spatial data analysis60
SITTPPD013Develop interpretive activities60

Total nominal hours for the qualification

950 - 1370

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To ensure you have the skills and support needed to study this course, all applicants are required to complete a Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy (LLND) evaluation.

To gain entry into AHC51120 Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management, candidates need to:

  • Have completed AHC40920 Certificate IV in Conservation and Ecosystem Management or a relevant qualification; OR
  • Be employed in the conservation industry. 
  • Have access to a suitable workplace to undertake workplace-based assessments and demonstrated ongoing application of skills and knowledge
  • An equivalent Australian Year 12 certificate

Required Resources

Students will have access to assessments and learning resources at any time through CDU's online learning platform, Learnline. Before getting started, make sure your computer meets the required system requirements.

I wanted to turn my regular job into my dream job, and the Charles Darwin University course offered exactly what I needed: practical skills.

Yulia

CDU student

Yulila Shche writing at a desk / working from home

CDU graduates have the best career and employment prospects. International students have ranked CDU 1st in Australia for learning and living experience

Hema

CDU student

hema giri

I wanted to turn my regular job into my dream job, and the Charles Darwin University course offered exactly what I needed: practical skills.

Yulia

CDU student

Yulila Shche writing at a desk / working from home

CDU graduates have the best career and employment prospects. International students have ranked CDU 1st in Australia for learning and living experience

Hema

CDU student

hema giri

Course details

Accreditation

This is a current, nationally accredited qualification from the AHC Agriculture, Horticulture, Conservation and Land Management Training Package.

Location and study mode

Locations:Online

Study Mode:Online, workplace assessment

Note:

Delivery at individual locations is subject to demand. Additional locations and/or study modes may become available pending sufficient demand.

Additional information

Sector
TAFE
Industry groups
PRIMARY INDUSTRY
Occupation types
Park Ranger
Area of study
Conservation and Ecosystem Management, Science, Environmental Science and Management

Contact details

VET Environmental Studies
Location: Casuarina and Alice Springs Campus
Phone: 08 8946 7505 (CAS)
Email: TAFE@cdu.edu.au

You make CDU

Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.

You make CDU

Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.

You make CDU

Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.

You make CDU

Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.

How to apply

How to apply for CDU TAFE

Whether you're leaving school, returning to study, starting an apprenticeship or seeking recognition for your existing skills, CDU TAFE offers a range of pathways to get you started. Learn how to apply for the course that's right for you.

 

Admission requirements

Check the admission requirements for CDU certificate and diploma courses before you apply. If you don't meet the entry criteria yet, CDU offers alternative pathways to help you start your study journey.

Domestic or international student?

Understanding your applicant status is an important first step, as it affects course fees, entry requirements and the application process.

How to apply for international students

Applications to CDU must be submitted online.

 

The process is simple, all you need is a valid email address to create your online account.

 

Once you have started the application you will have the option of saving your application and resuming it at a later date.

 

There is no application fee when you apply online.

Find a CDU agent partner

Applicants may seek further information about international education in Australia from the Australian Government Department of Education and Training or from our overseas / external representatives.

 

To help with the process, we've compile a list of authorised representatives.

Not sure if you are a domestic or international student?

That's OK - it can be a little tricky to know the difference.

 

To help you out, we've put together a guide to answer any questions you might have.

 

Things like the difference between domestic and international students or the difference between course types like TAFE and undergraduate.

We are here to help

Need some help finding the right course or career path? Need tips on applying to CDU or completing your application?

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