Program Overview

Professional Diploma in Tree Management

The Professional Diploma in Tree Management is a 12-month part-time program designed to provide professional education in tree management. The program aims to equip students with the latest knowledge, professional standards, and advanced skills in contemporary tree management and related preservation work.

Programme Aims

The program aims to nurture high-caliber tree management professionals in Hong Kong, providing them with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their careers.

Programme Structure

The program consists of six courses, totaling 200 hours.

• RLE4300: Introduction to Arboriculture
  • Topics include:
    1. Urban forestry and tree care program
    2. Tree biology
    3. Understanding soil science
    4. Principles of tree selection
    5. Principles of tree maintenance
    6. Tree risk assessment
    7. Safe working practices
    8. Tree protection and mitigations
• RLE5010: Dendrology
  • Topics include:
    1. Principles of taxonomy
    2. Botanical nomenclature and identification
    3. Tree morphology
    4. Different approaches to biological classifications and concepts of categories
    5. Taxonomic data
    6. Phylogenetic relationships of gymnosperms and angiosperms
    7. Tree selection criteria
    8. Urban greening and urban forestry in practice
• RLE5012: Tree Planting and Maintenance
  • Topics include:
    1. Tree selection and nursery stock selection
    2. Tree installation and establishment
    3. Soil, water, and nutrient management
    4. Tree health care
    5. Pruning
    6. Tree support systems and lightning protection
    7. Maintenance of old trees, transplanted trees, and stonewall trees
    8. Good management practice and government guidelines
• RLE5015: Tree Risk Management
  • Topics include:
    1. Introduction to tree risk management
    2. Tree biomechanics
    3. Criteria for tree risk assessment
    4. Tree risk rating
    5. Post-failure inspection
    6. Documentation
    7. Mitigation measures
    8. Managing difficult trees
• RLE5020: Pest and Disease Management
  • Topics include:
    1. Introduction to pest and disease management
    2. Taxonomy of insects
    3. Colonization strategies of insects on trees
    4. Taxonomy of microorganisms
    5. Fungal disease strategies on trees
    6. Control of pests and diseases
    7. Management practices
    8. Plant disease epidemiology
• RLE5025: Landscape and Property Management
  • Topics include:
    1. Introduction to landscape and property management
    2. Development process
    3. Development programs and construction practice
    4. Evaluation of the resources
    5. Evaluation of impacts to trees
    6. Management practice during the construction phase
    7. Management practice after the construction phase
    8. Preparation of reports

Award

Students who successfully fulfill the academic requirements by obtaining an overall of 50 marks or above out of 100 in each course of this program are eligible for graduation and will be awarded the Professional Diploma in Tree Management.

Fees

• Application Fee: HK$150 (non-refundable)
• Tuition Fee: HK$39,860 (by three installments)

Financial Assistance

This program is listed as a recognized program by the Urban Forestry Support Fund – Study Sponsorship Scheme. The amount of subsidy given to each eligible student under the program is 70% of the payable tuition fee or HK$35,000, whichever is less.

Course Schedule and Venue

Classes and examinations will be held on weekday evenings (normally two classes per week) at SCE Learning Centres. Field trips will be organized at some weekends.

Minimum Admission Requirements

1. Holder of an Associate Degree or a Higher Diploma or equivalent; OR
2. Aged 23 or above with lower academic qualifications and three years' relevant work experience; AND
3. Attained a required level of English proficiency equivalent to Band 6.0 in the IELTS / Grade E in HKALE Use of English / Level 3 at HKDSE English Language; OR
4. Applicants may be required to sit for an entrance test which assesses their English language proficiency.

Application Procedure

Applicants may submit applications through the online system or by hard-copy submission by mail or in-person.

Exemption and Transfer of Credit

Students can apply for Credit Transfer/Exemption under certain conditions. The maximum exemption and credit transfer is limited to half of the total number of program hours.

Information Seminar

An information seminar will be held to provide more details about the program.

Frequently-asked Questions

• Q: When will I know if I have been admitted? A: The admission result will be sent to applicants via email within 10 working days after the application deadline.
• Q: If I am a Certified Arborist, can I apply for course exemption? A: Yes, you are eligible to apply for an exemption of taking one course "RLE4300 Introduction to Arboriculture".
• Q: When will I know the result of my application for course exemption? A: Result of application for course exemption will be released together with the admission result via email.
• Q: Can I change from one program to another? A: Once the offer is confirmed upon completion of registration, applicants are not allowed to change to another program.