Master of Wine Technology and Viticulture

THERE WILL BE NO FURTHER INTAKES INTO THIS COURSE AFTER 2013. The course has been developed for employees in the viticulture and/or oenology sectors of 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, and key aspects of financial management relevant to analysing situations, evaluating alternative actions, implementing actions and exercising control. 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.
The third year allows students to refine their viticulture and wine production skills and knowledge, as well as managing the human resources associated with operating a winegrowing enterprise. For students wishing to pursue a career in grape or wine research, the opportunity exists to undertake a major research project.

• to understand and utilise the principles of chemistry and microbiology as they apply to grape production and wine making;
• to compare and analyse the wine production regions and styles within Australia and internationally;
• to devise, improve and implement integrative management practices and techniques for the production of quality grapes and wine;
• to critically analyse and modify wine quality using chemical, sensory and blending techniques;
• to develop appropriate viticultural and oenological responses to changing biophysical, economic and social conditions that impact on the wine industry;
• to lead and manage in complex and dynamic wine business environments;
• to foster discussion, debate and exchange of ideas on wine industry topics,
• to interpret financial information and budgeting for decision-making under conditions of incomplete knowledge, risk and uncertainty

Students enrolling into the Master of Wine Technology and Viticulture with honours or post-graduate qualifications in related discipline areas (e.g. degrees in viticulture, wine science or oenology) can apply for credit for some or all of the four subjects offered at Graduate Certificate level. Credit is not available for industry experience.

The course comprises three years part time or two years full time distance education-based study including residential workshops at Dookie (http://www.dookie.unimelb.edu.au/) campus. Alternate year delivery of selected subjects requires the full time course plan to be taken over two years (37.5 points per semester). Attendance at residential schools is required for successful completion of most subjects. Under special circumstances students with suitable experience in the industry may seek exemptions and complete replacement tasks.The work undertaken during the schoolis generally worth 20% of the final assessment. Each residential school is a week long (5 days) 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. The residential schools for the first two subjects (Year 1) are run in the first two weeks of late February / early March to coincide with harvest at the Dookie Campus vineyard.

Students must complete 112.5 credit points of core subjects and 37.5 credit points of elective subjects.

Full Time Plan

Year 1 - Core Subjects

Year 2 - Core Subjects

Electives

Students must complete 37.5 credit points of the following:

Part Time Plan

Year 1 - Core Subjects

Year 2 - Core Subjects

Year 3 - Core Subjects

Electives

Students must complete 37.5 points from the following:

1. The Selection Committee will evaluate the applicant’s ability to pursue the course successfully using the following criteria: either

• any of an undergraduate degree in any discipline with at least H3 (65%) average in the final year, or a graduate or postgraduate certificate in any discipline with at least H3 (65%) average, or a graduate or postgraduate diploma in any discipline, with at least H3 (65%) average, together with at least two years of documented relevant professional or management experience, or an honours degree in any discipline, or equivalent; and
• a curriculum vitae or resume; and
• two academic referee reports; and
• a personal statement of up to 500 words.

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

Note. Up to 100 points of advanced standing in the Master of Wine Technology and Viticulture may be awarded for the completion of a Graduate Diploma in Wine Technology and Viticulture. Up to 50 points of advanced standing in the Master of Wine Technology and Viticulture may be awarded for the completion of a relevant honours degree or a Graduate Certificate in Wine Technology and Viticulture.

The Melbourne School of Land and Environment (MSLE) welcomes applications from students with disabilities. It is University and School policy to take reasonable steps to make reasonable adjustments so as to enable the student’s participation in the School’s programs. MSLE contributes to the New Generation degrees and offers a broad range of programs across undergraduate and post-graduate levels many of which adopt a multi-disciplinary approach.

Students of the School’s courses must possess intellectual, ethical, and emotional capabilities required to participate in the full curriculum and to achieve the levels of competence required by the School. Candidates must have abilities and skills in observation; motor in relevant areas; communication; in conceptual, integrative, and quantitative dimensions; and in behavioural and social dimensions.

Adjustments can be provided to minimise the impact of a disability, however students need to be able to participate in the program in an independent manner and with regard to their safety and the safety of others.

I. Observation: In some contexts, the student must be able to observe demonstrations and experiments in the basic and applied sciences. More broadly, observation requires reading text, diagrams, maps, drawings and numerical data. The candidate should be able to observe details at a number of scales and record useful observations in discipline dependant contexts.

II. Communication: A candidate should be able to communicate with fellow students, professional and academic staff, members of relevant professions and the public. A candidate must be able to communicate effectively and sensitively. Communication includes not only speech but also reading and writing.

III. Motor: Candidates should have sufficient motor function necessary for participation in the inherent discipline-related activities. The practical work, design work, field work, diagnostic procedures, laboratory tests, require varying motor movement abilities. Off campus investigations may include visits to construction sites, urban, rural and/or remote environments.

IV. Intellectual-Conceptual, Integrative and Quantitative Abilities: These abilities include measurement, calculation, reasoning, analysis, and synthesis. Problem solving, the critical skill demanded of professionals in land and environment industries, requires all of these intellectual abilities. In addition, the candidate should be able to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and to understand the spatial relationships of structures.

V. Behavioural and Social Attributes: A candidate must possess behavioural and social attributes that enable them to participate in a complex learning environment. Students are required to take responsibility for their own participation and learning. They also contribute to the learning of other students in collaborative learning environments, demonstrating interpersonal skills and an understanding of the needs of other students. Assessment may include the outcomes of tasks completed in collaboration with other students.

Students who feel their disability will prevent them from meeting the above academic requirements are encouraged to contact the Disability Liaison Unit.

Phd Studies

The Melbourne School of Land & Environment supervises doctoral research in this area. Three years full time or part-time equivalent.

In addition to learning specific technical skills and knowledge that will assist graduate students in their future careers in the wine, viticulture or associated industries, in this course students will develop generic skills and attributes that will assist them in their chosen career path.

These include:

• an advanced understanding of the changing knowledge base in the specialist area;
• an ability to evaluate and synthesise the research and professional literature in the discipline;
• advanced skills and techniques applicable to the discipline;
• well-developed problem-solving abilities in the discipline area, characterised by flexibility of approach;
• advanced competencies in areas of professional expertise and/or scholarship;
• a capacity to articulate their knowledge and understanding in oral and written presentations;
• an advanced understanding of the international context and sensitivities of the specialist area;
• an appreciation of the design, conduct and reporting of original research;
• a capacity to manage competing demands on time, including self-directed project work;
• a profound respect for truth and intellectual integrity, and for the ethics of scholarship;
• an appreciation of the ways in which advanced knowledge equips the student to offer leadership in the specialist area;
• the capacity to value and participate in projects which require team-work;

The Melbourne experience enables our graduates

• an understanding of the significance and value of their knowledge to the wider community (including business and industry);
• a capacity to engage where appropriate with issues in contemporary society; and where appropriate, advanced working skills in the application of computer systems and software and a receptiveness to the opportunities offered by new technologies.

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 experiences in diverse subjects
-have the capacity to participate fully in collaborative learning and to confront unfamiliar problems
-have 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 contribute 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 responsibilities
-be advocates for improving the sustainability of the environment
-have a broad global understanding, with a high regard for human rights, equality and ethics.

• A profound respect for truth, intellectual and professional integrity, and the
  ethics of scholarship
• Capacity for independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed
  learning and research
• An ability to derive, interpret and analyse social, technical or economic
  information from primary and other sources
• Awareness of and ability to utilise appropriate communication technology and methods
  for the storage, management and analysis of data
• Capacity for creativity and innovation, through the application of skills and knowledge
• Ability to integrate information across a relevant discipline to solve problems in
  applied situations
• Highly developed computer - based skills to allow for effective on-line learning and
  communication.
• Highly developed written communication skills to allow informed dialogue with
  individuals and groups from industry, government and the community
• Highly developed oral communication skills to allow informed dialogue and liaison
  with individuals and groups from industry, government and the community.
• Appreciation of social and cultural diversity from a regional to a global context
• 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.
• Ability to participate effectively as a member of a team
• Ability to plan work, use time effectively and manage small projects