Bachelor of Wine Science

I'm a domestic student, commencingstudent, looking to commence studying in 2026.
There are no upcoming offerings for the year 2026.
This course has no domestic offering.
This course has no international offering.

Combine science and creativity to develop outstanding wines with the Bachelor of Wine Science from Charles Sturt University. Designed to develop your knowledge and hands-on skills in winemaking, wine science and wine appraisal, this degree is backed by Charles Sturt's four-decade history of delivering courses that blend science, business and practical training to give wine industry personnel the edge in their careers.

You can choose to study this course part-time over six years or fast-track your degree – either online or via blended learning (a combination of on-campus and online study) – and complete within four years.

This course is part of an articulated program of study. Articulated programs allow you to build on your study to achieve the right level of qualification for you.

    Missed our Agriculture and Environmental Science Information Night? Catch up here.

    Key information

    Study mode and sessions

    Online
    Next session start: March 2, 2026
    Session 1 : March 2, 2026
    Online
    Session 2 : July 13, 2026
    Online

    Duration

    Minimum time - 4 year(s)
    Maximum time - 6 year(s)

    Entry score

    60

    Indicative fees

    TBA

    Course points and codes

    Credit Points: 192
    AQF: Level 7
    Cricos:

    Additional information

    • First Nations Direct Entry Program
    • Charles Sturt Advantage early offer program
    • Work-integrated learning
    • On campus intensive school
    • Commonwealth supported places available

    Applications close February 12

    Etiam vulputate diam eget convallis maximus. Quisque pulvinar tristique magna.
    Donec volutpat quis vulputate elit ac, pellentesqu nibh. Mauris tempus libero risus, non auctor justo egestas

    Find out more

    Why study with us?

    Our Bachelor of Wine Science combines wine production, wine chemistry and wine sensory subjects, and offers you the scientific background in chemistry, microbiology and plant science that underpins wine science studies.

    A sensory and scientific journey

    Uncover the sensory characteristics of wines and develop your scientific approach to produce winning ranges. During this course you'll learn how taste, texture and smell influence the wine-tasting experience, and you'll apply this knowledge to your own winemaking.

    Apply technologies to innovate

    Hone your understanding of the science and technology of wine production, wine microbiology, wine chemistry and winery engineering. Discover the techniques to emphasise styles of winemaking and learn how these influence wine structure and quality.

    Build a career with a global future

    Charles Sturt University's presence in the wine industry is significant, with more than 1000 graduates of our wine and viticulture courses now occupying positions in the Australian and international wine industries.

    Learn at your own place and pace

    Combine coursework with real-world experience - apply your new knowledge to your current wine industry role. Take the opportunity to test your learning in an international context with an overseas placement.

    Study that suits you

    You can study this degree online over six years part-time, so you can continue working while you learn. You may also be able to study parts of your course on campus, and/or take more subjects in order to fast-track your degree - potentially graduating in just 4-5 years.

    We’re #1 in Australia for ag and enviro undergrads who get jobs.

    86% of our grads get full-time jobs within 4 months of graduating.

    *Good Universities Guide 2022/23

    Career opportunities

    When you graduate, you'll be ready to make your mark in a wide range of careers, including:

    • Assistant vineyard manager
    • Boutique winery manager
    • Winemaker
    • Wine researcher
    • Wine scientist

    What you will study

    For each 8-point subject you are enrolled in, you should expect to spend 10 to 12 hours per week working on assignments and assigned readings, tutorial assistance, individual or group research/study, forum activity, workplace learning, and attending lectures, intensive schools, or examinations. If you are studying four subjects per session, this is equivalent to a full-time job. The workload for some subjects may vary as a result of approved course design.

    Intensive school

    You may need to attend an online or on-campus intensive school for certain subjects in this course. These schools usually involve lectures, tutorials and practicals that will give you a deeper understanding of your subject.

    Core subjects176 Credit Points

    Legend:
    • Intensive school
    • Workplace learning
    AGR202Food Environment and Culture8 credit pts
    AGS203Agricultural Biotechnology8 credit pts
    AHT101Foundations of Agriculture8 credit pts
    AHT231Agricultural Finance and Business Management8 credit pts
    AHT274Industry Practice8 credit pts
    CHM115Chemistry 1A8 credit pts
    CHM107Chemistry 1B8 credit pts
    IKC101First Nations Foundations: Knowing, Relating and Understanding Country8 credit pts
    MCR101Introduction to Microbiology8 credit pts
    PSC103Botany8 credit pts
    PSC104Soil Science8 credit pts
    VIT212Viticultural Science8 credit pts
    WSC111Grape and Wine Science8 credit pts
    WSC115Wine Science 18 credit pts
    WSC202Wine Production 18 credit pts
    WSC217Sensory Science8 credit pts
    WSC303Wine Production 28 credit pts
    WSC316Wine Sensory Assessment8 credit pts
    WSC317Wine Science 28 credit pts
    WSC318Wine Microbiology8 credit pts
    WSC319Wine Chemistry8 credit pts
    WSC321Winery Engineering8 credit pts

    Unrestricted elective16 Credit Points

    Legend:
    • Intensive school
    • Workplace learning
    Students select two (2) subjects from any discipline. At least one (1) elective must be at level 200 or above.
    XUN008Unrestricted elective8 credit pts
    XUN008Unrestricted elective8 credit pts
    For enrolment pattern please refer to the handbook.

    Graduation requirements

    As a Charles Sturt University student, throughout your course you have a responsibility to continue to develop skills in English language, literacy and numeracy as appropriate to your discipline. This ongoing development will enable you to effectively participate in your course and graduate prepared to enter the workforce.

    Costs

    Calculate my fee

    The section below is designed to allow you to select the option specific to your circumstances to discover the course fee and course offering information appropriate for you.

    Reset fee calculator

    How is this calculated?

    This is an estimate

    • Fees calculated based on 1 year of full-time study (ETSL).
    • Fees dependant on chosen subjects.
    • Subject to annual increase each year.

    Scholarships

    We have scholarships and grants, totalling over $11 million annually!

    They cover various areas such as academic performance, volunteering, sports achievements, community service, specific courses, on-campus living and individuals in unique circumstances.

    Explore scholarships

    Entry requirements

    Selection rank:

    60

    Learn about how our selection ranks are calculated (including ATARs and adjustment factors).

    View the course profile for this course.

    • A completed High School Certificate with minimum required ATAR (including adjustment factors) or equivalent.
      OR
    • A completed Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) with an equivalent ranking to the currently listed ATAR.
      OR
    • A completed AQF Certificate III or higher level qualification.
      OR
    • 50% completion of an AQF Diploma level qualification.
      OR
    • A completed Tertiary Preparation Course from an Australian University or an accredited provider demonstrating a reasonable prospect of success through the Grade Point Average (GPA) gained in these studies.
      OR
    • Successful completion of two university level subjects (AQF level Associate Degree or higher) demonstrating a reasonable prospect of success through the Grade Point Average (GPA) gained in these studies.

    NOTE:

    Successful applicants who do not have an appropriate high school background in chemistry or mathematics are strongly recommended to undertake Introductory Chemistry (SSS010) and Maths Skills 2 - Intermediate A & B (SSS072 & SSS073) in the University's Study Link program prior to commencing study in the course.

    This course contains work integrated learning requiring access to winery or basic winemaking and analysis equipment for the production of wine (WSC202, WSC303) and a four-week placement in a commercial vineyard, winery or wine business (AHT274).  

    Standard English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements apply.  Click here to view the specific international course entry requirements.

    Credit and pathways

    If you’ve completed relevant tertiary study, or work experience related to your course, you could receive credit towards your degree. Which would mean completing your qualification quicker. Find out how to apply for credit and see our credit policy.

    Check your eligibility for credit

    We also have several admission pathways to help you take the step into your preferred course, even if you don't quite meet the entry requirements at first. Find out what admission pathways are available to you.

    How to apply

    Applying to Charles Sturt University is easy. Choose how you want to apply below, or get in touch with Charles Sturt University and we can help you with your application.

    Apply via UAC

    Important dates

    Refer to key dates on the UAC website

    Apply through UAC
    Apply via VTAC

    Important dates

    Refer to key dates on the VTAC website

    Apply through VTAC
    Apply directly to Charles Sturt

    Important dates

    Check out our direct application closing dates

    Check out our direct application closing dates

    Check out our direct application closing dates

    Apply direct

    I make wine for my own wine label so the flexibility of studying part-time in a degree that was structured around the busy vintage period was very important to me. The course is also one of the leading degrees in the field in the country.

    Rob Mack - Bachelor of Wine Science
    View more alumni stories
    portrait of
    This page displays sessions, study modes and locations for the selected year. Please note course content is the latest approved and is subject to change. See full legal terms