Agriculture and Technology
Bachelor Of
Overview
Epping
Epping
full time / part time
full time / part time
8
February, July, Midyear
I’ll drink to that!
The Viticulture and Winemaking Major is a hands-on, industry-focused vocational degree, taking advantage of Melbourne Polytechnic’s on-campus winery, laboratories and teaching facilities. You’ll learn everything about winemaking from grape to glass and have the opportunity to release a commercial wine before you even graduate.
Grape expectations
At Melbourne Polytechnic, you’ll be part of a winemaking history that has earned over 70 industry awards. Our programs are designed and taught by industry experts to provide the knowledge needed to work across the wine industry. You’ll have access to world-class facilities, including two fully-operational wineries and over 40 hectares of vineyards located at Ararat, the Yarra Valley, Eden Park and Yan Yean.
Career Pathways
Where will this take me
Graduates can expect to gain employment in all aspects of the Viticulture and Winemaking industry, in Australia and also overseas- Viticulturalist
- Oeneologist (Winemaker)
- Cellar Hand (Assistant Winemaker)
- Laboratory Technician
- Cellar Manager
- Vineyard Manager
- Wine Exporter
- Wine Retailer
Pathways
Successful completion means you could go on to undertake post-graduate courses, particular a Masters degree in AgricultureAkolda Bil
"It means future to me now. All I was doing before this was working in small jobs, or jobs that aren't going to get me far in life, so studying is a huge deal to me. It got me where I am now.... And it actually, studying gave me a path to go somewhere in my life."
Course Details
Class Schedule
Mon - AM and PM
Tue - AM and PM
Wed - AM and PM
Thu - AM and PM
Fri - AM and PM
Assessment Methods
Subjects are assessed in a variety of ways including exams, practical exercises, case studies, demonstrations and assignments
Units of Study
Credit points are a basic measure of student workload. All subjects are given a credit point value. Most subjects at Melbourne Polytechnic are 12 credit points. A normal full-time annual workload is 96 credit points. The academic year is divided into two main semesters; full-time students usually enrol in 48 credit points each semester, part-time students usually enrol in 24 credit points each semester or less.
| Code | Subject | Elective | Description | Year | Semester |
| AGR3VE | VITICULTURE ENGINEERING | Core | Concepts of viticulture engineering practices in commercial viticulture operations and the safe operation of facilities and equipment. Evaluate new information, concepts and techniques relating to viticulture engineering and investigate the management of engineering problems in the vineyard. | 3 | 1 |
| BVW303 | THE AUSTRALIAN WINE INDUSTRY AND ITS WINES | Elective | This subject explores topics including the history, current practices, products, economy, marketing, industry structures and regulation of the Australian wine industry, through both theory and wine evaluation. | 3 | 2 |
| SCI2INP | INDUSTRY PLACEMENT | Core | The industry placement provides opportunities to consolidate knowledge, enhance skills and to gain perspectives and skills essential for employment in the industry. Practical experiences and application of scientific and business theory in a commercial agricultural environment will assist students to critically evaluate technical and generic aspects of the agricultural sector. | 2 | 1 |
| BAT205 | Future Farming Technologies | Core | 2 | 1 | |
| BAT101 | Agricultural Systems and Technology | Core | This subject introduces traditional and modern farming systems, Australian agricultural enterprises, markets, and agricultural technologies. Knowledge of the key concepts of farming systems and how they elate to climate, concepts of composition and landscapes will be covered. Agricultural practical skills that are based on generic examples, as well as being enterprise specific, will be examined and the safe peration of agricultural equipment will be acquired through practical classes. | 1 | 1 |
| BAT204 | Ecological Systems | Core | 2 | 2 | |
| TER102 | Language and Logic | Core | This subject introduces students to the ways of learning in an academic context. It focuses on the critical reading skills required to understand and engage with academic texts and the writing skills required for higher education. Academic skills will be gained through a range of printed and visual material including textbooks, newspapers, scholarly articles, blogs and documentaries. | 1 | 1 |
| BVW207 | INTERNATIONAL WINE STYLES | Elective | This subject explores international wine styles, the characteristics of various international wines and the techniques used in their evaluation and assessment. This subject involves intensive weekly tasting sessions. | 3 | 2 |
| BAT304 | Applied Research Project 1 | Core | 3 | ||
| BES109 | Living Systems I | Core | This subject is a synthesis of traditional biology and chemistry that reflects the interrelationship of the two fields. Traditional chemistry concepts are explored through their role in biological systems. | 1 | 1 |
| BVW109 | VINEYARD MANAGEMENT I | Core | This hands-on subject examines the annual production management cycle of a vineyard and the factors that influence yield and quality of grapes and wine. | 1 | 2 |
| BAT308 | Environmental Management | Core | 3 | 1 | |
| BVW302 | WINE PRODUCTION II | Elective | This subject explores traditional techniques and emerging international practices in winemaking. During this subject students will guide the production of a commercial wine, from the creation of wine production proposals, to setting grape harvesting parameters, and all stages of production all the way through to labelling. | 3 | 2 |
| BAT305 | Applied Research Project 2 | Core | 3 | ||
| BAT309 | Viticulture Engineering | Core | 3 | 2 | |
| BVW214 | Plant Physiology | Core | This subject examines how plants grow together, the behaviour of plants in response to natural and artificial influences and the impact of, and interactions between, components of crop production. | 2 | 2 |
| BAT102 | Food Production in a Changing World | Core | This subject is designed to give participants a strong appreciation for human food production and its challenges from both Australian and global perspectives. The subject will examine the evolution of food production and factors driving change, such as global population dynamics. Advances in knowledge and technology and globalization of markets will be examined, as will concepts such as food security, climate change, and agro-ecosystem resilience. | 1 | 2 |
| BES110 | Living Systems 2 | Core | This subject extends concepts from Living Systems I into advanced fields including metabolism, ecology, organic chemistry and water analysis. | 1 | 2 |
| BVW308 | WINE MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY | Elective | This practical subject examines the role of micro-organisms in the production and spoilage of wine. | 3 | 1 |
| BVW203 | WINE CHEMISTRY I | Core | This practical subject examines the chemical constituents of wine and wine products and the chemical reactions that take place during production and maturation. By the conclusion of the subject students will be competent in undertaking most standard winery analyses. | 2 | 1 |
| BVW306 | WINE CHEMISTRY II | Core | This subject examines the basic principles and concepts of biochemistry and their relationship to viticulture and winemaking. | 3 | 2 |
| BVW211 | VINE PHYSIOLOGY AND GRAPE PRODUCTION | Elective | This subject provides students with a thorough understanding of the biochemical mechanisms that convert vineyard practices into grape and wine properties. | 2 | 2 |
| BVW213 | Rural Business Management | Core | This subject develops the student’s knowledge of financial requirements and marketing principles as applied to rural enterprises. | 1 | 2 |
| BVW110 | INTRODUCTORY WINEMAKING | Core | This subject introduces the concepts of vintage, major wine types and styles, production techniques and the materials and decisions that affect wine style. During the subject students will control the production of their own wine, from harvesting through to bottling. | 1 | 1 |
| BVW204 | WINE EVALUATION I | Core | 2 | ||
| BVW318 | WINE MARKETING | Core | This subject explores the sale, marketing and promotion of wine grape and wine and the steps in evaluating the effectiveness of marketing strategies. This study involves the creation of a full marketing strategy and campaign, including label and website production. | 3 | 1 |
| AEM201 | STATISTICS AND EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN | Core | This subject introduces the student to statistical concepts and techniques and their application in management and decision making. | 2 | 2 |
Studying at Melbourne Polytechnic
Student Services
We're here to make sure that your transition to student life at Melbourne Polytechnic is fun and as easy as possible
Services & support
Student Life at Melbourne Polytechnic
Our Student Life at Melbourne Polytechnic (SLAM) team run the fun stuff on campus: things like movie nights, bake sales, cook-offs, career expos, spring markets, and much more.
Student Life at Melbourne Polytechnic
Specialist Training Facilities
Melbourne Polytechnic has a large range of specialist training facilities in health and community, construction, hospitality, education and more.
Specialist training facilities
Scholarships
One of the most common misconceptions about scholarships is that you have to be 'top in your class' to apply. Melbourne Polytechnic scholarships are awarded on a range of criteria such as merit, your area of study and personal circumstances.
ScholarshipsFees & Costs
When you are studying higher education courses you may qualify for FEE-HELP payments for part or all of your tuition fees. FEE-HELP loans do not cover materials costs.
Fees displayed are effective for new applications received on or after 1 November 2019. Tuition fees do not include textbooks, course materials or overseas student health insurance and visa fees.
After initial deposit, international students are able to pay tuition fees in installments, four times per year.
For more detailed information please read the International Student Fees.
Attend an Info Session
Requirements
- Academic: Australian Year 12 or equivalent, to include mathematics, and one of either chemistry or biology, OR
- satisfactory completion of a Diploma course in Agriculture (or equivalent), OR
- mature age applicants (21 years of age or over) relevant industry experience defined as professional industry engagement for a minimum of two years and demonstrated capacity to undertake work at degree level. Supporting document to include a CV with at least 2 supporting written references
- English: Academic IELTS 6.0 overall, with no individual band below 5.5, or Pearson PTE Academic 50 overall with no individual communicative skill below 42, or Melbourne Polytechnic recognised equivalency.
- Note: All applicants must complete a phone or skype interview as part of the selection process
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