Postgraduate Diploma in Wine Science at The University of Auckland

The Postgraduate Diploma is a one-year full-time course that teaches the science and processes
of wine production. Students learn viticulture, winemaking, analytical techniques, sensory evaluation and wine business, to gain an understanding of the wine industry as a whole

Auckland’s wine science lecturers and researchers come from a range of academic backgrounds, including chemistry, biology, geography and business, while visiting lecturers and leading New Zealand winemakers also lend their expertise to teaching.

The teaching programme is based at the Goldwater Wine Science Centre on Waiheke Island. Students live, study and work at the winery so that the theory and science they learn are coupled with actual working experience with the professional winemakers on site.

Courses that make up the diploma include: Winemaking in a New Zealand Setting, The Science Behind Grape Production, The Science Behind Winemaking, Sensory Evaluation and Statistical Methods, Project in Wine Science, The Business of Wine Production, Topics in Wine Science and Post-fermentation Processes in Winemaking.

Students applying directly from undergraduate studies in science, technology, or engineering are all eligible to apply.  Mature age students with relevant professional experience, or who can demonstrate a long-standing interest in and aptitude for the wine industry are also welcome to submit applications.

If you’d like to find out more or check your eligibility for the course, please contact Study Options to speak to a student advisor.

Waiheke Island is in the Hauraki Gulf, a 35 minute ferry journey from the centre of Auckland. It has a beautiful 100 km coastline and boasts a subtropical climate, perfect for growing grapes.  The Goldwater vineyard is planted in the classical varieties of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, syrah and chardonnay.

Students can choose to live either in a villa on the Goldwater Vineyard itself or in nearby residences, while lectures will be held in the winery building. Viticulture and winemaking assignments are coordinated with the commercial operation so that students can take full opportunity of the facility.

Students participate in internships and there is the opportunity to take up paid work positions with other Waiheke Island vineyards and wineries.

After completing the Postgraduate Diploma, there is an option to develop your studies further and work towards the Master of Wine Science by undertaking a further, second year of study. In this year you will have the opportunity to undertake independent research in an area of interest, and to further develop your research skills.