EIT senior lecturer Rory Hill was part of the team who developed the new qualifications.
From July 2021, EIT’s School of Viticulture and Wine Science offers a new suite of postgraduate qualifications in Wine Business and Innovation.
- Postgraduate Certificate in Wine Business and Innovation
- Postgraduate Diploma in Wine Business and Innovation
- Master of Wine Business and Innovation
EIT is the only institute in New Zealand to deliver such specific wine business qualifications.
Sue Blackmore, Head of School for Viticulture and Wine Science, says that the school recognised a need for postgraduate professional development in wine business. The programmes were developed following conversations with the New Zealand Winegrowers to identify skills needed in the industry. The school also looked at similar courses offered in California, Germany, and Burgundy (France).
“The programmes will suit people who already work in the wine sector and who would like to increase their knowledge or move into management positions. We also encourage people with, say, a business background who wish to enter the industry to enrol,” says senior lecturer Rory Hill.
The programmes will provide a broad and comprehensive knowledge of technology and innovation, sustainability, and current issues in the global and domestic wine industry, global wine marketing, and entrepreneurship in wine business. Students can also choose from a range of electives offered by EIT’s business school, including leadership, supply chain management, or digital business. The courses also provide networking opportunities.
The programmes are fully online. From February 2022, there will also be on-campus, face-to-face options available. Students can study part-time or full-time.
“Traditionally, people involved in the wine industry travel a lot to gain international experience. Our online delivery ensures that we maintain a global perspective in these extraordinary times,” says Rory. “It’s certainly an exciting time to get involved, with the industry growing and changing, and with wine education getting more and more popular worldwide.”