Graduate Diploma in Wine Technology and Viticulture

The course has been developed for employees in the viticulture and/or oenology sectors of the Wine Industry, people currently employed in different careers who wish to gain employment in the wine industry, or people who are establishing or operating their own vineyard and/or winery.

The first year of study introduces students to the science of viticulture and wine. An integrated approach to viticulture and oenology exposes students to all operations undertaken throughout the yearly cycle on a vineyard and in a winery.

The second year combines advanced studies in viticulture and oenology with a special investigatory subject allowing students to further explore specific areas of interest within the Wine Industry.

This course is offered by distance education. Students receive learning guides via the subject website and attend a residential school for most subjects. The Graduate Diploma is two years part time. The Graduate Certificate comprises the first four subjects of the Graduate Diploma.

On completion of this course, students should be able to:

• understand and utilise the principles of chemistry and microbiology as they apply to grape production and wine making;
• compare and analyse the wine production regions and styles within Australia and internationally
• devise, improve and implement integrative management practices and techniques for the production of quality grapes and wine;
• critically analyse and modify wine quality using chemical , sensory and blending techniques; and
• develop appropriate viticultural and oenological responses to changing biophysical, economic and social conditions that impact on the wine industry.

The first four subjects introduce students to the science of viticulture and wine, and key concepts of financial management relevant to analysing situations, evaluating alternative actions, implementing actions and exercising control. The two winegrowing subjects take an integrated approach to viticulture and oenology, and on completion students will have reviewed all operations undertaken throughout the yearly cycle on a vineyard and in a winery.

The second group of four subjects allows the student to study viticulture and oenology at an advanced level. Special Studies provides an avenue for students to further investigate a specific areas of interest within the wine industry.

Attendance at residential schools is compulsory and the work undertaken during this time is generally worth 20% of the final assessment. Each residential school is a week long and provides the opportunity to complete practical sessions in the campus vineyard, winery, laboratories and tasting facilities. A tour to vineyards and wineries may be incorporated into residential schools.

Alleight subjects in the Graduate Diploma in Wine Technology and Viticulture are offered by distance education. For each subject students will receive:

• Access to the subject website
• Online course notes
• Residential School Practical Book

Throughout their course students will have access to subject coordinators and other relevant staff via phone and email. During the residential school students will have access to the following facilities:

• Teaching winery
• Vineyard
• Wine laboratory
• Tasting room
• Classroom
• Accommodation and recreational facilities

The Graduate Diploma in Wine Technology and Viticulture will require the completion of eight compulsory subjects of course work over a minimum of 2 years.

Graduate Diploma of Wine and Viticulture

The Graduate Certificate can articulate into the Graduate Diploma in Wine Technology and Viticulture program.

Eligibility

1. The Selection Committee will evaluate the applicant's ability to successfully pursue the course using the following criteria -

• an undergraduate degree and at least one year full time, documented, relevant work experience, or equivalent.

Selection

The Selection Committee may conduct interviews and tests and call for referees reports and employer references to elucidate any of the matters referred to above.

The Melbourne Experience enables our Graduates to become:

Academically excellent
Our Graduates will be expected to:

• have strong sense of intellectual integrity and the ethics of scholarship
• have in-depth knowledge of their specialist discipline(s)
• reach a high level of achievement in writing, generic research activities,
• problem-solving and communication
• be critical and creative thinkers, with an aptitude for continued self directed learning
• be adept at learning in a range of ways, including through information and communication technologies

Knowledgeable across disciplines

Our graduates will be expected to:

• examine critically, synthesise and evaluate knowledge across a broad range of disciplines
• expand their analytical and cognitive skills through learning experinces in diverse subjects
• have the capacity to participate fully in collaborative learning and to confront unfamiliar problems
• have a a set of flexible and transferable skills for different types of employment.

Leaders in communities

Our graduates will be expected to:

• initiate and implement constructive change in their communities, including professions and workplaces
• have excellent interpersonal and decision-making skills, including an awareness of personal strengths and limitations
• mentor future generations of learners
• engage in meaningful public discourse, with a profound awareness of community needs

Attuned to cultural diversity

Our graduates will be expected to :

• Value different cultures
• be well-informed citizens able to contibute to their communities wherever they
• choose to live and work
• have an understanding of the social and cultural diversity in our community
• respect Indigenous knowledge, cultures and values

Active global citizens

Our graduates will be expected to:

• accept social and civic responsiblities
• be advocates for improving the sustainability of the environment
• have a broard global understanding, with a high regard for human rights, equality and ethics.
  

It is expected students will develop:

• Ability to plan work, use time effectively and manage small projects
• capacity to articulate knowledge and understanding in oral and written presentations and to allow informed dialogue with individuals and groups from industry, government and the community