Graduate Diploma in Viticulture and Oenology

Develop your palate

Adelaide is one of the great wine capitals of the world with over 200 cellar doors within an hour of the CBD. Our winemakers are innovators and cultural leaders within a sector helping drive the nation’s economy. In fact, 70 percent of Australian wine research happens at the University of Adelaide’s Waite campus.

Our viticulture and oenology postgraduate degrees have an international reputation for excellence. 

What will you do?

  • Study at the largest agricultural teaching and research precinct in the Southern Hemisphere.
  • Learn from over 150 researchers and partners in grape and wine science.
  • Make wine in our state-of-the-art Hickinbotham Roseworthy Wine Science Laboratory.
  • Build hands-on scientific and technological skills in our vineyards and winery.

Where could it take you?

This program may meet your professional development needs by itself or act as a first step towards the Master of Viticulture and Oenology. Our graduates go on to all sorts of rewarding careers within the wine industry. You could work as a lab technician or manage a vineyard. You might develop innovative approaches to the winemaking process. Perhaps you’ll delight customers in a cellar door or marketing role.  


  • 70% of Australia's wine research conducted at Waite campus
  • Learn in Australia's largest teaching winery
  • On-campus vineyard

Entry Requirements

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Before applying make sure you understand the eligibility and entry requirements for your chosen degree.

Look out for any prerequisites or assumed knowledge subjects. Some degrees also have additional entry requirements like interviews and auditions.

Domestic applicants

SATAC Code 3GD094
Deferment Yes - 2 year
Intake July
Selection Criteria
Graduate entry

Higher Education Study Relevant Bachelor degree or equivalent in a Science related field including (but not restricted to) Agriculture, Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Plant and General Science and Engineering. Please note the program is only available for Semester 2 entry.

  • Admissions Transparency Data
    Student Profile
    Applicant background Semester one/Full year intake 2023
    Number of students Percentage of all students
    International students N/A N/A
    All students 5 100.0%

Ready to Apply?

Find out more about the application process and start your studies at the University of Adelaide.

Be sure to check the critical dates to avoid missing application deadlines.

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Fees and Scholarships

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Domestic applicants

Indicative annual tuition fees
Australian Full-fee place: $43,000

Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.

FEE-HELP
This is an Australian full-fee program. As a domestic student you may be eligible to:

  • receive a zero interest government assistance package to cover your course fees and
  • use over $100,000 in HELP assistance over your lifetime
Check your eligibility today at Study Assist

Scholarships

These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.

Find a Scholarship.

Careers

Career Readiness

well paid career opportunities exist in the grape and wine industry within Australia and elsewhere. Graduates will be qualified to manage a vineyard, direct and carry out vineyard operations, direct wine-making operations and manage the winery.

The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

Graduate Attributes

The objective of this program is to produce graduates with specific attributes as outlined in University of Adelaide Graduate Attributes.
  1. Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth
  2. Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving
  3. Teamwork and communication skills
  4. Professionalism and leadership readiness
  5. Intercultural and ethical competency
  6. Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency
  7. Digital capabilities
  8. Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

Potential careers

Graduates of this program have gone on to roles such as:

Brewer;  Distiller;  Grape Production;  Grower Liaison Officer;  Vineyard Management;  Winemaking;  Wine Marketing

Degree Structure

Students undertaking the graduate diploma will take the same courses as those undertaking the first year of the master's program; satisfactory completion will enable a student to apply for the master's program. Graduate diploma undertake all core courses (except Advances in Oenology).

Academic Program Rules

The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.

Example Study Plan

To qualify for the Graduate Diploma in Viticulture and Oenology, the student must complete satisfactorily a program of study consisting of the following requirements with a combined total of not less than 24 units. 

All courses are 3 units unless stated otherwise.

Core Courses

Students must complete all of the following:

OENOLOGY 7010WT Stabilisation and Clarification

OENOLOGY 7019WT Sensory Studies

OENOLOGY 7022WT Cellar and Winery Waste Management

OENOLOGY 7028WT Introductory Winemaking

OENOLOGY 7047WT Winemaking at Vintage

VITICULT 7002WT Viticultural Science A

VITICULT 7021WT Viticultural Science B

VITICULT 7038WT Viticultural Methods and Procedures

Assessment

Assessment includes assignments, practical reports and a final examination.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Last updated: Friday, 1 Mar 2024