Study Options

Online, Full-time, Part-time

Length

1 year full-time (on-campus), 2 years part-time (distance)

Level

Level 7

Button for easy access to information about this qualification

World-class Wine Science

Sara Macdonald (née Addis) believes that studying two Graduate Diplomas in both Viticulture and Oenology through EIT’s School of Viticulture and Wine Science taught her the fundamentals of the industry and gave her a well-respected qualification to match.

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 Wine Science (GDWSci) is designed for future winemakers and assistant winemakers, winery technical staff, senior cellar staff, winery enterprise managers and other specialised staff such as a technical supplier.

This qualification provides a comprehensive coverage of winemaking, wine science, chemistry and wine palate development plus an intensive introduction to viticulture to round 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 Wine Science opens up many career pathways for a future in the winemaking (wine science) industry at a technical, supervisory or management level.

You can pursue careers such as:

  • Winemaker
  • Assistant winemaker
  • Manager in wine, brewing or food industries
  • Research and development
  • Wine educator

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

Domestic Entry Requirements

Entry with Credit

International Entry Requirements

Return home sparks career change to winemaking

The Graduate Diploma in Oenology (Wine Science) at EIT provided Anna with the opportunity to combine “the creative, scientific and technical side” of winemaking. “It’s kind of the best of both worlds, because you have that science element – the chemistry, microbiology, and then you’ve got the creative, intuitive side of winemaking, your sensory analysis.”

Anna Young, Graduate Diploma in Oenology (Wine Science) Graduate

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.

Find out more:

Hawke’s Bay Campus

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.