The Graduate Diploma in Viticulture and Oenology is a 120-credit, one-year full-time graduate qualification at Lincoln University. It is designed for graduates who want to develop specialist knowledge of grape growing, wine production, wine science, wine quality and the New Zealand wine industry. Lincoln highlights its close relationship with New Zealand's grape-growing and wine-production sector and its long-standing contribution to cool-climate viticulture and winemaking.

The IPU programme link supplied in the request is the IPU Master of Global Business page rather than a dedicated page for this Lincoln qualification. Therefore, any IPU-specific pathway, partnership, application procedure, fee arrangement or additional requirement is not publicly specified – please confirm with IPU.

Why Study / Key Benefits

• Gain specialist knowledge of both viticulture and oenology, covering grape production and wine science.
• Develop practical experience by growing grapes and making wine as part of the programme.
• Build wine tasting and wine analysis skills.
• Learn about New Zealand's distinctive wine styles and wine-production practices.
• Develop knowledge of innovative and sustainable winemaking practices.
• Study at a university with a close relationship with New Zealand's grape-growing and wine-production industry.
• Lincoln has contributed to research that helped establish South Island regions as viable cool-climate viticulture and winemaking areas.
• The qualification provides a pathway into the wine industry for graduates whose previous bachelor's degree was in another discipline.
• Lincoln's viticulture and oenology education is supported by its wider agriculture, horticulture and viticulture specialisation and its Centre for Viticulture and Oenology.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The programme requires 120 credits and is structured around compulsory viticulture and wine-science courses, List A courses and electives. A course adviser helps students ensure that their course choices form a coherent programme.

Semester 1:

• WINE 201 – Viticulture I – 15 credits.
• WINE 202 – Principles of Wine Science – 15 credits.
• List A course.
• Elective.

Semester 2:

• WINE 301 – Viticulture II – 15 credits.
• WINE 302 – Wine Quality Assessment – 15 credits.
• List A course.
• Elective.

Students must choose a minimum of three courses from List A:

Semester 1:

• PLPT 323 – Grape Pest and Disease Management – 15 credits.
• ENGN 361 – Winery Equipment and Structures – 15 credits.

Semester 2:

• MGMT 344 – Strategic Management in Wine and Horticultural Business Systems – 15 credits.
• WINE 304 – Wine Chemistry and Technology – 15 credits.

The programme therefore covers:

• Viticulture and grape production.
• Wine science.
• Wine quality assessment.
• Grape pests and diseases.
• Winery equipment and structures.
• Wine chemistry and technology.
• Strategic management in wine and horticultural business systems.
• Wine tasting and analysis.
• New Zealand wine styles.
• Sustainable wine production.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The Graduate Diploma does not list separate formal majors or named specialisations.

Its specialist areas are:

• Viticulture.
• Oenology/wine science.
• Wine quality.
• Wine chemistry and technology.
• Grape pest and disease management.
• Winery operations and equipment.
• Wine and horticultural business management.

Programme Highlights

• Graduate Diploma qualification.
• 120 credits.
• 1 year full-time.
• Lincoln University Campus.
• Current published intake: Semester 1, late February.
• 2027 Semester 1 start: 22 February 2027.
• Practical grape-growing and wine-making experience.
• Wine tasting and analysis.
• Wine quality assessment.
• Sustainable winemaking.
• Wine chemistry and technology.
• Grape pest and disease management.
• Winery equipment and structures.
• Strategic management in wine and horticultural business systems.
• Multi-day field tour.
• Strong connection with New Zealand's wine industry.

Career Outcomes

Lincoln's dedicated career information for viticulture and oenology identifies employment opportunities in New Zealand's large and small wineries and notes that New Zealand winemakers are sought after internationally.

Potential career areas include:

• Viticulture.
• Vineyard management.
• Winemaking.
• Assistant winemaking.
• Cellar management.
• Winery laboratory work.
• Wine quality control.
• Wine analysis.
• Wine sales and representation.
• Wine marketing.
• Wine tourism.
• Wine education and sommelier roles.
• Wine business management.
• Sustainability roles.
• Vineyard consultancy.
• Research and development.
• Wine industry organisations.
• Government and primary-industry organisations.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students must hold a current, valid visa permitting study at Lincoln University in New Zealand.

For a new international student, Lincoln states that the Student Visa application requires:

• Offer of Place from Lincoln University.
• Evidence that tuition fees have been paid, normally a fee receipt.
• Passport.
• Digital photograph.
• Proof of funds for living expenses of NZ$20,000 per year.
• Evidence of funds for travel to the student's home country at the end of study, or an air ticket.
• Visa application fee.

Immigration New Zealand may additionally request:

• Medical certificates.
• Chest X-ray.
• Police Certificate.
• Additional information where the applicant will be under 18 when study begins.