About the programme
The Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology is an NZQF Level 7 programme at Lincoln University that prepares graduates for careers in the wine industry in New Zealand or abroad. It carries 360 credits over 3 years of full-time study.
The starting point is that wine quality is decided long before bottling — in the soil, the vines, the people and the science linking them. Students learn how vineyards and wineries function and study the science behind grape and wine production, including biology, chemistry, plants and soils. The degree spans the whole supply chain, from vine growth and vineyard ecosystems through winemaking, quality assessment and international markets.
Horticultural systems with an emphasis on viticulture are practised in the university's own on-campus vineyards. Wine science, sensory evaluation and quality management are taught through laboratory sessions and guided tastings, and students make their own wine. Core courses include Viticulture I and II, wine science principles, wine quality assessment, horticultural systems and biometrics. In the final year students choose at least two of grape pest and disease management, winery equipment, strategic management in wine business, and wine chemistry and technology.
Practical work is compulsory: 18 weeks in total, made up of six consecutive weeks each in a commercial vineyard, a commercial winery and an allied business such as a wine shop, winery laboratory or brewery. Alternatively, up to 12 weeks can be spent in a vineyard or winery placement. A multi-day field tour in the final year is also required.
It suits students drawn to biology and chemistry who want to work in vineyards, wineries or wine sales.
Entry requirements
- Domestic applicants: University Entrance through NCEA or an approved equivalent.
- Overseas qualifications are assessed under the university's international entry criteria.
- Separate English language requirements apply if English is not your first language.
- Recommended school subjects: biology, chemistry and English (strongly advised), plus agriculture/horticulture and maths/statistics.
What you study
- BIOS 110 Biological Sciences and PHSC 101 Chemistry IA
- WINE 101 Introduction to the Winegrowing Industry
- SOSC 106 Soil Science I and PLSC 104 Plant Science I
- WINE 201 Viticulture I and WINE 301 Viticulture II
- MGMT 214 Horticultural Systems
- WINE 202 Principles of Wine Science
- QMET 201 Biometrics
- WINE 302 Wine Quality Assessment
- PLPT 323 Grape Pest and Disease Management (option)
- WINE 304 Wine Chemistry and Technology (option)
Careers after graduation
- Viticulturist
- Vineyard manager
- Vineyard foreman
- Winemaker
- Wine sales specialist
- Cellar manager
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 09/09/2026. Ask an NIU adviser about fees and intake dates — the programme page on the Lincoln University website