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Key details
Duration
This program is delivered over a period of 1 - 2 years. The length of time to complete this qualification will depend on the location, study mode and/or units selected and will vary depending upon how long a student takes to reach the required competency level.
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCourse code
Overview
Availability:Applications for 2026 are now closed. The next available intake will commence in Semester 1 2027 with applications opening in November 2026.
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 licencing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.
| Delivery Details | |
| Location | Online |
| Duration | 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time *Duration may vary depending on how long a student takes to reach the required competency level |
| Study Mode | Online Workplace based |
| Start Date | February 2, 2026 - November 27, 2026 Students can enrol at any time after the identified start date and will commence at the start of the next available unit. A specific commencement date will be determined in consultation with the delivery team. *A course timetable/study plan will be provided on application for the course. |
| Attendance | Online self-paced *Information relating to study modes can be found in the 2026 TAFE Student Guide |
Career opportunities
Possible occupations relevant to this qualification include:
- 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 a AHC51120 Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management a total of ten (10) units of competency must be completed comprising ten (10) elective units as detailed in the packaging rules and listed below. 0 core units, plus
The total nominal hours for the sequence listed below is 950 - 1370.
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If applicable select Timetables | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Employability Skills |
2026 Fees
*This course is supported by the NT Government for eligible domestic students who are NT residents. A limited number of NT Government supported places are available, so secure your place now. |
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:
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. |
| VET Student Loans | Eligible students may access a VET Student Loan to pay for their course fees (up to capped amounts). |
General Description Availability:Applications for 2026 are now closed. The next available intake will commence in Semester 1 2027 with applications opening in November 2026. 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:
No licencing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.
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Course Information Flyer(s) AHC51120 Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management - 2026 | ||||||||||||
Accreditation This is a current, nationally accredited qualification from the AHC Agriculture, Horticulture, Conservation and Land Management Training Package. | ||||||||||||
Locations and Study Mode Delivery at all locations is subject to sufficient demand and resources. Locations:Online Study Mode:Online, workplace assessment Subject to demand other locations and modes may become available throughout the year. | ||||||||||||
Entry Requirements Domestic | A Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy (LLND) evaluation helps identify any areas where you may need additional support to help you achieve your goals. To gain entry into AHC51120 Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management, it is advisable that candidates have:
Required Resources Students will have 24/7 access to assessments and learning resources via CDU's online learning platform Learnline. Students will need to ensure that their computer is correctly setup before using Learnline. | |||||||||||
Duration Estimated completion time: 1 year/s | |
This program is delivered over a period of 1 - 2 years. The length of time to complete this qualification will depend on the location, study mode and/or units selected and will vary depending upon how long a student takes to reach the required competency level. | |
Career Opportunities Possible occupations relevant to this qualification include:
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Marketing Professional Recognition |
Marketing Course Description |
Marketing Career Opportunities |
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Fees
2026 Fees
| Fee Type | 2026 Course Fees |
| NT Government supported* | $3,657.50 - $5,274.50 |
| Full Fee | $12,587.50 - $18,152.50 |
*This course is supported by the NT Government for eligible domestic students who are NT residents. A limited number of NT Government supported places are available, so secure your place now.
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:
- Recipient of a Centrelink payment
- Recipient of Department of Veterans Affairs benefits
- Enrolled Secondary Students
- Permanent residents 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 myskills website.
International VET Package
Course information flyer(s)
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
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
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
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 a AHC51120 Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management a total of ten (10) units of competency must be completed comprising ten (10) elective units as detailed in the packaging rules and listed below.
Course structure
0 core units, plus
10 elective units, of which:
- at least 4 units selected from Group A
- remaining 6 electives can be selected from Group A, Group B and 2 units can be selected from any currently endorsed Training Package or accredited course
The total nominal hours for the sequence listed below is 950 - 1370.
| Code | Module/Unit of Competency | Hours |
| Elective units of competency (Select 10 units) | ||
| Group A Electives - At least 4 units must be selected from this group | ||
| AHCECR502 | Conduct biological surveys | 200 |
| AHCECR503 | Design an ecological restoration project | 200 |
| AHCLPW506 | Develop a management plan for a designated area | 200 |
| AHCPCM510 | Collect and classify plants | 120 |
| AHCPMG413 | Define the pest problem | 100 |
| AHCPMG501 | Develop a regional pest management plan | 120 |
| AHCPMG508 | Develop a system to monitor and evaluate the pest management plan | 100 |
| Group B Electives | ||
| AHCBUS515 | Prepare estimates, quotes and tenders | 120 |
| AHCPMG412 | Develop a pest management plan | 90 |
| AHCWRK506 | Collect and manage data | 120 |
| BSBPMG430 | Undertake project work | 60 |
| CPPSSI5064 | Conduct complex spatial data analysis | 60 |
| SITTPPD013 | Develop interpretive activities | 60 |
Total nominal hours for the qualification | 950 - 1370 | |
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
A Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy (LLND) evaluation helps identify any areas where you may need additional support to help you achieve your goals.
To gain entry into AHC51120 Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management, it is advisable that candidates have:
- Completed AHC40920 Certificate IV in Conservation and Ecosystem Management or a relevant qualification; or
- Be employed in the conservation industry.
- 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 24/7 access to assessments and learning resources via CDU's online learning platform Learnline. Students will need to ensure that their computer is correctly setup before using Learnline.
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
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
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
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
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
Delivery at all locations is subject to sufficient demand and resources.
Locations:Online
Study Mode:Online, workplace assessment
Subject to demand other locations and modes may become available throughout the year.
Additional information
Contact details
VET Environmental Studies |
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 domestic students
CDU TAFE has several pathways for you to apply.
Visit How to apply for CDU TAFE courses for more information.
Admission requirements for domestic students
Before applying, you may want to check if you meet the admission requirements for studying with CDU.
CDU has many pathways to study, so don't worry if you don't meet the admission requirements right now. There is a study pathway to get you started on your journey.
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.
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.
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