Ten new tuition fees scholarships are being offered for Lincoln University’s fledgling organics course, matching the needs of prospective students who don’t qualify for fees free.
The Diploma in Organic Agri-food Production prepares students to work in the organic food industry at farmers’ markets or supplying restaurants with produce.
Māori and Pasifika agricultural methods are an important part of the diploma.
Lincoln University’s Director Kaiarahi Māori, Dr Dione Payne, said it was felt the course may also appeal to people changing career, or who may have completed qualifications and were ineligible for the Government’s fees free scheme.
Lincoln is also offering $5000 scholarships for Māori and Pasifika students fully enrolled in the Diploma and staying in the University’s Halls of Residence (though a student cannot accept both).
The Diploma programme, which starts in July, is a 120-credit level 5 diploma for students with or without University Entrance.
Programme director Bill Martin says graduates of the Diploma will be able to seek employment in organic primary production or other sectors related to organics, particularly education and hospitality.
The university webpage says the full-time programme will provide foundational, transferable knowledge and experience with the theory and practice that make up contemporary organic agri-food production.
Study is undertaken in a context of tikanga together with the academic skills necessary for successful study in a university context. The programme includes Tikanga and Mahinga Kai components delivered through two courses.
Graduates of the Diploma will be well placed to seek employment or to work entrepreneurially in urban and rural settings for organic agri-food production; in organic primary production or other sectors related to organics, particularly education and hospitality.
Graduates moving into organic primary production will tend to be involved in smaller-scale operations such as supplying farmers’ markets and restaurants.
Graduates moving into or returning to the education sector will be able to embed the principles and practices of organics and sustainability in educational delivery.
Hospitality sector graduates can involve themselves in smaller niche ventures such as food stalls, catering, cafes and farmers’ markets.
Dr Payne said aligning the scholarships to the Diploma supports the delivery of the programme and acknowledges its Māori content, in particular mahinga kai, which is a key component of Lincoln University’s Māori Strategy.
Source: Lincoln University
