New Zealand Certificate in Apiculture

Level 3

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Discover the fascinating world of sustainable beekeeping and how to become a beekeeper in the UCOL | Te Pūkenga New Zealand Certificate in Apiculture.

Quick info

Level: 3

Locations: UCOL | Te Pūkenga Wairarapa in Masterton

Duration: 18 weeks full-time
Part-time option available.
(See Course Hours & Duration for details)

Dates:
31 Jul 2023 - 01 Dec 2023

Domestic Fees: *
$2978.47Scholarship info

Find out if you're eligible for fees-free study

International Fees:*
$11,552.00

Additional Fees
Compulsory course costs may apply.

* Fees are indicative only, and are inclusive of the student services levy and GST (goods and services tax). The fee shown is for one year of study.

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Learn how to start beekeeping by acquiring the skills and knowledge to work safely and productively in a beekeeping environment, and contribute to this sustainable primary industry.

This programme is ideal for those who are either intending to work or are working on either a private or small scale business interest or as part of a team on larger commercial beekeeping operations.

How to apply
If you are interested to enrol to the programme, please contact our info centre.

Course Hours & Duration

This programme runs for 18 weeks per semester, including 1 holiday weeks or a 33 weeks part-time, including 3 holiday weeks.

Per week, your learning will include approximately:

Class Time

20 hrs

In-person, online and in-work.

Study Time

21 hrs

Study in your own time.

You can also choose to study part-time, or possibly by paper. Talk to us about your options with this programme.

Career & Study Outcomes

Successful graduates of New Zealand Certificate in Apiculture are work-ready for the commercial industry and are able to manage their own hives on a small to medium scale.

You'll be able to perfom the following tasks working as an assistant beekeeper for a commercial operator or as an independent beekeeper with a small number of beehives:

Maintain, manipulate and operate beehives to produce quality products and pollination services
Assist to transport beehives and bee products, and establish hives in new sites
Carry out a beehive disease management plan.

To find out more about possible job prospects and salaries for Farmers and Farm Managers, see careers.govt.nz

Course Information

Note: As a subsidiary of Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, UCOL | Te Pūkenga is committed to providing the best learning outcome for you. As part of this, all programmes are currently being reviewed to make them portable, consistent, and closely aligned with the needs of the industry. When published, this course information is correct, but the courses offered may change over time. If you have any questions call an Enrolment Advisor on 0800 468 265.

From 2023, UCOL | Te Pūkenga and the programme you have enrolled in will become part of Te Pūkenga. So, if you join UCOL | Te Pūkenga in 2023, you will be awarded Te Pūkenga certification. And, if you are a current learner graduating in 2023, you will be awarded a co-branded certificate.

This programme consists of 65 credits. The course includes:

Beehive Maintenance and Manipulation (20 Credits)
Learners will learn to maintain and manipulate beehives. After this course you will be able to:

Describe bee anatomy, lifecycle and behaviour patterns.
Feed bees and describe bee food requirements.
Describe swarming, including control measures around hive separation and re-queening.

Beehive Disease Planning and Control (25 Credits)

Learners will learn to recognise bee pests and diseases and to carry out a disease management plan. After this course you will be able to:

Describe common bee pests and diseases, and develop a seasonal pest and disease management plan.

Beehive Operation (20 Credits)

Learners will learn to safely carry out beehive operations. After this course you will be able to:

Harvest honey, extract honey and transport beehives safely.
Winter down beehives.

Domestic Entry Requirements

This programe is open to New Zealand Citizens or Permanent Residents only. Learners must be physcially fit and be 16 years old or over.

Entry to this programme is NCEA Level One,
OR
equivalent academic achievement
OR
on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Executive Dean.

English language proficiency

If English is not your first language, you must also demonstrate English language skills equivalent to an IELTS or equivalent, including TOEFL. Contact the info centre for more details. UCOL | Te Pūkenga is a TOEFL testing centre.

For more information about NCEA Credits see the UCOL | Te Pūkenga NCEA explained page.

International Entry Requirements

This programme is currently not available to international learners.

Advice & Guidance

Health and safety
Students need to be aware of possible allergic or anaphylactic reactions that may occur following interaction with bees. Any allergy medication required must be on the person at all times.

New Zealand Certificate in Apiculture