Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology

Follow your palate  

Great wine is central to South Australia’s identity. In fact, Adelaide is one of the great wine capitals of the world with over 200 cellar doors within an hour of the CBD.

70 percent of Australian wine research happens at the University of Adelaide’s Waite campus. Our winemakers are innovators and cultural leaders within a sector helping drive the nation’s economy.

What will you do?

Our Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology teaches best-practice techniques for growing wine grapes and making wine. You will:

  • get your hands dirty in our on-campus vineyard and learn to make wine at Australia's largest teaching winery
  • build practical skills through an industry placement in viticulture and/or oenology
  • study at the largest agricultural teaching and research precinct in the Southern Hemisphere
  • learn from more than 150 researchers and partners in wine and grape science
  • access cutting-edge research at the Australian Research Council Training Centre for Innovative Wine Production.

There are also opportunities to study and gain experience overseas.

Where could it take you?

You’ll graduate as a fully trained winemaker or viticulturist. You could manage your own winery or vineyard. You might work with the latest technologies to develop innovations and efficiencies in related industries. Perhaps you’ll focus on sustainable and natural practices, building an organic, biodynamic or solar-powered future for the wine industry.


Direct access to industry leaders and paid internship opportunities: The Academy by Deloitte
This degree gives you the opportunity to be part of our new The Academy by Deloitte You’ll be part of a supportive student cohort that learns from one another and industry leaders. Formal and informal experiences will allow you to build relationships within the Deloitte network.


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

Entry Requirements

Please note: For programs including placements and/or study-related activities in settings where COVID-19 vaccination is mandatory, it is an inherent requirement that all students be fully vaccinated prior to undertaking the placement and/or study-related activity.
From 30 June 2023, in accordance with Australian government requirements, the University will be returning to face-to-face teaching for all students where it is safe and practical to do so. For students with circumstances where it would not be practical or safe to travel to Australia, exemptions may apply. Students are encouraged to regularly check Study in 2023 and International Student Covid-19 FAQ for information and updates.

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions information for this program.
I am a:

Domestic applicants

Admissions information

SATAC Code 324611
2022 CSP ATAR 65.05
2022 CSP IB 24
Guaranteed Entry Score - ATAR 75
Guaranteed Entry Score - IB 26
Deferment Yes - 2 year
Intake February and July
Assumed Knowledge SACE Stage 2: Chemistry and Mathematical Methods IB: Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations (HL) or Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (SL) and Chemistry.
Selection Criteria
Recent Secondary Education Applicants with recent secondary education are those whose admission is primarily based on the completion of Year 12 within the last two years, however if you completed your secondary education more than two years ago, you may still be able to be considered on the basis of your secondary schooling. You must not have completed more than 2 years full time equivalent university study (48 units). You compete for a place with your Selection Rank (ATAR plus any applicable adjustment factors). Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
Higher Education Study You must have completed at least six months full time equivalent higher education study (the number of courses and units will vary depending on your prior institution however at the University of Adelaide, this equates to 4 courses / 12 units). A Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated for each separate program you have undertaken (apart from some double degree programs where the GPA is combined). You compete on the basis of your best GPA. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
Vocational Education and Training (VET) study You must have completed an AQF Certificate IV or above from a Registered Training Organisation. Your application will be ranked according to the level of the award. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
Work and life experience To be eligible to sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) as as pathway for entry, you must be 18 years or over before 1 February 2023. If you have studied at higher education level in the last two years (for 2023 entry this means you were enrolled in either 2022 or 2021), you must not have accumulated more than a TOTAL of 2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) higher education study (ie. including any study prior to 2021). If you meet this criteria, you will be ranked according to your result in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). Your STAT result is not weighted between verbal and quantitative components. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
Other Entry Pathways

2022 Admissions Data for school leavers
ATAR
(raw ATAR, excluding any applicable adjustment factors)
Lowest ATAR to receive an offer 62.1
Median ATAR to receive an offer 84.5
Highest ATAR to receive an offer 99.9
Selection Rank
(ATAR plus any adjustment factors)
Lowest Selection Rank to receive an offer 65.05
Median Selection Rank to receive an offer 86.1
Highest Selection Rank to receive an offer 99.95
Minimum eligibility score 65
Additional criteria considered Selection rank only
Student Profile
Applicant background Semester one/Full year intake 2022
Number of students Percentage of all students
(A) Higher Education study
(includes a bridging or enabling course)
14 34.1%
(B) Vocational education and training (VET) study N/A N/A
(C) Work and life experience
(admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)
N/A N/A
(D) Recent secondary education:
  • Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
    (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors)
16 39.0%
  • Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered
    (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)
N/A N/A
  • Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor
    (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement)
<5 N/A
International students 7 17.1%
All students 41 100.0%

Fees and Scholarships

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant fees and scholarships information for this program.
I am a:

Domestic applicants

Indicative annual tuition fees
Commonwealth-supported place: $6,565

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

More information on Student Contribution Amounts.

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

Direct access to industry leaders and paid internship opportunities: The Academy by Deloitte
Students who as part of their studies take part in The Academy by Deloitte experience will have the benefit of undertaking a paid internship with Deloitte. This internship is designed to shape their business readiness through significant real-world client exposure, access to multiple networking opportunities and relevant professional training.


As a qualified viticulturist and oenologist, you’ll be able to direct and develop winemaking and viticultural practices in areas such as:

  • viticultural management
  • winemaking and winery management
  • food and beverage technology
  • hospitality and tourism.

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

Industry Placement

In fourth year, you are required to complete an industry experience placement in viticulture and/or oenology. This is a practical placement, based on work experience at a commercial vineyard or winery during vintage.

Potential careers

Winemaking, Brewer, Nursery Manager, Vineyard Operator, Agriculture, Agricultural Service Industry, Vineyard Supervisor, Environmental Remediation Officer, Environmental Scientist, Beverage Technologist, Viticulture Officer, Wine Exporter, Wine Scientist, Government or Corporate Policy Adviser, Grape Production, Grower Liaison Officer, Horticulturalist, Vineyard Management, Winemaker, Winery Engineer, Winery Manager, Distiller, Wine, ...

Degree Structure

Level 1 teaches basic sciences and foundations of wine science at the North Terrace campus and the National Wine Centre.  At levels 2 and 3 the emphasis is on the scientific and technological aspects of winemaking and viticulture, with courses taught in the winery at the Waite campus.

At level 4 students will have the opportunity to complete an industry experience placement in either viticulture and/or oenology to enhance personal and career objectives. The program also accommodates an honours stream for those interested in further wine science related research opportunities.

Academic Program Rules

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

Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology

Example Study Plan

Indicative study plan
Year1 S1 BIOLOGY 1101 Biology I: Molecules, Genes and Cells CHEM 1100 Chemistry IA
or
CHEM 1611 Foundations of Chemistry IA (Ag & Vit)
OENOLOGY 1018NW Foundations of Wine Science I PHYSICS 1101 Physics for the Life and Earth Sciences IA
or
PHYSICS 1008 Physical Aspects of Nature I
S2 BIOLOGY 1202 Biology I: Organisms CHEM 1200 Chemistry IB
or
CHEM 1621 Foundations of Chemistry IB (Ag & Vit)
SOIL&WAT 1000WT Soils and Landscapes I STATS 1004 Statistical Practice I (Life Sciences)
Year2 S1 AGRIC 2500WT Agricultural Biochemistry II OENOLOGY 2501WT Microbiology for Viticulture and Oenology II PLANT SC 2510WT Foundations in Plant Science II SOIL&WAT 2500WT Soil and Water Resources II
S2 AGRIC 2510WT Agricultural Genetics II OENOLOGY 2503WT Introductory Winemaking II OENOLOGY 2502WT Sensory Studies II VITICULT 2500WT Viticultural Science II
Year 3 S1 OENOLOGY 3007WT Stabilisation and Clarification III OENOLOGY 3047WT Winemaking at Vintage III PLANT SC 3510WT Plant Health III VITICULT 3021WT Viticultural Science III
S2 OENOLOGY 3037WT Distillation, Fortified & Sparkling Winemaking III OENOLOGY 3046WT Fermentation Technology III VITICULT 3044WT Viticultural Methods and Procedures III OENOLOGY 3530WT Engineering for Viticulture and Oenology III
Level IV for Bachelors Stream
Year4 S1 OENOLOGY 3500WT Industry Experience (Viticulture & Oenology) III OENOLOGY 3016WT Cellar and Winery Waste Management III Approved Elective 1 x 3 units Approved Elective 1 x 3 units
S2 OENOLOGY 3520WT Advances in Wine Science III OENOLOGY 3003WT Wine Packaging and Quality Management III Approved Elective 1 x 3 units Approved Elective 1 x 3 units
Level IV for Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology (Hons)
Year4 S1 OENOLOGY 3500WT Industry Experience (Viticulture & Oenology) III OENOLOGY 3016WT Cellar & Winery Waste Management III VITICULT 4010AWT Honours Viticulture and Oenology Part 2 (6 units)
S2 OENOLOGY 3520WT Advances in Wine Science III OENOLOGY 3003WT Wine Packaging & Quality Management III VITICULT 4010BWT Honours Viticulture and Oenology Part 2 (6 units)

Assessment

  • Varies with individual courses and includes a combination of oral presentations, written assignments,  practical work and/or examination work

Testimonial

The degree is highly recognised around the world's wine regions, just tell them you where you have studied and you will be welcomed with open arms.

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: Thursday, 29 Sep 2022