Bachelor of Viticulture and Wine Science

EIT has been educating quality graduates to enter the wine and viticulture industry for over twenty years.

The Bachelor of Viticulture and Wine Science is a three year degree which will give you comprehensive skills and knowledge in Viticulture, Wine and Wine Business. 

Located in New Zealand’s most diverse wine making district, 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 skills required once working in industry related to people management and wine marketing. 

The latest research, industry technology and important 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 EIT’s flexible study approach you can study either the BVWSc degree full-time on-campus or part-time via distance learning. There has never been a better time or place to discover the intriguing world of wine.

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 STUDY

For on-campus students, the first year of the Bachelor of Viticulture and Wine Science degree commences on 9 February 2021 and concludes on 26 November 2021.

For selected Level 6 and 7 courses, practical classes may be held with distance students during Residential Schools. This is dependent on student numbers.

Timetables will be available on the EIT website www.eit.ac.nz from December 2020.  If you require a copy to be sent out to you, please contact the School of Viticulture and Wine Science Secretary.

There is a requirement that students have an electronic device they can bring to classes to support their study.

DISTANCE or BLENDED LEARNING – No need to give up your job to study!

The degree can be studied fully online (as long as you reside in NZ) or, if you live in Hawke’s Bay but are working, you can studying online and attend classes when possible.

We suggest online students study two courses per semester (half the normal full-time load).

There are also compulsory on-campus Residential Schools (labs and practical) held twice a year that students are required to attend as part of the course and programme requirements. 

The Residential School Timetable for 2021 will be provided in December 2020.

Additional Distance Study Requirements

For distance study, a student must have the following available 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 students must also:

• Be prepared to attend Residential Schools

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

Every year a student from EIT and Padua University get a chance to explore each other’s countries. Davide Rossi from Padua University in the Veneto region is 2019 EIT Bragato exchange scholar had a four week tour of New Zealand’s wine regions in September 2019. The scholarship allows 2 students each year to experience (for free) to a month of travel through the wine regions of each other’s country. The exchange is supported by the Rotary Club of Taradale, EIT and Winegrowers NZ and Padua University in Italy.

On his trip through New Zealand Davide explored vineyards and wineries in Waiheke Island, Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay and then Central Otago, Marlborough and Nelson. Davide also took part in the annual Bragato Conference which was held in Napier in August. He met and shared the experience with his New Zealand counterpart, NZ EIT Bragato scholarship winner Nealie Young who will travel  through the main wine regions of Italy for a month in 2020.

“New Zealanders are so friendly,” Davide raved about the people he met along the way. Aside from the Kiwi hospitality, the ocean and empty beaches were another highlight of his trip.

Positive-side effects of his Kiwi experience is the opportunity to pick up new English (and Kiwi) words and to experience a different style of cuisine. Davide says that he has eaten a lot of great seafood. And tasted all sorts of amazing wine, of course. 

“I really loved the Syrah that I tried at Trinity Hill,” he says admitting that he is usually more of a white wine drinker. “But my favourite wine is always the one that comes next!”

This degree programme provides a foundation for on-going learning:

• Graduate Diploma in Viticulture
• Graduate Diploma in Oenology

Courses in the programme that involve practical or off-campus experiential learning are:

• WINE5.04 Fundamentals of Wine
• VIT5.07 Viticulture in the Field
• WINE6.03 Winegrowing Industry Experience
• RESE7.04 Research Project
• VITI7.04 Vine Health
• VITI7.06 Flavour Farming

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