Programme Outline
The degree covers specialist technical, scientific, and business skills necessary for working in the wine industry. The latest research, industry technology and relevant issues related to sustainability are key topics. You will gain hands-on experience in our campus vineyard, purpose-built winery and science laboratory facilities, as well as complete vineyard work experience, a commercial vintage and a research project in tandem with the winegrowing industry.
EIT has been educating quality graduates to enter the wine and viticulture industry for over twenty years.
The Bachelor of Viticulture and Wine Science (BVWSci) is a three year degree which will give you comprehensive skills and knowledge in both Viticulture and Wine Science. You will learn about grape varieties, the soils, and environments they are best suited to, and the science and art of winemaking involved in turning them into one of New Zealand’s most famous exports.
Located in the most diverse winemaking district in New Zealand, EIT offers the opportunity of world class study immersed in the local vibrant, diverse Hawke’s Bay wine industry.
The degree provides a strong science foundation with practical application and industry interaction in all three years. There is an in-depth focus on growing grapes and making wine, as well as the essential business skills required once working in industry related to people management and wine marketing.
The latest research, industry technology and relevant issues related to sustainability are key topics. You will get an opportunity to make your own wine, work in a vineyard, complete a harvest internship, develop a wine palate and gain practical skills like tractor driving, first aid and forklift license within the degree structure.
With our flexible study approach you can study the BVWSci degree either full-time on-campus or part-time via distance learning.
You are welcome to make an appointment to discuss your study options with our staff either in person or by phone and to view our facilities.
On-campus learning
For on campus students, the first year of the BVWSci commences on 3 February 2025 and concludes on 28 November 2025.
Timetables will be available from December 2024 at eit.ac.nz/students/timetable/ .
If you require a copy to be sent out to you, please contact the School of Viticulture and Wine Science Programme Administrator on 06 830 1913 or jrolfe@eit.ac.nz.
There is a requirement that you have an electronic device you can bring to classes to support your study.
Additional Distance Learning Requirements
For distance learning, you must have the following to be able to utilise the online learning environment and have access to industry:
- Desktop or laptop computer or other appropriate electronic device not older than five years
- Broadband internet connection
- Software as required
- Access to wineries and vineyards to meet the work experience requirement for the programme and to undertake assignment and practical work required for specific courses
Distance learning students must also:
- Be prepared to attend Residential Schools at the Taradale campus
Industry-based Learning
Courses in the programme that involve practical or off-campus experiential learning are listed below:
- WINE5.08 Wine Fundamentals
- VITI5.07 Viticulture in the Field
- WINE6.03 Winegrowing Industry Experience
- RESE7.02 Research Project
- VITI7.04 Vine Health
- VITI7.06 Flavour Farming
- WINE7.15 Four (4) day excursion to Marlborough and Nelson
All off-campus experiential learning will follow the EIT Off Campus Experiential Learning policy.
Study Opportunities
This degree programme provides a foundation for on-going learning at postgraduate level:
- Graduate Diploma in Viticulture and Oenology
- Master of Wine Business and Innovation
Career Opportunities
Graduating with a degree in Viticulture and Wine Science from EIT opens up many career pathways for a future in the grape growing (viticulture) and winemaking (wine science) industries at a technical, supervisory or management level. Careers such as:
- Vineyard manager, viticultural contractor, research and development, owner/operator of a winery/vineyard, wine/viticulture educator or a grower liaison position.
- Winemaker, assistant winemaker, manager in wine, brewing or food industries, research and development, or as a wine/viticulture educator.
Entry Requirements
A personal interview may be part of the application process.
Standard Entry
- Applicants must be over 18 years of age on 1 February of the year they apply for entry into this programme. Applicants under 18 years may be provisionally accepted into the programme but will be restricted in which courses they are enrolled in until they turn 18 years of age.
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- University Entrance; or
- an equivalent qualification
Provisional Entry
- Applicants who do not meet the criteria above, but present evidence of ability to succeed (for example, maturity, life experience, work experience, other study); or
- those who narrowly fail to meet the entry criteria above; or
- those over 20 years of age, with evidence of an ability to undertake tertiary study at degree level
Entry to subsequent study is conditional on success at the entry level.
Chemistry and Mathematics
It is strongly recommended that applicants have achieved:
- At least 14 credits minimum at NCEA Level 3 in Chemistry
- At least 14 credits minimum at NCEA Level 3 in Mathematics
English Language Entry Requirements
If English is not your first language you are required to have attained an acceptable level of English language fluency. This may be demonstrated in a variety of ways, including successful study in English, approved scores on TOEFL or IELTS (6.0 Academic) tests, completion of accepted international equivalents, or completion of a language assessment.
Entry with Credit
You may already have some knowledge or skills that can be recognised as part of your intended study. This may take a number of different forms including study at any other tertiary institution, life or work experiences and workplace training can also be considered. If you think you qualify, you can apply for Cross Credit (CC) or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
- CC is based on the equivalency of courses or qualifications. You would apply for CC if you have passed a very similar course at the same level.
- RPL is based on the assessment of your current knowledge and skills. You would apply for RPL if you had gained the relevant knowledge and skills through life experiences and informal learning situations.
You will be asked to provide details of anything that you would like to be considered as credit toward your intended programme of study, as part of your application.
Applications for CC and RPL for a course should be made prior to enrolment in that course and no later than two weeks after the start of the course.
For further information and enquiries about CC and RPL please contact the Programme Administrator, Jo Rolfe on 06 830 1913 or jrolfe@eit.ac.nz.
Transfers/Cross Credits
This programme will lead to the award of a nationally approved qualification. This qualification may be delivered at a number of other tertiary institutes around New Zealand. If you were to transfer to one of those other institutes you may be granted academic credit for some of the papers completed but this is at the discretion of the other institute.
NOTE: Fees are not transferable between institutes.
How to Enrol
Step 1 – Check entry requirements
Make sure you have read and understood the entry requirements for your situation and background.
Entry requirements can be different for domestic and international students.
Step 2 – Confirm campus and check key dates
The next intake date(s) for your chosen course and campus are listed in the Course Details panel on this page.
Dates can vary between campuses, so make sure you have selected the campus you wish to study at.
Step 3 – Confirm fees and costs
Visit https://www.eit.ac.nz/fees/ to see the fees for this programme.
Step 4 – Complete any supporting forms
If your course requires any supporting forms, they will be listed below under ‘Supporting Documentation’
Step 5 – Submit your application
You’ll need an up-to-date email address to start your online application.
You’ll also need to know what you want to study – your degree or programme and majors and/or minors, and the courses you plan to take.
You may be asked to submit supporting documentation with your application.
