Program Overview

Professional Diploma in Tree Management

The Professional Diploma in Tree Management is a part-time program designed to provide professional education in tree management, equipping 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, addressing the growing demand for qualified tree management personnel due to increasing public concern and environmental awareness.

Programme Structure

The program consists of six courses, totaling 200 hours, with the following structure:

• RLE4300: Introduction to Arboriculture (32.5 hours)
  • Topics include urban forestry and tree care programs, tree biology, soil science, tree selection, maintenance, risk assessment, and safe working practices.
• RLE5010: Dendrology (35 hours)
  • Topics include principles of taxonomy, botanical nomenclature, tree morphology, biological classifications, and tree selection criteria for urban greening in Hong Kong.
• RLE5012: Tree Planting and Maintenance (32.5 hours)
  • Topics include tree selection, installation, establishment, soil management, tree health care, pruning, and support systems.
• RLE5015: Tree Risk Management (32.5 hours)
  • Topics include risk management concepts, tree biomechanics, risk assessment methods, and mitigation measures.
• RLE5020: Pest and Disease Management (35 hours)
  • Topics include pest and disease identification, management practices, and control strategies.
• RLE5025: Landscape and Property Management (32.5 hours)
  • Topics include landscape planning, property management, and tree preservation during construction and development.

Award

Students who successfully complete the program with an overall mark of 50 or above in each course will be awarded the Professional Diploma in Tree Management.

Fees

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

Financial Assistance

The program is eligible for the Urban Forestry Support Fund Study Sponsorship Scheme, which provides a subsidy of 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 at SCE Learning Centres, with field trips organized on weekends.

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Holder of an Associate Degree or a Higher Diploma or equivalent
• Aged 23 or above with lower academic qualifications and three years' relevant work experience
• Attained a required level of English proficiency equivalent to Band 6.0 in the IELTS or Grade E in HKALE Use of English or Level 3 at HKDSE English Language

Application Procedure

Applicants can submit their applications online or by mail, with required documents and payment for the application fee.

Exemption and Transfer of Credit

Students can apply for credit transfer or exemption if they have completed relevant courses or possess demonstrated competence equivalent to the learning outcomes of the course.

Limitations for Credit Transfer/Exemption

The maximum exemption and credit transfer is limited to half of the total number of program hours for programs of Levels 1 to 2, and one quarter of the total number of program hours for programs of Level 3 or above.

Information Seminar

An information seminar will be held on February 3, 2026, at 7 pm, with registration available online.

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: The result of the application for course exemption will be released together with the admission result via email.