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LocationIntakeStudy breaks
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Cromwell, Central Otago19 February 20241 July 2024 - 19 July 2024
15 April 2024 - 26 April 2024
30 September 2024 - 11 October 2024
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Cromwell, Central Otago4 March 2024
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Cromwell, Central Otago17 February 202523 June 2025 - 11 July 2025
14 April 2025 - 25 April 2025
22 September 2025 - 3 October 2025
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Cromwell, Central Otago3 March 2025
Study breaks content
This is the only full-time Sports Turf programme on offer in New Zealand!
Sports Turf professionals are responsible for the management and maintenance of golf courses, cricket wickets, sports fields and artificial turf, among others.
Immerse yourself in a comprehensive programme that blends theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on experience. Study on campus and then move into your work placement, which means you can earn as you learn as some of New Zealand’s top golf and stadium venues.
Our Sports Turf graduates are well-respected and in high demand in the industry, with most students being offered full-time positions during their work placements.
Upon successful completion, you will graduate with a New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture Services (Level 4) (Sports Turf).
Entry requirements
- Open entry.
- If English is not your first language, you must provide:
- New Zealand University Entrance OR
- Overall Academic IELTS 5.5 with no individual band score lower than 5.0 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years), OR
- Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for NZQA proficiency table and here for list of recognised proficiency tests).
If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.
Want your existing skills recognised?
If you have extensive knowledge and skills due to practical experience in this area, enquire about our recognition of prior learning process at Capable NZ. You may have already gained credits towards this qualification.
Additional documentation
You must supply certified copies of proof of identify, academic records, proof of residency (where appropriate) and a curriculum vitae.
Selection procedure
Applicants will be selected according to the entry criteria. If the number of applications exceeds the number of places available, applicants will be placed on a waiting list in the order they were received.
You will study
The courses within this programme have been designed to ensure you gain the skills to ensure excellent employment outcomes for a range of turf facilities. There are no elective courses.
Qualification structure
Course Title |
Introduction to Sports Turf Management (30 credits) Develop the foundation skills and knowledge required to operate safely and effectively in the sports turf industry. |
Sports Turf Plant Science and Health (30 credits) Develop the knowledge of basic plant biology, ecology, taxonomy and species relevant to sports turf management, and identify and control common sports turf pests, diseases, disorders and weeds. |
Sports Turf Growing Environment (30 credits) Develop a basic knowledge of the properties of soils and root zones; how water behaves within soils and, how to use soils and water in a sustainable way. |
Routine Maintenance of Sports Turf (30 credits) Develop knowledge and practical skills to operate and maintain common sports turf machinery, equipment and tools used in the routine maintenance of sports turf. |
Renovation of Sports Turf (20 credits) Gain practical skills to renovate sports turf to improve performance or ensure the longevity of the surface. |
Sports Turf Construction and Establishment (20 credits) Develop knowledge and skills required to survey and construct a sports turf root zone, and establish and grow-in sports turf |
Supervision of Sports Turf Staff (10 credits) Enable learners to use interpersonal communication skills to achieve desired outcomes in a sports turf organisation. |
Sports Turf Management Planning (15 credits) To enable learners to develop an annual maintenance plan for sports turf surfaces at a selected sporting venue. |
Your workload
Theory and practical classes will take up four days a week from 9.00am-3.00pm. You will also have one day a week of work experience during the growing season. In Year One, there will be a full-time work experience placement from September to April. You will then return to the campus and complete the programme in late June. Generally, these days will reflect industry needs and will therefore run from 8.00am-5.00pm. You will also have assessment and study work to complete.
Programme specific risks
These include risks associated with agri-chemicals, heat, cold, noise, lifting, machinery and potential allergens. You will be given more detailed information during the programme.
Additional costs/requirements
During your internship placement in the second year, it is your responsibility to organise accommodation and transport, although your employer will try and help you. It is important that you hold a current driving licence and have your own work boots and overalls.
Student loans and allowances
Student loans and allowances are for domestic students who have lived in New Zealand for three years. For information about student loans and allowances please visit the Studylink website. It is important to apply for your student loan/allowance at the same time as you apply for this programme, due to the length of time Studylink take to process. Loan/allowance applications can be cancelled at any time if you decide to withdraw your programme application or if it is unsuccessful.
Intakes:
Course | Description | Dates |
25-COT-FY | Cromwell, Central Otago | 17 Feb 2025 |