CSU has contributed to the wine industry since 1975 by developing
courses which offer a unique blend of science and practical
training. With access to a
Commercial Winery and vineyard on campus,
and teaching staff who are experienced professionals in the field,
our students graduate with the knowledge and hands-on experience
that gives them the edge in the wine industry.
CSU’s presence in the wine industry is significant, with over 900
graduates now occupying positions in the Australian and
international wine industry. Graduates find employment as winemakers
in corporate businesses while others operate highly successful small
to medium businesses – a diversity of opportunity that reflects the
comprehensive foundation of knowledge and skills provided at CSU.
Courses available at CSU
The School of
Agricultural and Wine Sciences at Charles Sturt University offers
the following undergraduate and postgraduate programs in wine
science and viticulture on a full-time and Distance Education basis,
allowing students to choose the study mode to suit their situation:
The
Bachelor of Applied Science (Wine Science) course develops
knowledge and skills in winemaking by identifying its underlying
science base. Students also engage in studies which may lead to
employment worldwide as winemakers in the fields of applied wine
sciences, wine appraisal and viticulture, quality control; and
in research and development in the wine, brewing and food
processing industries.
The
Bachelor of Applied Science (Viticulture) degree explores
both the theory and practice of all aspects of viticulture,
including vine physiology, plant protection and soil and water
management. Flexibility is built into the course, with students
able to pursue individual interests through the choice of
electives such as marketing, management communication, wine
production and evaluation.
The
Bachelor or Applied Science (Wine Science)/Bachelor of Applied
Science (Viticulture) double degree has been developed in
response to the wine industry’s rapid expansion worldwide. The
program combines subjects from the wine science degree and the
viticulture degree over four years of full-time study.
The
Bachelor of Wine Business degree has been developed to
prepare graduates for the rapidly expanding wine industry. The
course includes components from viticulture, wine science and a
variety of business components including accounting, management
and marketing.
The
Associate Degree in Applied Science (Winegrowing) program
provides a general introduction to the viticulture and wine
industries. The course is designed to educate vineyard managers
and those establishing small vineyards and wineries. Offered
only by Distance Education, this course allows students to gain
professional training whilst maintaining employment in the
industry.
Resources
To ensure students graduate with experience using equipment and
techniques found in commercial Australian wineries, facilities in
the School of Wine and Food Sciences include modern laboratories
with state-of-the-art equipment, an experimental winery
and a teaching vineyard. The University also has 12 hectares
of vineyard and an award winning, fully operational modern
Commercial Winery which processes about 300 tonnes of fruit per
annum.
STUDYING BY DISTANCE EDUCATION
At CSU we recognise the importance of flexibility with workplace
study. Distance Education (DE) allows students who are partially
qualified or working in isolated environments, to complete the
course from their home or workplace with the requirement to attend
compulsory Residential Schools in each subject. These Residential
Schools take place on campus at various times throughout the
calendar year.
DE students in the Wine Science and Viticulture courses must have
access to a fully developed vineyard and winery in order to complete
the practical requirements of the course, and are also required to
attend Residential Schools at the University that provide intensive
teaching on the practical aspects of the course.
Further study in Wine Science and Viticulture
An Honours year is available after the successful completion
of the Bachelor degree. The course allows the development of an
advanced level of knowledge in the area of specialisation. It also
develops verbal and written skills relevant to research and further
studies.
Students who wish to pursue a research career can undertake
postgraduate studies by enrolling in a Doctor of Philosophy
degree.
