Program Overview
The New Zealand Certificate in Apiculture (Level 3) is an online program with block courses that teaches students about beekeeping practices. It covers topics like bee behavior, hive management, honey extraction, and disease recognition. Graduates are prepared for careers as assistant beekeepers, independent beekeepers, or entrepreneurs in the apiculture industry. The program emphasizes practical experience and encourages collaboration with commercial apiarists.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
This program, the New Zealand Certificate in Apiculture (Level 3), is designed to equip students with the skills and confidence to manage their own beehives. It provides a comprehensive understanding of beekeeping practices, including bee behavior, hive management, honey extraction, and disease recognition. The program aims to prepare students for careers in the apiculture industry, either as assistant beekeepers, independent beekeepers, or entrepreneurs.
Outline:
The program is delivered online with block courses held in various locations throughout New Zealand. The block courses typically involve two weekend days per month (from 9.00am-5.00pm each day) for eight months.
Modules:
The program covers the following topics:
- Bee behavior and life cycle: Students learn about the biology and behavior of honeybees, including their social structure, communication, and life cycle.
- Suitable bee forage plants: Students gain knowledge about the types of plants that provide nectar and pollen for bees, ensuring optimal hive health and honey production.
- Beekeeping equipment: Students learn about the various tools and equipment used in beekeeping, including hive components, protective gear, and honey extraction tools.
- Building a beehive: Students gain practical experience in constructing beehives, understanding the different types of hives and their construction techniques.
- Beehive products: Students explore the various products derived from beehives, including honey, beeswax, propolis, and royal jelly.
- Manipulating beehives: Students learn techniques for managing beehives, including swarm control, dividing hives, and re-queening.
- Harvesting and extracting honey: Students gain practical experience in harvesting honey from beehives and using various methods for extracting honey.
- Identifying and managing pests and diseases: Students learn to identify common pests and diseases affecting bee colonies and implement appropriate management strategies.
- Wintering beehives: Students learn about the challenges of managing beehives during winter and strategies for ensuring hive survival.
Assessment:
The program includes a variety of assessment methods, including:
- 12 assessments: These assessments are a mix of theory and practical components, evaluating students' understanding of beekeeping concepts and their ability to apply those concepts in real-world situations.
- One-day, industry-recognised bee disease workshop: This workshop provides students with practical training in identifying and managing bee diseases, including American Foulbrood (AFB). A short test is administered at the end of the workshop to assess students' knowledge.
Careers:
Graduates of this program are well-prepared for a variety of careers in the apiculture industry, including:
- Assistant beekeeper: Working for commercial beekeeping operations, assisting with hive management, honey extraction, and other tasks.
- Independent beekeeper: Managing their own beehives, producing honey and other beehive products for sale.
- Entrepreneurship: Starting their own beekeeping business, potentially specializing in specific products or services.
Other:
The program emphasizes the importance of practical experience and encourages students to work with commercial apiarists in their local area. Students also have the opportunity to complete an American Foulbrood (AFB) disease recognition course, which is a valuable qualification for beekeepers.
Domestic fees Full tuition Standard $1,451 Additional costs One kitset beehive Three textbooks AFB course Approximate cost = $500
Otago Polytechnic
Overview:
Otago Polytechnic is a tertiary education institution located in New Zealand. It offers a wide range of qualifications and courses, from certificates to doctorates, across various fields. The institution emphasizes hands-on learning, providing students with practical skills and experience relevant to their chosen careers.
Services Offered:
Otago Polytechnic offers a variety of services to support students, including:
Accessibility and disability services:
Support for students with disabilities.Campus tours:
Guided tours of the institution's campuses.Accommodation assistance:
Guidance on finding accommodation options, including on-campus housing, flatting, homestay, and renting.Career advice:
Support in exploring career options and developing career plans.Fees and funding information:
Information on tuition fees and available funding options, including scholarships and government schemes.International student support:
Specific services and resources for international students, including information on English language requirements, entry requirements, and international partnerships.Māori and Pasifika culture and support:
Resources and support for Māori and Pasifika students.Student support services:
A range of services to assist students with their academic and personal well-being.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Otago Polytechnic provides a welcoming and inclusive learning environment with a focus on student support. Students can expect:
Friendly and inclusive atmosphere:
A supportive and welcoming community.Modern facilities:
Access to state-of-the-art equipment and technology.Real-world experiences:
Opportunities to gain practical experience through internships, projects, and industry placements.Flexible study options:
A variety of learning formats, including on-campus, online, and blended learning.Sustainability initiatives:
A commitment to environmental sustainability.Rainbow Tick Certification:
A commitment to creating an inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ students and staff.Key Reasons to Study There:
Educational excellence:
High-quality teaching and a strong focus on student success.Hands-on learning:
Practical, skills-based learning that prepares students for the workforce.Personal growth and support:
A supportive environment with a range of services to assist students.Flexible study options:
A variety of learning formats to suit individual needs and preferences.Free fees and scholarships:
Opportunities to reduce or eliminate tuition costs.Academic Programs:
Otago Polytechnic offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Adventure & Tourism:
Programs in avalanche safety, bike mechanics, hospitality, outdoor education, snowsports, and tourism.Agriculture & Animal Healthcare:
Programs in animal care, avian wildlife, beekeeping, high-country farming, and veterinary nursing.Art:
Programs in ceramics, digital media and photography, and visual arts.Business:
Programs in accounting, administration, applied management, event management, human resources, professional development, and sales & marketing.Community Services:
Programs in addiction, disability support, Hauora Māori, mental health, and social services.Construction:
Programs in architecture, carpentry, construction management, and stonemasonry.Design:
Programs in architecture, communication design, digital media, fashion design, game design and development, and product design.Education & Culture:
Programs in English language, outdoor education, teaching, and Te Reo & Tikanga.Engineering:
Programs in civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering.Food & Hospitality:
Programs in brewing, cooking, culinary arts, and hospitality.Hair & Beauty:
Programs in beauty therapy and hairdressing.Health:
Programs in health pathways, massage therapy, mental health, midwifery, nursing, and occupational therapy.Horticulture:
Programs in amenity horticulture, arboriculture, fruit production, gardening, groundskeeping, nursery, and winemaking.Information Technology:
Programs in computing, game development, and information technology.Sport:
Programs in groundskeeping, gym & personal training, massage therapy, outdoor education, sport science, and snowsports.Trades & Pre-trades:
Programs in automotive, bike mechanics, carpentry, electrical trades, mechanical engineering, plumbing, and transport.Other:
Entry Requirements:
Open entry. You must be physically capable of meeting the demands of the programme and will need to disclose any medical conditions which may affect your ability to participate.
- New Zealand University Entrance OR
- Overall Academic IELTS 5.0 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).
