Duration
Full-time: 18 months
Next start date
2025 Semester One – 3 March
2025 Semester Two – 21 July
Available locations
City, Waiheke Island
Points
180
Programme type
Postgraduate
Taught options available

Programme overview

Embedding practical winemaking skills within theoretical coursework, the MWineSci will provide opportunities for students to perform research ranging from topics that directly benefit the New Zealand wine industry to fundamental studies of fermentation chemistry and biology.

This 180-point postgraduate programme will be completed in three semesters, with the first year of study taking place at the Goldwater Wine Science Centre on Waiheke Island. Research projects in the third semester may be undertaken in collaboration with a wine company, at the Goldwater Wine Science Centre or at the City Campus.

Programme structure

The MWineSci is an 18 month, 180-point programme with the option of starting in Semester 1 or Semester 2.

Students must complete:

120 points of coursework:

WINESCI 701: Winemaking in a New Zealand Setting

WINESCI 702: The Science Behind Grape Production

WINESCI 703: The Science Behind Winemaking

WINESCI 704: Sensory Evaluation and Statistical Methods

WINESCI 705: Project in Wine Science

WINESCI 706: The Business of Wine Production

WINESCI 707: Topics in Wine Science

WINESCI 708: Post-fermentation Processes in Winemaking

15 points from other approved 700 level courses offered at this University

45 points research project:

WINESCI 792

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.

Postgraduate pathway

Download the Science postgraduate pathway (117KB, PDF)

You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Subjects available in this programme

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

2025 entry requirements

My highest qualification is from:

Programme requirements

Minimum programme requirements

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.

  • Study option
    Taught 180 points
    Grade required
    GPA Grade Point Average 4.0

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

Further programme requirements

Taught 180 points

Completed a Bachelor of Science in a relevant subject, such as Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Geology, Environmental Science, Food Science or Geography (or an equivalent degree or subject).

Programme requirements

Minimum programme requirements

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.

  • Study option
    Taught 180 points
    Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 4.0
  • Qualification
    IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System
    Score required
    6.5

    No bands below 6.0.

    See alternative English language requirements

Calculate your Grade Point Equivalent (GPE)

Further programme requirements

Taught 180 points

Completed a Bachelor of Science in a relevant subject such as Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Geology, Environmental Science, Food Science or Geography (or an equivalent degree or subject).

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

How much does a Master of Wine Science cost per year?

2025 fees

Domestic students
NZ$10,892.40*
International students
NZ$52,842*

Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $8.88 per point, estimated at $1,598.40 for full-time study (180 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

See course fees for each faculty

Find out about financial support information

Scholarships and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Student loans and allowances

Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.

Cost of living

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Key dates

Note: For international applicants, the application closing date for Semester Two 2024 is 24 May 2024.

Please note: We will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.

Application closing dates

Semester One 2025
8 December 2024
Semester Two 2025
4 July 2025

Start dates

Here are the start dates for the programme.

Other important dates

See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Where could this programme take you?

Graduates of the MWineSci will have specialist knowledge and skills in viticulture, winemaking, wine chemistry and microbiology, sensory evaluation and wine business.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Winemaker
  • Assistant Winemaker
  • Cellar Supervisor
  • Laboratory Technician
  • Cellar Hand
  • Vineyard Manager
  • Viticultural Technician
  • Vineyard Operator

Further study options

See all study options

Studying a Master of Wine Science on Waiheke Island

Nikolai Siimes is researching the perceptions and acceptability of nanotechnology in the New Zealand wine industry.

Read more

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Key Information for Students

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Experience the University

Studying Wine Science at the University of Auckland

Live, study and work in a boutique winery

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