This page is updated when information changes, but it's always best to talk to your training provider to confirm course details before you enrol.
Overview
This qualification reflects the role of individuals who work in the aquaculture sector of the seafood industry at a management or leadership level. In this role, these individuals design, plan and implement programs and sustainable practices for an aquaculture enterprise that comply with a wide range of legislative and regulatory requirements.
The environments in which these individuals work include:
- aquaculture farms or fishout/put-and-take operations
- companies providing contract specialist services for aquaculture operations
- companies providing consultancy, advisory, equipment sales or other services
- hatcheries and nurseries
- live post-harvest holding facilities, such as processing plants, wholesalers or transporters.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.
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Financial help
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Government funding is not available for this course.
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Cost
Course costs can vary by provider and location. Ask your training provider for a cost estimate.
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VET Student Loans are available
See training providers offering VET Student Loans -
You may need to pay for equipment or materials.
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On-the-job training
- Apprenticeships and traineeships are not available for this course.
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Entry requirements
This course doesn't have any entry requirements. It could be a good starting point for your career.
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Duration
You complete this course when you’ve learned the skills, not after a set amount of time. The times shown are estimates.
- Qualification only:
1–2 years
- Qualification only:
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Delivery options
You may be able to access this training in these ways:
Course content
This course is made up of units.
All courses have core units—these are mandatory for completing the course. Most courses also have elective units, which you can choose from to suit your needs and interests. Not all training providers offer every elective, so check with your provider to find out which electives they can offer you.
For more information about course content, talk to your training provider or visit the National Training Register.
| Unit | Unit type |
|---|---|
| Plan and implement an aquaculture biosecurity plan | Core |
| Plan and implement environmentally sustainable aquacultural practices | Core |
| Collect and manage data | Elective |
| Communicate with influence | Elective |
| Conduct an aquatic environmental audit | Elective |
| Coordinate the learning and development of teams and individuals | Elective |
| Culture new aquaculture species | Elective |
| Design a recirculating aquaculture system | Elective |
| Develop a farm plan | Elective |
| Develop a stock nutrition program | Elective |
| Develop and implement an aquaculture breeding strategy | Elective |
| Develop and implement business plans | Elective |
| Develop and manage a chemical use strategy | Elective |
| Develop export markets for produce | Elective |
| Develop organisational strategies | Elective |
| Develop stock production plan | Elective |
| Develop workplace policies and procedures for sustainability | Elective |
| Establish an aquaculture facility | Elective |
| Establish innovative work environments | Elective |
| Facilitate continuous improvement | Elective |
| Lead and manage effective workplace relationships | Elective |
| Manage a supply chain | Elective |
| Manage an aquaculture research trial | Elective |
| Manage budgets and financial plans | Elective |
| Manage business operational plans | Elective |
| Manage business risk | Elective |
| Manage employee and industrial relations | Elective |
| Manage knowledge and information | Elective |
| Manage machinery and equipment | Elective |
| Manage people performance | Elective |
| Manage recruitment and onboarding | Elective |
| Manage supplier relationships | Elective |
| Manage workplace health and safety processes | Elective |
| Participate in a media interview or presentation | Elective |
| Plan an aquatic environmental audit | Elective |
| Plan and design stock culture or holding systems and structures | Elective |
| Plan and design water supply and disposal systems | Elective |
| Plan and manage infrastructure | Elective |
| Plan and monitor production processes | Elective |
| Plan stock health management | Elective |
| Provide leadership across the organisation | Elective |
Job prospects
The Diploma of Aquaculture sets you up for roles like these, but the skills you learn could take you even further.
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Aquaculture Farmer
ANZSCO 121111
Aquaculture Farmers plan, organise, control, coordinate and perform farming operations to breed and raise fish and other aquatic stock.
Recommended education level:
Bachelor degree or higher -
Master Fisher
ANZSCO 231211
Master Fishers control fishing vessels and fishing operations to catch and preserve fish, crustacea and molluscs.
Recommended education level:
Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree -
Agricultural Technician
ANZSCO 311111
Agricultural Technicians perform tests and experiments, and provide technical support to assist Agricultural Scientists in areas such as research, production, servicing and marketing.
Recommended education level:
Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree -
Aquaculture Worker
ANZSCO 841111
Aquaculture Workers perform routine tasks in breeding and raising fish and other aquatic stock.
Recommended education level:
Certificate I or secondary education
Training providers delivering Diploma of Aquaculture
It's a good idea to research multiple training providers to make sure you're getting the right training for you.
No providers found for this course.
How to enrol in this course
To enrol, choose a training provider that offers this course. You can see provider details on this page.
When you find one that you think suits you, visit their website or contact them directly to confirm details like start dates, fees, funding, delivery locations and delivery options.
The provider will guide you through the enrolment process.
How do apprenticeships and traineeships work?
Apprenticeships and traineeships let you combine hands-on work experience with training. You’ll gain job-ready skills and earn an income while you complete a qualification.
As an apprentice or a trainee, you work with an employer while completing your training. Most of your time is spent learning on the job, with some classroom or online training to support the skills you're developing in the workplace.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Find out more about apprenticeships and traineeships.
See more information about the apprenticeship or traineeship you’re interested in pursuing on the Queensland Training Information Service.
How long will this course take?
This course is competency-based training, which means you progress as you demonstrate your skills and knowledge, rather than in a set amount of time.
The duration shown here is an estimate for full-time study based on how long most people take to complete the course. You may finish earlier than other people, or it may take you a bit longer.
If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get credits or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the time needed for training.
Duration for apprenticeships and traineeships
Apprenticeships and traineeships take longer than doing the qualification on its own, but you learn valuable hands-on skills.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Learn about how courses are delivered
Different courses have different delivery options. Consider your needs when you’re researching courses. Some courses may be delivered entirely online or partially online. Others may be delivered in a classroom.
Some courses, like those delivered through apprenticeships and traineeships, are mostly based in the workplace but with some classroom or online study.
If a certain type of delivery is important to you, talk to your provider before you enrol to make sure they offer that delivery option.
How to reduce the cost of your course
There are lots of ways you can reduce the cost of your course.
- The government could partly or fully cover the cost of your course. See information about financial help and government funding on this page.
- The government also offers funding for some costs related to your course.
- If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get a cost credit or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the cost.
Learn about financial help and government funding
The main cost of training is usually the course fees, which vary depending on things like which course and training provider you choose.
You may be able to get your training for free or at a reduced cost, or you could get help with paying for training-related costs. You can also pay for some courses with a VET Student Loan.
Find out more about getting help paying for your training or check if you're eligible.
What are entry requirements?
Some courses have conditions you need to meet before you can enrol in the course. They help make sure you have the right background or skills for the training.
Entry requirements might include a certain education level, skills or knowledge, work status, or experience.