Agriculture, Food and Wine

Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology - Waite Campus

  • Domestic
  • International
  • Duration

    4 years full-time or part-time equiv.
  • Start Dates

    February and July
  • Location

    Waite Campus

About Degree

Follow your palate  

Great wine is central to South Australia’s identity. In fact, APSB is one of the great wine capitals of the world with over 200 cellar doors within an hour of the CBD.

70 percent of Australian wine research happens at the University of APSB’s Waite campus. Our winemakers are innovators and cultural leaders within a sector helping drive the nation’s economy.

What will you do?

Our Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology teaches best-practice techniques for growing wine grapes and making wine. You will:

  • get your hands dirty in our on-campus vineyard and learn to make wine at Australia's largest teaching winery
  • build practical skills through an industry placement in viticulture and/or oenology
  • study at the largest agricultural teaching and research precinct in the Southern Hemisphere
  • learn from more than 150 researchers and partners in wine and grape science
  • access cutting-edge research at the Australian Research Council Training Centre for Innovative Wine Production.

There are also opportunities to study and gain experience overseas.

Where could it take you?

You’ll graduate as a fully trained winemaker or viticulturist. You could manage your own winery or vineyard. You might work with the latest technologies to develop innovations and 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.


Direct access to industry leaders and paid internship opportunities: The Academy by Deloitte
This degree gives you the opportunity to be part of our new The Academy by Deloitte You’ll be part of a supportive student cohort that learns from one another and industry leaders. Formal and informal experiences will allow you to build relationships within the Deloitte network.

Entry Requirements

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions information for this program.I am a:

  • Domestic
  • International

    Domestic applicants

    Admissions information

    SATAC Code324611
    2022 CSP ATAR65.05
    2022 CSP IB24
    Guaranteed Entry Score - ATAR75
    Guaranteed Entry Score - IB26
    DefermentYes - 2 year
    IntakeFebruary and July
    Assumed KnowledgeSACE Stage 2: Chemistry and Mathematical Methods IB: Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations (HL) or Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (SL) and Chemistry.
    Selection Criteria
    Recent Secondary EducationApplicants with recent secondary education are those whose admission is primarily based on the completion of Year 12 within the last two years, however if you completed your secondary education more than two years ago, you may still be able to be considered on the basis of your secondary schooling. You must not have completed more than 2 years full time equivalent university study (48 units). You compete for a place with your Selection Rank (ATAR plus any applicable adjustment factors). Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
    Higher Education StudyYou must have completed at least six months full time equivalent higher education study (the number of courses and units will vary depending on your prior institution however at the University of APSB, this equates to 4 courses / 12 units). A Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated for each separate program you have undertaken (apart from some double degree programs where the GPA is combined). You compete on the basis of your best GPA. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
    Vocational Education and Training (VET) studyYou must have completed an AQF Certificate IV or above from a Registered Training Organisation. Your application will be ranked according to the level of the award. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
    Work and life experienceTo be eligible to sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) as as pathway for entry, you must be 18 years or over before 1 February 2023. If you have studied at higher education level in the last two years (for 2023 entry this means you were enrolled in either 2022 or 2021), you must not have accumulated more than a TOTAL of 2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) higher education study (ie. including any study prior to 2021). If you meet this criteria, you will be ranked according to your result in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). Your STAT result is not weighted between verbal and quantitative components. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
    Other Entry Pathways


    2022 Admissions Data for school leavers
    ATAR
    (raw ATAR, excluding any applicable adjustment factors)
    Lowest ATAR to receive an offer62.1
    Median ATAR to receive an offer84.5
    Highest ATAR to receive an offer99.9
    Selection Rank
    (ATAR plus any adjustment factors)
    Lowest Selection Rank to receive an offer65.05
    Median Selection Rank to receive an offer86.1
    Highest Selection Rank to receive an offer99.95
    Minimum eligibility score65
    Additional criteria consideredSelection rank only
    Student Profile
    Applicant backgroundSemester one/Full year intake 2022
    Number of studentsPercentage of all students
    (A) Higher Education study
    (includes a bridging or enabling course)
    1434.1%
    (B) Vocational education and training (VET) studyN/AN/A
    (C) Work and life experience
    (admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)
    N/AN/A
    (D) Recent secondary education:
    • Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
      (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors)
    1639.0%
    • Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered
      (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)
    N/AN/A
    • Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor
      (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement)
    <5N/A
    International students717.1%
    All students41100.0%


    International applicants

    CRICOS068885G
    IntakeFebruary and July
    Assumed KnowledgeChemistry and Mathematics is desirable
    Selection Criteria
    English Language Requirements

    Australian Year 12Successful completion of an Australian year 12 qualification with a minimum pass in an accepted English language subject
    English Tests accepted by the University of APSB
    IELTSOverall 6.5Reading 6Listening 6Speaking 6Writing 6





    TOEFLOverall 79Reading 13Listening 13Speaking 18Writing 21





    PearsonOverall 58Reading 50Listening 50Speaking 50Writing 50





    C1 AdvancedOverall 176Reading 169Listening 169Speaking 169Writing 169





    Qualifications that meet minimum English requirementsA range of alternative qualifications may meet the University’s minimum English requirements
    Academic Entry Requirements

    Detailed information on international qualifications assessment

    Secondary School QualificationsAustralia – Selection Rank (International)75
    International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma26
    Canada – OSSD Ontario Secondary School Diploma70%
    Canada – British Columbia Certificate of Graduation70%
    Canada – Alberta High School Diploma78%
    China – Gaokao65%
    Germany – Abitur3.40
    GCE A Levels8
    Hong Kong – HKDSE18
    India – ISC & CBSE70%
    India - Indian State Board Examinations80%
    Indonesia – SMA380%
    Kenya – Certificate of Secondary EducationB+
    Kuwait – General School Secondary Certificate74%
    Malaysia – STPM or Matrikulasi2.78
    Malaysia – UEC20
    South Korea – CSAT and High School Diploma320
    Sri Lanka – GCE A Levels9
    Taiwan – GSAT and High School Diploma68%
    Thailand – Certificate of Secondary Education3.4
    USA – SAT1130
    USA – Advanced Placement (AP)7
    Vietnam – Upper Secondary School8.00
    The University of APSB College Foundation Program74%
    Eynesbury Foundation Program360
    ANU College Foundation Studies66%
    Monash College Foundation Year MUFY70%
    Trinity College Foundation Studies Program (The University of Melbourne)72%
    UNSW Foundation Year7.00
    UQ College Foundation Studies Program4.20
    Taylors College – The University of Sydney Foundation Program (USFP)6.70
    UWA College Foundation Program (WAUFP)57%
    Non–Go8 Foundation Score74%
    Other QualificationsStudents who don't meet the academic requirements or who have other qualifications from the South Pacific Islands, Japan, Korea, Philippines or Taiwan may be eligible to apply for a Pre-University Pathway to prepare for or gain entry into the University's undergraduate academic programs. For additional information see Pathway Programs
    How to Apply
    Application information for international students
    Important application deadlines for international students

    Student Profile
    Applicant backgroundSemester one/Full year intake 2022
    Number of studentsPercentage of all students
    (A) Higher Education study
    (includes a bridging or enabling course)
    1434.1%
    (B) Vocational education and training (VET) studyN/AN/A
    (C) Work and life experience
    (admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)
    N/AN/A
    (D) Recent secondary education:
    • Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
      (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors)
    1639.0%
    • Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered
      (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)
    N/AN/A
    • Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor
      (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement)
    <5N/A
    International students717.1%
    All students41100.0%


Fees and Scholarships

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant fees and scholarships information for this program.I am a:

  • Domestic
  • International

    Domestic applicants

    Indicative annual tuition fees
    Commonwealth-supported place: $6,565

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

    More information on Student Contribution Amounts.

    Scholarships

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

    International applicants

    Indicative annual tuition fees (24 units)International student place: $46,000

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

    More information on International Student tuition fees.

    Scholarships

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


Careers

Career Readiness

Direct access to industry leaders and paid internship opportunities: The Academy by Deloitte
Students who as part of their studies take part in The Academy by Deloitte experience will have the benefit of undertaking a paid internship with Deloitte. This internship is designed to shape their business readiness through significant real-world client exposure, access to multiple networking opportunities and relevant professional training.


As a qualified viticulturist and oenologist, you’ll be able to direct and develop winemaking and viticultural practices in areas such as:

  • viticultural management
  • winemaking and winery management
  • food and beverage technology
  • hospitality and tourism.

The University of APSB 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 APSB 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

Industry Placement

In fourth year, you are required to complete an industry experience placement in viticulture and/or oenology. This is a practical placement, based on work experience at a commercial vineyard or winery during vintage.

Potential careers

Winemaking, Brewer, Nursery Manager, Vineyard Operator, Agriculture, Agricultural Service Industry, Vineyard Supervisor, Environmental Remediation Officer, Environmental Scientist, Beverage Technologist, Viticulture Officer, Wine Exporter, Wine Scientist, Government or Corporate Policy Adviser, Grape Production, Grower Liaison Officer, Horticulturalist, Vineyard Management, Winemaker, Winery Engineer, Winery Manager, Distiller, Wine, ...


Degree Structure

Level 1 teaches basic sciences and foundations of wine science at the North Terrace campus and the National Wine Centre.  At levels 2 and 3 the emphasis is on the scientific and technological aspects of winemaking and viticulture, with courses taught in the winery at the Waite campus.

At level 4 students will have the opportunity to complete an industry experience placement in either viticulture and/or oenology to enhance personal and career objectives. The program also accommodates an honours stream for those interested in further wine science related research opportunities.

Academic Program Rules

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

Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology

Example Study Plan

Indicative study plan
Year1S1BIOLOGY 1101  Biology I: Molecules, Genes and CellsCHEM 1100  Chemistry IA
or
CHEM 1611  Foundations of Chemistry IA (Ag & Vit)
OENOLOGY 1018NW  Foundations of Wine Science IPHYSICS 1101  Physics for the Life and Earth Sciences IA
or
PHYSICS 1008  Physical Aspects of Nature I
S2BIOLOGY 1202  Biology I: OrganismsCHEM 1200  Chemistry IB
or
CHEM 1621  Foundations of Chemistry IB (Ag & Vit)
SOIL&WAT 1000WT  Soils and Landscapes ISTATS 1004  Statistical Practice I (Life Sciences)
Year2S1AGRIC 2500WT  Agricultural Biochemistry IIOENOLOGY 2501WT  Microbiology for Viticulture and Oenology IIPLANT SC 2510WT  Foundations in Plant Science IISOIL&WAT 2500WT  Soil and Water Resources II
S2AGRIC 2510WT  Agricultural Genetics IIOENOLOGY 2503WT  Introductory Winemaking IIOENOLOGY 2502WT  Sensory Studies IIVITICULT 2500WT  Viticultural Science II
Year 3S1OENOLOGY 3007WT  Stabilisation and Clarification IIIOENOLOGY 3047WT  Winemaking at Vintage IIIPLANT SC 3510WT  Plant Health IIIVITICULT 3021WT  Viticultural Science III
S2OENOLOGY 3037WT  Distillation, Fortified & Sparkling Winemaking IIIOENOLOGY 3046WT  Fermentation Technology IIIVITICULT 3044WT  Viticultural Methods and Procedures IIIOENOLOGY 3530WT  Engineering for Viticulture and Oenology III
Level IV for Bachelors Stream
Year4S1OENOLOGY 3500WT  Industry Experience (Viticulture & Oenology) IIIOENOLOGY 3016WT  Cellar and Winery Waste Management IIIApproved Elective 1 x 3 unitsApproved Elective 1 x 3 units
S2OENOLOGY 3520WT  Advances in Wine Science IIIOENOLOGY 3003WT  Wine Packaging and Quality Management IIIApproved Elective 1 x 3 unitsApproved Elective 1 x 3 units
Level IV for Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology (Hons)
Year4S1OENOLOGY 3500WT  Industry Experience (Viticulture & Oenology) IIIOENOLOGY 3016WT  Cellar & Winery Waste Management IIIVITICULT 4010AWT  Honours Viticulture and Oenology Part 2 (6 units)
S2OENOLOGY 3520WT  Advances in Wine Science IIIOENOLOGY 3003WT  Wine Packaging & Quality Management IIIVITICULT 4010BWT  Honours Viticulture and Oenology Part 2 (6 units)

Assessment

  • Varies with individual courses and includes a combination of oral presentations, written assignments,  practical work and/or examination work.

RECOGNITION AND AFFILIATIONS

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