Bachelor of Viticulture

What is this course about?

CSU's Bachelor of Viticulture is designed for specialist vineyard management with extensive studies of viticulture, vine physiology, vine pests and diseases, water and soil management.

CSU's Bachelor of Viticulture is designed for specialist vineyard management with extensive studies of viticulture, vine physiology, vine pests and diseases, and water and soil management. A range of electives enables development of sensory skills, communication, wine production, resource management or marketing skills.

CSU has contributed to the industry since 1975 by developing courses that offer a unique blend of science, business and practical training for wine industry personnel. With access to an on campus commercial winery, which is at the forefront of viticultural practices and winemaking techniques, and teaching staff who are experienced professionals in the field, our students graduate with the knowledge and hands-on experience that give them the edge in the wine industry.

The course aims to:

• provide the scientific background in chemistry, plant sciences, soil science and statistics, which underpin applied viticulture and wine production studies
• examine topics such as site selection, grapevine varieties, propagation, vineyard establishment and management, irrigation and plant protection
• cover the chemical and biological processes that affect wine production, the principles, techniques and procedures for producing quality wines, and also sensory evaluation.

Students are required to gain experience in a commercial vineyard and winery to complete the requirements of the subject Winegrowing Experience. Applicants must have access to a fully developed vineyard and winery to complete the practical requirements of the course.

What will I learn?

The course comprises pure science, viticulture, wine production and some business subjects. The pure science subjects provide the scientific background in chemistry, plant sciences and soil sciences (including irrigation) that underpins the applied viticulture and wine production studies. Students also develop skills in wine sensory assessment. The business subjects provide grounding in organisation and management relevant to a business operation.

Residential school

Some subjects require students to attend residential schools at CSU in Wagga Wagga. Using the University's facilities, these residential schools provide you with the opportunity to immerse yourself in the area of study for an intensive period of two to four days.

Learning facilities

Students have access to an array of on campus facilities, including:

• state-of-the-art laboratories
• an extensive and well equipped experimental winery
• a fully operational modern commercial winery with 28ha of vineyard, processing about 200 tonnes of fruit per annum and producing award winning wines
• tasting rooms for state-of-the-art wine sensory assessment
• extensive computer facilities.

Course structure

School Core Subjects
AGB110 Agricultural Economics
AGB233 Agricultural Business and Financial Management
AGB310 Agricultural Marketing
AGR202 Food, Environment and Culture
AGS107 Precision Agriculture and Data Handling
AHT101 Professional Experience in Agriculture and Horticulture
AHT274 Industry Practice or SCI301 International Practical
PSC104 Soil Science

Additional Compulsory Subjects
AGB450 Agriculture Business Risk and Investment
AGR237 Property Planning and Development
AGR375 Agribusiness Planning
CHM108 Chemical Fundamentals
PSC103 Botany
VIT211 Viticultural Science
WSC101 Wine Science 1
WSC201 Wine Production 1
WSC210 Sensory Science
WSC310 Wine Sensory Assessment
HRM210 Human Resources Management
LAW110 Business Law
MCR101 Introduction to Microbiology

Restricted Electives
AGB320 Supply Chain Management
ENG210 Food & Beverage Engineering
ENG302 Winery Engineering
MKT220 Buyer Behaviour
MKT260 International Marketing
VIT402 Vine Physiology and Performance
VIT405 Integrated Vineyard Management
WSC301 Wine Production 2
WSC4xx Wine Microbiology

Enrolment pattern

By Distance Education study

Year 1
Session 1
AHT101 Professional Skills in Agriculture and Horticulture (8CR)
CHM115 Chemistry 1A (8CR)
Session 2
AGS107 Precision Agriculture and Data Handling (8CR)
PSC104 Soil Science (8CR)

Year 2
Session 3
AGB110 Agricultural Economics (8CR)
PSC103 Botany (8CR)
Session 4
MCR101 Introduction to Microbiology (8CR)
WSC101 Wine Science 1 (8CR)

Year 3
Session 5
AHT231 Agricultural Finance and Business Management (8CR)
PSC215 Plant Physiology (8CR)
Session 6
AGR202 Food, Environment and Culture (8CR)
PSC371 Plant Pathology (8CR)

Year 4
Session 7
WSC210 Sensory Science (8CR)
VIT211 Viticultural Science (Commenced) (8CR)
WSC201 Wine Production 1 (Commenced) (8CR)
Session 8
IRR200 Principles of Irrigation (8CR)
VIT211 Viticultural Science (Completed) (8CR)
WSC201 Wine Production 1 (Completed) (8CR)

Year 5
Session 9
AGB310 Agricultural Marketing (8CR)
AGR220 Extension (8CR) OR
PSC415 Soil Management (8CR)
Session 10
[ ] Restricted Elective (8CR)
AHT274 Industry Practice (8CR) OR
SCI301 International Experience (8CR)

Year 6
Session 11
AGR237 Property Planning and Development (8CR)
VIT405 Integrated Vineyard Management (Commenced) (8CR)
VIT402 Vine Physiology and Performance (Commenced) (8CR)
Session 12
VIT405 Integrated Vineyard Management (Completed) (8CR)
VIT402 Vine Physiology and Performance (Completed) (8CR)
[ ] Restricted Elective (8CR)

Admission requirements

Assumed knowledge is the NSW HSC (or equivalent) with 2 Unit mathematics (or equivalent). Study in one or more of the subjects biology, chemistry, or commerce would be desirable, but not essential. Successful applicants who do not have an appropriate HSC background in these subjects will be recommended to undertake subjects offered through the University's
STUDY LINK program prior to commencing the course.

Students will require access to a winery and vineyard to complete the practical requirements of the course.

To be admitted into the course, prospective students need to indicate their likelihood of success through:

1. previous studies, and
2. other attainments and experience.

Previous studies

Previous studies include:

• the NSW Higher School Certificate or interstate /overseas equivalent;
• the International Baccalaureate Diploma;
• a completed or part completed course of a university, college of advanced education or other accredited tertiary institution;
• a completed or part completed course of a TAFE college or other accredited post-secondary institution (including TAFE Tertiary Preparation Certificate);
• an approved Foundation Studies program certificate;
• completion of undergraduate subjects as an Associate Student with the University or through another University, or Open Universities Australia.

NSW and interstate school leavers are normally selected on the basis of their Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) or interstate equivalent. You may also be admitted on the basis of a strong performance in subjects relevant to your course preferences.

Currently no secondary school subjects are prerequisites for admission to particular CSU courses however some courses assume a certain level of knowledge. This will be specified in the course information if applicable.

English language proficiency

Applicants will be deemed to have sufficient English proficiency if they:

• have completed all their formal studies in one or more of the following countries; or
• were born in one of the following countries and have completed at least one qualification in one of those countries; or
• have completed senior secondary study or at least one year of full-time University study in one of the following countries: American Samoa, Australia, Canada, Fiji, Ireland, Kenya, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, United Kingdom, USA, Zambia
  or
• have successfully completed one year of full-time (or part-time equivalent) post-secondary study at an affiliate institution of the University, with English as the medium of instruction and assessment.

All other applicants must explicitly demonstrate proficiency.

Acceptable tests for English proficiency

Any of the following results, attained within the last two years, can be used to demonstrate English proficiency:

• an Academic IELTS (International English Language Testing System) overall score of at least 6.0, and with no score below 5.5;
• a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) paper-based score of 550 and TWE of 5.0;
• a TOEFL computer-based score of 213 and Essay Rating of 5;
• a TOEFL internet-based score of 80 for undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs, and 90 for postgraduate research candidates with a minimum score of 25 in the writing section.
• a Combined Universities Admission Test (CULT) overall score of at least 65;
• a C pass in English at the GCE 'A' level examinations in either Singapore or the United Kingdom;
• completion of the International Baccalaureate diploma with English A2 at higher or sub. Level;
• a C pass in 'Use of English' in the Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE);
• completion of the UNSW Foundation Studies Certificate with a C pass in 'Use of English';
• completion of an AQF Certificate IV (including English for Academic Purposes);
• successful completion of at least one year of study in a course at Associate Diploma or Diploma level on the Register of Australian Tertiary Education;
• a score of 155 in the verbal component of the STAT test;
• a Pass grade in the Uniworld English College English for Tertiary Entrance course; or
• IRI Diploma of English.

An applicant who does not otherwise meet the University's requirements may be admitted on the recommendation of the Dean of the appropriate faculty.

Attainment and experience

You may also be admitted to a course based on other attainments and experience. These may include:

• voluntary or paid work experience;
• performance in tests and examinations conducted by professional recognised bodies;
• participation in continuing education programs and/or staff development programs conducted by adult education agencies, consultancies, professional bodies or employers;
• completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT).

Internet access

CSU places great emphasis on services to its students. It is a leader in the provision of online services and, in particular, the use of the internet in the support of teaching, administration and communications with students.

The online environment is so integrated into all aspects of student life and the learning experience at CSU that the University now assumes that all on campus and distance education students at CSU will have ongoing access to an internet connected computer capable of communicating with CSU online systems.

Students enrolled in Information Technology subjects (i.e. with an ITC subject code) may be required to have additional hardware and/or software that is deemed essential for the completion of the learning activities in that subject.

Apply now

This course is available to commence study in

Session 1; Session 2