- What is Viticulture and Winemaking?
- Why study Viticulture and Winemaking at NMIT?
- What is the cost of studying at NMIT?
- Does the Bachelor of Viticulture and Winemaking teach sustainability and environmental issues?
- Does the Bachelor of Viticulture and Winemaking allow for off-campus learning?
- Where will the Bachelor of Viticulture and Winemaking at NMIT take me?
What is Viticulture and Winemaking?
Viticulture is the production of premium quality grapes and covers vineyard establishment and harvesting, involving the design, construction and management of vineyards. Winemaking involves processing of the grapes, bottling and the marketing of wine. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics the majority of grape crops in Australia are used in wine. In 2002-2003, 89 per cent of all grapes produced were used for winemaking.
In the ten-year period to 2002-03 the domestic sales of Australian wines rose by 29 per cent, from 312.1 million litres to 402.5 million litres. Australian wine exports increase from 102.8 million litres in 1992-93 to a staggering 518.6 million litres in 2002-03. The total annual exports of Australian wine exceeded domestic consumption for the first time in 2001-02.
According to the 2001 Census of Population more than 30,000 people were directly employed in viticulture and winemaking. There were 14,480 employed in the manufacture of wine, and 15,629 employed in grape-growing.
Why study Viticulture and Winemaking at NMIT?
University can be full of abstract concepts and theory, with little attention given to applying this knowledge to real-life applications. At NMIT we ensure that you have both a practical and theoretical understanding of every component of the grape-growing and winemaking business. Not only will you understand how and why things work, but you will know why it is important, and when this knowledge can best be used.
At NMIT you will gain a comprehensive practical and theoretical understanding of vineyard management from establishment through to harvesting, as well as the chemical and molecular foundations of common viticultural practices. By the end of their time at NMIT you will understand vineyards from the soil to the leaf, and everything in-between.
The best way to learn how to make wine is to make a wine! Therefore, in the Bachelor of Viticulture and Winemaking you will produce a wine every year as part of your studies. This wine is then shown at the annual NMIT Student Wine Awards where you will gain feedback from some of Australia's best wine judges. Along the way you will learn the intricacies of wine marketing and retailing by designing a marketing campaign for your wine, from label design through to creating a web presence. You will also learn the fundamentals of business management and accounting to ensure that you can step straight into the commercial world after you graduate.
What is the cost of studying at NMIT?
Students can enrol in NMIT's bachelor courses for three year's full-time, or have the option of enrolling part-time. The degree programs are fee for service and costs A$12,000 a year, however all courses have the option of FEE-HELP for eligible students. No additional fees are charged beyond the tuition fees for the compulsory components of any higher education courses.
The tuition fees are calculated based on full-time study. Part-time fees per year depend on subjects chosen (part-time study is only available to domestic students).
Does the Bachelor of Viticulture and Winemaking teach sustainability and environmental issues?
The aim of the Bachelor of Viticulture and Winemaking is to produce students dedicated to driving an industry that is sustainable and environmentally responsible. We know that the future of Australia's industries depends on it and so we have integrated these issues into every subject. Of course, teaching sustainability is only thing, practising what you preach is another. Therefore, we have made a commitment to reduce our ecological footprint by relying on electronic communications wherever possible, using 100% recycled, bleach-free paper where it isn't, and we will soon become carbon neutral.
Does the Bachelor of Viticulture and Winemaking allow for off-campus learning?
NMIT also offers the Bachelor of Viticulture and Winemaking through its innovative flexible delivery program for those who cannot regularly attend class on-campus.
Unlike traditional distance education, NMIT has a philosophy of complete equivalence between on- and off-campus study that provides students with a fully interactive experience. Each week, students receive all the necessary study material, including the audio and notes from each lecture along with any required readings, via NMIT’s Student Portal (materials can also be provided by regular mail). Weekly online tutorials provide the opportunity to regularly communicate with fellow students and the academic staff. They are also freely accessible by phone or email. On-campus workshops are held at NMIT’s Epping Campus each semester, allowing practicals and field trips to be conducted in our state-of-the-art winery, vineyards, and laboratories. It is also a great opportunity to meet and share ideas with fellow on- and off-campus students.
Of course, off-campus students are welcome to attend on-campus whenever possible, be it attending classes or gaining experience in the winery or vineyards.
An optional 4-day field trip in the mid-year holidays is open to all students, on- and off-campus, and offers an in-depth insight into one of southern Australia’s wine regions.
Where will the Bachelor of Viticulture and Winemaking at NMIT take me?
This multi-disciplinary course is designed to produce graduates with an extensive and specialised knowledge of viticulture and winemaking practices through all seasons of the grape growing and wine making calendars. This course includes a study of plant biology and physiology, microbiology, business, entomology, chemistry, soil science and water management.
With rapid expansion of the Australian and international viticulture and winemaking industry there is a need for skilled professionals to improve sustainability in both production and management. Employment opportunities in the viticulture or wine making industries include owner/manager of a winery or vineyard, technical assistant, winery laboratory technician, winemakers assistant, wine/viticulture education, wine marketer, wine retailer, wine exporter.
Graduates will be equipped to continue to postgraduate study or employment as professionals in the viticulture or winemaking industry.
