Lincoln University

What you'll study

This programme covers the biology and management of grapevines, the science of winemaking and the quality assurance systems that underpin modern wine production. Study typically combines core topics in vine physiology and soil-plant interactions, pest and disease management, vineyard design and canopy management, with modules in wine chemistry, fermentation science and sensory analysis.

• Vine physiology and viticultural practice – grapevine growth, phenology, pruning systems and yield management.
• Soils, nutrition and irrigation – soil science for viticulture, nutrient management and water use efficiency.
• Pest and disease management – integrated pest management, disease epidemiology and control strategies.
• Wine chemistry and oenology – fermentation microbiology, chemical analysis, stabilisation and maturation.
• Sensory evaluation and quality assessment – tasting methodology, sensory panel design and quality grading.
• Research methods and statistics – experimental design, data analysis and interpretation for field and laboratory trials.
• Industry project or thesis – an applied research project or dissertation based on original research, often carried out in collaboration with industry partners or on-campus trial vineyards.

Delivery normally mixes lectures, laboratory sessions, practical vineyard work, field days and a research component. Part-time and distance-compatible options may be available for industry professionals.

Entry requirements

Applicants are usually expected to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline such as horticulture, plant science, biology, food science, or a closely related agriculture discipline. Candidates with substantial professional experience in viticulture or winemaking may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

• Academic transcript demonstrating relevant undergraduate study; a good honours degree or equivalent is commonly required for a thesis-based pathway.
• Practical experience in the wine or horticulture sector is highly regarded and can strengthen an application.
• For research routes, a brief research proposal or statement of research interests is often requested.
• Two professional or academic referees and a CV outlining relevant experience.
• International applicants must meet the university’s English language requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a wide range of technical, managerial and research roles across the wine sector. Typical career pathways include:

• Vineyard manager or viticulturist responsible for block planning, canopy and irrigation systems.
• Winery roles such as assistant winemaker, quality assurance manager or production technologist.
• Consultancy and advisory positions providing agronomic, pest-management or wine-quality advice to growers and producers.
• Research scientist or technician in public or private research institutes focussing on grapevine health, climate resilience or enology.
• Technical sales and export management for input suppliers, equipment manufacturers or wine exporters.
• Teaching, extension and policy roles supporting regional wine industries and biosecurity programmes.

Why study at Lincoln University

Lincoln University is located in a major New Zealand wine-producing region and has long-standing links with the national wine sector, offering strong industry engagement and practical learning opportunities. The university provides access to on-site trial vineyards and laboratory facilities that support hands-on viticulture and oenology training, plus opportunities to undertake applied projects in collaboration with producers and research organisations.

Students benefit from small cohort sizes, field-based teaching, and a focus on solving practical industry challenges such as sustainable production, disease management and grape quality under changing climatic conditions.