- 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.
Subjects available in this programme
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 optionTaught 180 pointsGrade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 4.0
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), with a GPA of 4.0 in 60 points above Stage II.
Or, alternatively, have completed a Bachelors degree and passed 60 points towards the Postgraduate Diploma in Science with a GPA of 4.0 (provided the postgraduate diploma has not been awarded).
In exceptional circumstances, these requirements may be waived by the Associate Dean Academic, or nominee, if it is determined that you have at least three years of relevant practical, professional or scholarly exerpeience.
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 optionTaught 180 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 4.0
-
QualificationIELTS Academic International English Language Testing SystemScore required6.5
No bands below 6.0.
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).
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 $9.24 per point, estimated at $1,663.20 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.
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.
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.
| Semester One | Starts – 26 February |
|---|---|
| Ends – 24 June | |
| Semester Two | Starts – 15 July |
| Ends – 11 November |
| Semester One | Starts – 3 March |
|---|---|
| Ends – 30 June | |
| Semester Two | Starts – 21 July |
| Ends – 17 November |
Other important dates
See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.
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
Nikolai Siimes is researching the perceptions and acceptability of nanotechnology in the New Zealand wine industry.
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Key Information for Students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.
Experience the University
Studying Wine Science at the University of Auckland
Live, study and work in a boutique winery
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