About the programme
The Diploma in Horticultural Management is an NZQF Level 6 programme at Lincoln University that combines business management with current knowledge of horticultural cultivation and production. It carries 120 credits and usually takes 1 year of full-time study.
The university describes New Zealand as a world leader in horticultural production: a major export industry that helps the global land-based food sector evolve while applying sustainable production and land care. The diploma is designed as the next step after the Diploma in Horticulture.
Students deepen their understanding of modern horticultural production and management systems and build a grounding in business management and what makes a commercial enterprise succeed. The university's stated aim is for graduates to be employable as soon as they finish.
Half of the credit comes from Horticultural Management, a 60-credit course spanning both semesters (MGMT 72A and MGMT 72B). The remaining 60 credits are electives: at least four 15-credit courses from a list covering annual crops, fruit crops, amenity horticulture, pasture management, agroforestry, sheep, dairy and beef and deer production, and engineering. Subject to approval, up to two electives can come from 100- or 200-level degree courses. A course advisor helps plan the programme.
Practical work is required: at least 44 weeks of hands-on experience, preferably full-time, on at least two different horticultural units. It suits Diploma in Horticulture graduates, or people with equivalent preparation, who want to move into horticultural management.
Entry requirements
- Successful completion of Lincoln University's Diploma in Horticulture gives eligibility for admission.
- Equivalent qualifications are assessed case by case.
- Additional English language requirements apply if English is not your first language.
What you study
- MGMT 72A / MGMT 72B Horticultural Management (60 credits, compulsory)
- PLSC 071 Annual Crop Production
- HORT 072 Fruit Crop Production
- HORT 071 Amenity Horticulture
- PLSC 074 Pasture Management
- FORS 070 Applied Agroforestry
- ANSC 073 Sheep Production, ANSC 072 Dairy Production, ANSC 071 Beef and Deer Production
- ENGN 076 Engineering II
Careers after graduation
- Management roles in horticultural production
- Work in commercial horticultural enterprises
Post-study work visa
Generally not available for this qualification
Depends on the qualification, the length of study and other Immigration New Zealand requirements.
This description is based on the official programme page, checked on 09/09/2026. Ask an NIU adviser about fees and intake dates — the programme page on the Lincoln University website