Study Options

Online, Full-time, Part-time

Length

3 years (full-time on-campus); 6 years (part-time distance learning)

Level

Level 7

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World-class viticulture and wine science

This is an exciting growth period for the vibrant New Zealand wine industry and great wines cannot be produced without the skills and knowledge of top viticulturalists, winemakers and managers. Study the science of viticulture and winemaking (oenology) in New Zealand’s most diverse premium wine growing region.

You will discover everything about growing quality wine grapes and how wine is made. You will learn about grape varieties, the environments they are best suited to plus the science and art involved in turning wine grapes into one of New Zealand’s most famous exports.

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.

You must be 18 years of age or over on the 1st February of the year you begin this programme. If you are under 18, you may be provisionally accepted into the programme but will be restricted in the courses in which you can enrol before you turn 18 years of age.

Outline and study options

EIT | Te Pūkenga 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 | Te Pūkenga 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

Distance learning

Your futurer career and study opportunities

Graduating with a degree in Viticulture and Wine Science from EIT | Te Pūkenga 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.

This degree programme also provides a foundation for on-going learning at postgraduate level.

 

 

 

Degree structure

Your future 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

Dates

There are two entry dates per year:

  • Monday, 29 January 2024
  • Monday, 22 July 2024

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 EIT | Te Pūkenga’s Off-Campus Experiential Learning policy.

Entry

Entry requirements

Entry with credit

International entry requirements

EIT student on the way to success as a winemaker

“What pulled me into Hawke’s Bay was the fact that there are a lot more variation and varietals here.” She knows she has made the right choice, with lecturers who “go out of their way to ensure that you are having an enjoyable experience” and to offer extra help.

Jordyn Harper, Bachelor of Viticulture and Wine Science (BVWSci) Graduate

 

Academic learning services

Academic Learning Services is here to assist you on your journey towards the successful completion of your studies at EIT | Te Pūkenga. Our aim is for you to become confident, competent and independent learners.

We have dedicated advisors who can assist with your learning.

Find out more:

Hawke’s Bay Campus

Scholarships

EIT | Te Pūkenga offers a variety of scholarships across various subjects and programme levels.  Some scholarships are based on your age, some are specific to the subject you want to study.  Not all scholarships are based on your academic ability and anyone wanting to study should investigate what scholarships are available to them.  

You can find a list of EIT | Te Pūkenga scholarships here however there are many more scholarships offered nationally.  Information about these is on an database called “givME”. givME is accessible at EIT | Te Pūkenga or at some public libraries. If you would like to come to EIT | Te Pūkenga to look through the giveME database don’t hesitate to contact scholarships@eit.ac.nz or call in for a chat.