The Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology at Lincoln University is a 3-year, 360-credit undergraduate degree designed for students who want to build careers in grape growing, wine production and the wider wine industry. The programme combines biology, chemistry, plant and soil science, viticulture, wine science, wine quality, vineyard management, winery technology and business-related subjects. Students also gain substantial hands-on experience, including producing their own wine and completing practical placements in commercial vineyards, wineries and allied industries.

The supplied IPU programme link is not a programme page for this Lincoln qualification; it points to an IPU programme unrelated to the Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology. IPU-specific pathway, partnership, application, fee and scholarship arrangements for this particular Lincoln degree are not publicly specified – please confirm with IPU.

Why Study / Key Benefits

• Combines the science of grape growing with the science and technology of winemaking.
• Covers the complete wine supply chain, from vineyard ecosystems and vine growth to winemaking, quality assessment and global markets.
• Builds a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, plant science and soil science.
• Provides dedicated study in viticulture and oenology.
• Students learn horticultural systems with a strong emphasis on viticulture.
• Practical laboratory sessions develop knowledge of wine science and quality assessment.
• Guided tastings develop understanding of wine sensory characteristics.
• Students have the opportunity to produce their own wine.
• Lincoln's on-campus vineyards provide an environment where students can apply concepts directly.
• The programme includes extensive practical work in commercial vineyards, wineries and allied industries.
• The degree prepares students for the New Zealand wine industry as well as international wine-sector careers.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The programme combines compulsory courses, suggested electives, general electives and higher-level specialist courses.

Year 1 – Semester 1

• BIOS 110 – Biological Sciences – 15 credits
• PHSC 101 – Chemistry IA – 15 credits
• B V&O suggested elective
• Elective

Year 1 – Semester 2

• WINE 101 – Introduction to the Winegrowing Industry – 15 credits
• SOSC 106 – Soil Science I – 15 credits
• PLSC 104 – Plant Science I – 15 credits
• B V&O suggested elective.

Year 2 – Semester 1

• WINE 201 – Viticulture I – 15 credits
• MGMT 214 – Horticultural Systems – 15 credits
• WINE 202 – Principles of Wine Science – 15 credits
• Elective

Year 2 – Semester 2

• QMET 201 – Biometrics – 15 credits
• WINE 302 – Wine Quality Assessment – 15 credits
• Elective
• Elective.

Year 3 – Semester 1

• One course from List A
• Elective
• Elective
• Elective

Year 3 – Semester 2

• WINE 301 – Viticulture II – 15 credits
• One course from List A
• Elective
• Elective

Suggested First-Year Electives

Semester 1:

• TOUR 101 – Introduction to Tourism – 15 credits
• BMGT 116 – Principles of Management – 15 credits
• ENSC 101 – Introduction to Earth and Ecological Sciences – 15 credits
• MGMT 106 – Global Food Systems – 15 credits

Semester 2:

• COMM 111 – Introductory Statistics – 15 credits
• FOOD 101 – Food Quality and Consumer Acceptance – 15 credits
• PHSC 103 – Environmental Physics – 15 credits.

Advanced Viticulture and Oenology Options

Students must choose a minimum of two 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.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology does not present separate named majors within the degree. Instead, students develop their expertise through the compulsory courses and elective choices.

The principal disciplines are:

• Viticulture
• Oenology
• Wine science
• Grape production
• Vineyard management
• Plant science
• Soil science
• Plant physiology
• Grape pest and disease management
• Wine chemistry
• Wine technology
• Wine quality assessment
• Sensory evaluation
• Winery equipment and structures
• Horticultural systems
• Wine and horticultural business systems
• Biometrics
• Wine-industry management.

Programme Highlights

• 3-year full-time degree.
• 360 credits.
• Dedicated focus on viticulture and oenology.
• Study of both grape production and winemaking.
• Biology and chemistry foundations.
• Plant and soil science.
• On-campus vineyard learning.
• Practical laboratory sessions.
• Wine sensory evaluation.
• Wine quality assessment.
• Students produce their own wine.
• 18 weeks of practical industry experience.
• Commercial vineyard experience.
• Commercial winery experience.
• Allied-industry experience.
• Grape pest and disease management options.
• Wine chemistry and technology options.
• Winery equipment and structures.
• Strategic management in wine and horticultural business systems.
• Multi-day field tour in the final year.

Career Outcomes

Lincoln identifies a range of wine-industry careers for graduates, including:

• Viticulturist
• Vineyard manager
• Vineyard foreman
• Winemaker
• Sales specialist
• Cellar manager.

Depending on their elective choices and practical experience, graduates may also pursue roles involving:

• Wine production
• Vineyard operations
• Wine quality
• Wine laboratory work
• Wine sales and marketing
• Winery management
• Grape production
• Wine technology
• Wine business management
• Wine-industry consultancy.

International Student Visa Requirements

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

For a new international student, Lincoln states that the 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.
• Applicable visa application fee.

Depending on individual circumstances, Immigration New Zealand may also request:

• Medical certificates.
• Chest X-ray.
• Police Certificate.
• Additional information if the student will be under 18 when commencing study.