Duration
Full-time: 18 months
Next start date
2026 Semester One – 2 March
2026 Semester Two – 20 July
Available locations
City, Waiheke Island
Points
180
Programme type
Postgraduate
Taught options available

Programme overview

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.

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

Explore the Master of Wine Science course schedule in the Curriculum Catalogue to find courses you can take in this programme. 

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.

For detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.

Subjects available in this programme

For detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.

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 option
    Taught 180 points
    Grade required
    GPA Grade Point Average 4.0

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

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).

Other pathways to study

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. 

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 option
    Taught 180 points
    Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 4.0
  • Qualification
    IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System
    Score required
    6.5

    No bands below 6.0.

    See alternative English language requirements

Calculate your Grade Point Equivalent (GPE)

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).

For detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.

How much does a Master of Wine Science cost per year?

2026 fees

Domestic students
NZ$11,545.20*
International students
NZ$55,484*

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 $9.44 per point, estimated at $1,699.20 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.

See course fees for each faculty

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.

For detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.

Key dates

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 2026
8 December 2025
Semester Two 2026
8 June 2026

Start dates

Here are the start dates for the programme.

Other important dates

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

For detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.

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

Further study options

See all study options

Studying a Master of Wine Science on Waiheke Island

Nikolai Siimes is researching the perceptions and acceptability of nanotechnology in the New Zealand wine industry.

Read more

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Key Information for Students

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Experience the University

Studying Wine Science at the University of Auckland

Live, study and work in a boutique winery

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