About the programme
The Bachelor of Viticulture and Winemaking is an NZQF Level 7 degree at Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) that prepares people for the wine industry, from growing grapes to making wine. It carries 360 credits and takes 3 years of full-time study.
The degree develops the technical, scientific, research and business skills the industry needs. Years one and two (Levels 5 and 6) are made up of compulsory papers in plant and soil science, viticultural practice, vineyard management, winemaking, and the chemistry and analysis of wine, and winery engineering. Students learn to taste wine alongside professionals and may take part in local wine competitions. Year three adds advanced viticulture and winemaking, applied research and electives, so students can lean towards viticulture, winemaking, industry management or a mix.
Work experience is built into the programme. Compulsory Industry Practice papers require 100 hours in the vineyard across the seasons and 300 hours in a winery during vintage, and the third-year applied industry project adds another 300 hours. Semester breaks fall at harvest so students can work a vintage, and many second- and third-year students take cellar hand or vineyard assistant roles.
NMIT's winery and laboratories sit within the Marlborough Wine Research Centre, set up with industry backing in partnership with universities, the Bragato Research Institute and Plant and Food Research. Marlborough is New Zealand's largest wine region, producing more than 75% of the country's wine. Study is available on campus or online; online learners must work in the industry and attend residential blocks in Marlborough. The degree suits school leavers, career changers and people already working in wine.
Entry requirements
- University Entrance: NCEA Level 3 (60 credits at Level 3 and 20 at Level 2), including 14 Level 3 credits in each of three approved subjects, 10 Level 2 literacy credits (5 reading, 5 writing) and 10 Level 1 numeracy credits
- Or a New Zealand or overseas qualification recognised by NZQA as equivalent to NCEA Level 3, such as IB or Cambridge, assessed by NMIT; or a related Level 4 qualification
- English for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each band, issued within the last two years, or an alternative from the NZQA table
- Distance study: employment in, or access to, a suitable wine industry workplace and the ability to attend compulsory residential workshops
- Special entry and Recognition of Prior Learning may be approved by the Academic Committee
What you study
- BVW501 Āronga Māori and Viticultural Practices
- BVW502 Wine Production
- BVW503 Wine Chemistry and Analysis
- BVW504 Tāne rāua ko Rongo and Plant Science and BVW505 Papatūānuku and Soil Science
- BVW506 Industry Practice – Vineyard (100 hours)
- BVW601 Te Tai Ao Vineyard Management and BVW603 Kaitiakitanga and Vineyard Bio-protection
- BVW602 Wine Science and BVW604 Winery and Vineyard Engineering
- BVW606 Industry Practice – Winery (300 hours)
- BVW702 International Wine Industry and BVW703 Kaitiakitanga and Sustainable Grape and Wine Production
- BVW706 Applied Industry Project (300 hours)
Careers after graduation
- Viticulturist
- Winemaker or assistant winemaker
- Vineyard manager or owner
- Research and development technician
- Wine marketer
- Cellar hand or vineyard assistant during vintage while still studying
- Further study
Post-study work visa
Equal to the length of the programme, 3 years maximum
Depends on the qualification, the length of study and other Immigration New Zealand requirements.
This description is based on the official programme page, checked on 19/09/2026. Ask an NIU adviser about fees and intake dates — the programme page on the NMIT website