MWineSci - Master of Wine Science

Overview
Entry Requirements, Fees and Dates
Regulations
Schedule
Graduate Profile and Programme Capabilities

The MWineSci embeds Practical winemaking skills within theoretical coursework. It provides opportunities for students to research topics that directly benefit the New Zealand wine industry and to fundamental study fermentation chemistry and biology.

This 180-point postgraduate programme will be completed in three semesters, with the first two 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 City Campus.

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:
15 points from other approved 700 level courses offered at this University
45 points research project

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)

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

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

PhD - Doctor of Philosophy

Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.

Key Information for Students

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Live, study and work in a boutique winery

Other qualifications

If your highest qualification was gained from another tertiary institution, view our entry requirements.

University of Auckland 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.

Taught (180 point) - 4.0 Grade Point Average

Bachelor of Science

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

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

Depending on the type of programme you are pursuing, you may have the opportunity to complete a unique research project. To find out more about the research carried out at the University of Auckland and to identify potential supervisors, check out our researcher profiles.

Completed a Bachelor of Science from this University 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 from this University and passed 60 points towards the Postgraduate Diploma in Science from this University with a GPA of 4.0 (provided the postgraduate diploma has not been awarded).

Note: Relevant majors or specialisations may include biology, chemistry, chemical and materials engineering, earth sciences, environmental science, food science, geography or geology.

If you do not meet the above entry requirements, but have other relevant experience and think you would be successful in postgraduate study, please contact us to discuss alternative pathways into our programmes.

Year Fees Applicable

Domestic Student Annual Fees

International Student Annual Fees

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. Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses. For more information, please see Fees and Money Matters.

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

Scholarships and awards

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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

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This is a limited entry programme: there is a limit on the number of enrolments due to staff or space capacity. For more information, please see the Programme and Course Limitations section of the University Academic and General Statutes and Regulations.

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.

Semester	Application Closing Date	Semester Start Date	Semester End Date
2026 Semester One	08 December 2025	02 March 2026	29 June 2026
2026 Semester Two	08 June 2026	20 July 2026	16 November 2026

1 - 2

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

The regulations for this degree are to be read in conjunction with all other relevant statutes and regulations including the Academic Statutes and Regulations.

1 In order to be admitted to this degree, an applicant must have:

a completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Science from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher, and a relevant major or specialisation, or have equivalent prior study

b completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Science from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II, and a relevant major or specialisation

c (i) completed the requirements for a Bachelors degree from this University in a relevant major or specialisation, or have equivalent prior study

and

(ii) passed 60 points towards the Postgraduate Diploma in Science from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher, and a relevant specialisation, provided that the postgraduate diploma has not been awarded.

2 Equivalence and relevance in Regulation 1 will be determined by the University. Equivalence pertains to the standard as well as nature and level of study.

3 In exceptional circumstances, the requirement in Regulation 1 may be waived by the relevant Associate Dean Academic or nominee if they determine that an applicant has at least three years of relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience that provides an equivalent level of preparation.

Note: Relevant majors or specialisations may include biology, chemistry, chemical and materials engineering, earth sciences, environmental science, food science, geography or geology.

4 A student enrolled for this degree must:

a pass courses with a total value of 180 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

5 The total enrolment for this degree must not exceed 220 points.

6 A student enrolled for this degree must complete the requirements as listed in the Master of Wine Science Schedule.

7 A student must achieve a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in at least 60 points of taught courses in order to enrol in WINESCI 793.

8 A student must complete the University of Auckland Academic Integrity course as specified in the Enrolment and Programme Regulations, Academic Integrity, of the University Calendar.

9 a The dissertation is to be carried out under the guidance of a supervisor appointed by the relevant Academic Head.

b The dissertation topic must be approved by the Programme Director prior to enrolment in WINESCI 793.

c The dissertation is to be completed and submitted in accordance with the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

10 A student may apply to reassign courses passed for this degree to the Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Wine Science.

11 A student who has passed courses towards the Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Wine Science that are available in this degree may apply to reassign those courses to this degree provided that the postgraduate diploma has not been awarded.

12 This degree may be awarded with Honours in accordance with the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

13 In exceptional circumstances the Programme Director may approve a variation to a student’s programme of study in accordance with the Enrolment and Programme Regulations.

14 These regulations and/or schedule have been amended with effect from 1 January 2025.

Complete 180 points comprising:

105 points from Elective Courses, and
15 points from UOFAK - University of Auckland Other 700 Level Courses, and
Either:
60 points for all Dissertation - 1 Semester, or
60 points for all Dissertation - 2 Semesters, and
1 item from Academic Integrity Course