Master of Viticulture and Oenology

Be part of a renowned institution

Adelaide is one of the great wine capitals of the world with over 200 cellar doors within an hour of the CBD. Our winemakers are innovators and cultural leaders within a sector helping drive the nation’s economy. In fact, 70 percent of Australian wine research happens at the University of Adelaide’s Waite campus.

This intensive two-year degree has an international reputation for excellence. It’s suited to students with a relevant bachelor degree or equivalent in a science field and opens opportunities for graduates both in Australia and internationally.

What will you do?

  • Study at the largest agricultural teaching and research precinct in the Southern Hemisphere.
  • Make wine in our state-of-the-art Hickinbotham Roseworthy Wine Science Laboratory.
  • Build hands-on scientific and technological skills in the vineyards and winery.
  • Learn from over 150 researchers and partners in grape and wine science.
  • Access cutting-edge research at the Australian Research Council Training Centre for Innovative Wine Production.
  • Undertake a research project and submit a thesis of 10,000 words OR complete an industry placement of at least 10 weeks (375 hours).

Where could it take you?

You could manage a vineyard or winery. You might experiment with the latest technologies to innovate and develop efficiencies in related industries. Perhaps you’ll focus on sustainable and natural practices, building an organic, biodynamic or solar-powered future for the wine industry.  



  • 70% of Australia's wine research conducted at Waite campus
  • Learn in Australia's largest teaching winery
  • On-campus vineyard

Entry Requirements

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Before applying make sure you understand the eligibility and entry requirements for your chosen degree.

Look out for any prerequisites or assumed knowledge subjects. Some degrees also have additional entry requirements like interviews and auditions.

Domestic applicants

SATAC Code 3CM180
Deferment Yes - 2 year
Intake July
Selection Criteria
Graduate entry

Higher Education Study Relevant Bachelor degree or equivalent in a Science related field including (but not restricted to) Agriculture, Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Plant and General Science and Engineering. Please note the program is only available for Semester 2 entry.

Fees and Scholarships

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Domestic applicants

Indicative annual tuition fees
Australian Full-fee place: $45,000

Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.

FEE-HELP
This is an Australian full-fee program. As a domestic student you may be eligible to:

  • receive a zero interest government assistance package to cover your course fees and
  • use over $100,000 in HELP assistance over your lifetime
Check your eligibility today at Study Assist

Scholarships

These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.

Find a Scholarship.

Careers

Career Readiness

The grape and wine industry offers a number of career opportunities within Australia and internationally.

As a graduate, you’ll be qualified to manage a vineyard, direct and carry out vineyard operations, direct wine-making operations and manage the winery.

The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

Graduate Attributes

The objective of this program is to produce graduates with specific attributes as outlined in University of Adelaide Graduate Attributes.
  1. Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth
  2. Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving
  3. Teamwork and communication skills
  4. Professionalism and leadership readiness
  5. Intercultural and ethical competency
  6. Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency
  7. Digital capabilities
  8. Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

Potential careers

Graduates of this program have gone on to roles such as:

Grape Production;  Grower Liaison Officer;  Vineyard Management;  Winemaking;  Brewer;  Distiller;  Wine Exporter;  Wine Scientist;  Winemaker;  Winery Manager

Degree Structure

To qualify for the Master of Viticulture and Oenology, students must satisfactorily complete a program of study consisting of the following requirements with a combined total of not less than 48 units, comprising:
  • Core courses to the value of 27 units
  • Research equivalent courses or professional experience placement to the value of 12 units
  • Elective courses to the value of 9 units

Academic Program Rules

The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.

Master of Viticulture and Oenology

Example Study Plan

Core Courses
All of the following courses must be completed:
OENOLOGY 7010WT Stabilisation and Clarification
OENOLOGY 7019WT Sensory Studies
OENOLOGY 7022WT Cellar and Winery Waste Management
OENOLOGY 7028WT Introductory Winemaking
OENOLOGY 7047WT Winemaking at Vintage
OENOLOGY 7520WT Advances in Wine Science
VITICULT 7002WT Viticultural Science A
VITICULT 7021WT Viticultural Science B
VITICULT 7038WT Viticultural Methods and Procedures
Research Project / Professional Experience Placement Students must complete either a research dissertation of not longer than 10,000 words:
or
a professional experience placement of at least 10 weeks to the value of at least 400 hours:

Assessment

Assessment includes assignments, practical reports and a final examination.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Last updated: Thursday, 12 Sep 2024