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- Graduate Diploma in Viticulture Science (Level 7)
Graduate Diploma in Viticulture Science (Level 7)
Location
Study Options
Online, Full-time, Part-time
Length
1 year full-time (on-campus), 2 years part-time (distance)
Level
Level 7
World-class Viticulture Science
If you already have a degree, these graduate diplomas will allow you to fast track into a viticulture or wine specialisation.
They are suitable if you are working in the winegrowing industry and wish to increase your skills and knowledge to further your career or if you want to fast track a career shift into the wine industry.
The programmes emphasise the specific scientific and technical aspects of grapegrowing and winemaking and can be studied either on campus or by distance learning. EIT offers the only distance learning graduate diplomas in viticulture and oenology in New Zealand.
To enrol in this programme you need to have a three year degree or equivalent qualification, or be able to demonstrate significant work experience in the wine industry.
Outline
The Graduate Diploma in Viticulture Science is designed for those who want to pursue careers as a viticulturist, vineyard contractor, owner/operator of a vineyard, technical consultant, grower liaison and as a researcher.
This qualification provides you with a technical understanding of viticulture science and current grapegrowing practices plus industry-relevant practical skills. An intensive introduction to winemaking rounds out your knowledge.
Distance learning students do need to attend residential schools held each semester in either May/June or September/October. Some residential schools may be scheduled on weekend days. The residential school timetables are provided in December for the following year.
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.
Our Programme Administrator can be contacted at jrolfe@eit.ac.nz.
Career and Study Opportunities
Graduating with a Graduate Diploma in Viticulture Science opens up many career pathways for a future in the grape growing (viticulture science) industry at a technical, supervisory or management level.
You can pursue careers such as:
- Vineyard manager
- Viticultural contractor
- Research and development
- Owner/operator of a vineyard
- Viticulture educator
- Grower liaison
Future study options include the Postgraduate Certificate, Diploma or Master of Wine Business and Innovation. These EIT programmes are offered either on campus or by distance learning.
Dates
There is one entry date per year:
- February
Entry
Entry Requirements
A personal interview may be part of the application process.
Application for enrolment in this programme is due by:
- February start: 3 February 2025
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
- Have completed a three year undergraduate degree (or equivalent qualification); or
- Be able to demonstrate significant in-depth work and professional experience (at least five years) in the grapegrowing and winemaking industry (at the discretion of EIT).
On Campus Learning
There is a requirement that you have an electronic device you can bring to classes to support your study.
Distance Learning
Students must be a citizen or resident of New Zealand.
For distance learning students, 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 undertake assignment and practical work required for specific courses.
Distance learning students must also be prepared to attend residential schools at the Taradale campus (for lab work, field trips, sensory, practical) in Hawke’s Bay.
English Language Entry Requirements
All applicants are required to have attained an acceptable level of English language fluency. This may be demonstrated in a variety of ways, including:
- Completion of a New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Level 4 – Academic)
- IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0, with no band score lower than 5.5, achieved in a single test within the two years preceding enrolment
- International equivalents to IELTS accepted by NZQA
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 a private training establishment, workplace training, other tertiary study, life experiences or voluntary work. If you think you may qualify, you may 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 evidence that you would like considered for 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. There is an application fee for RPL.
For further information and enquiries about CC and RPL please contact the Programme Administrator, Jo Rolfe on 06 830 1913 or email Jo.
International Entry Requirements
Academic Entry Requirements
- 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 restricted in which courses they are enrolled in until they turn 18 years of age.
- Applicants must have completed a three year degree or equivalent qualification, or
- Be able to demonstrate significant in-depth work and professional experience in science or the wine industry.
English Language Entry Requirements
All applicants must demonstrate an acceptable level of English Language fluency prior to acceptance in the programme. English Language fluency can be verified by achievement of one of the following within the last two years:
- New Zealand Certificate in English Language Level 4 (Academic)
- IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with no band score lower than 5.5
- PTE (Academic) score of 50 with no band score lower than 42
- International equivalents to IELTS accepted by NZQA or successful study of a programme in which English was the language of instruction (conditions apply)
Renowned wineries give EIT graduate a taste for winemaking
Sara Macdonald has worked at wineries around the world but studying at EIT taught her the fundamentals of the industry and gave her a well-respected qualification to match. She studied Graduate Diplomas in both Viticulture and Oenology through EIT. “That’s why I chose EIT because I liked the fact that it would be two years; one year on viticulture and one year on winemaking and then I would have a really well-respected qualification.”
Academic Learning Services
Academic Learning Services is here to assist you on your journey towards the successful completion of your studies at EIT. Our aim is for you to become confident, competent and independent learners.
We have dedicated advisors who can assist with your learning.
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Scholarships
EIT 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 scholarships here however there are many more scholarships offered nationally. Information about these is on an database called “givME”. givME is accessible at EIT or at some public libraries. If you would like to come to EIT to look through the giveME database don’t hesitate to contact scholarships@eit.ac.nz or call in for a chat.