Education Courses
University of Southern Queensland - AUSTRALIA

University of South Queensland - AUSTRALIA

At the University of Southern Queensland, Were passionate about our students. We want to know you as a person, not just a number. Small class sizes and personal attention means lecturers know you by name, and they want to see you succeed, just as much as you do. At USQ were committed to your success at University, and our flexible programs and supportive staff are here to provide you with as much assistance as possible to achieve this goal. With approx 75% of our 25,000 students studying via distance education, USQ provides specialised programs designed to make your education experience a fulfilling one.

For more than 40 years USQ has had a significant profile in regionally relevant research and is proud of its close commitment to its community. We are pleased to be partnered with the Queensland College of Wine Tourism to offer several programs in the emerging industry of wine science.

Why study Wine Science at USQ?

The University of Southern Queensland first offered its Wine Science programs in 2006 in response to the needs of the rapidly growing Queensland wine industry. The Queensland wine industry dates back to the 1860s and has flourished since the 1960s. Queensland boasts a number of major wine growing regions with climatic conditions varying from the cool Granite Belt situated over 1000 metres above sea level to the fertile South Burnett to coastal regions attracting many tourists. Over 170 wineries now supply a booming local trade in addition to wines gaining popularity throughout Australia, while the export market for Queensland wines is ever increasing.

Wine courses available at USQ

Bachelor of Technology (Wine)

USQ commenced delivery of its Bachelor of Technology (Wine) in 2009. This program develops knowledge and skills in winemaking, wine science, viticulture, wine business and wine appraisal. Students can complete their studies full-time, or part-time while working in the wine industry. Courses cover key theoretical concepts and provide intensive, industry-focused practical experience through on-site training in vineyards, wineries and winery laboratories, based at the Queensland College of Wine Tourism. The Bachelor of Technology (Wine) also includes integrated studies in wine business and weather, climate and climate change, as well as intensive, integrated practical and industry experience. This program is not available fully on-campus or fully by distance education; to complete the degree students will need to undertake courses in a mix of external and on-campus modes.

Bachelor of Science (Honours)

Students successfully completing an undergraduate degree such as the Bachelor of Technology (Wine) or the Bachelor of Science may be eligible to complete an Honours year. This program provides students with an opportunity to further their knowledge and skills in an area of interest to them. Students are given the opportunity to carry out a research project under the supervision of staff with appropriate expertise, the student developing skills in literature research and experimental methodology and laboratory, winery or vineyard fieldwork as appropriate.

Graduate Certificate in Science

Students having completed a three year degree at another Australian tertiary institution or an approved overseas institution may be eligible to apply to study a Graduate Certificate in Science, focusing on wine technology. This program is designed to provide opportunity for students to further their knowledge in areas critical to their professional responsibilities and interests.

Postgraduate study options
Students successfully completing a BSc(Honours) degree may proceed to postgraduate research in the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program. Alternatively research may be conducted in the Master of Science (MSCI) program, which has a range of alternative entry requirements. Entry into postgraduate research programs is dependent on satisfying the entry criteria and the availability of an appropriate academic supervisor. The Office of Research and Higher Degrees manages the enrolment, progress and examination of all research higher degree students. Research in wine sciences is conducted and supervised by staff in the Centre for Systems Biology. These research-based programs provide students with an opportunity to further develop their knowledge and skills in an area of interest to them. Students carry out an extensive research project under the supervision of staff with appropriate expertise.

Resources

Students combine theoretical studies with practical classes which are held at both the Toowoomba campus and at the Queensland College of Wine Tourism in Stanthorpe.

Facilities at the Toowoomba campus include well equipped lecture theatres and teaching and research laboratories, computer laboratories, library, greenhouses, a recreation centre, cafes, banks and building societies, a bookshop and student guild.

The Queensland College of Wine Tourism, located in Stanthorpe, was opened in 2007. This facility is a purpose built venue to provide education and training for the Queensland wine industry. The College boasts a fully equipped 20-25 tonne teaching and research winery, state of the art teaching and research laboratories and classrooms, cellar door, café and amenities. The College has recently introduced a grape and wine analytical service which provides analytical support to the local industry.

Industry Support

The Queensland wine industry strongly supports the USQ Wine Science program, the involvement of many industry personnel giving students a valuable insight into the production of quality wine in the Queensland context. Students are given the opportunity to interact with industry leaders through events such as seminars, workshops and residential schools; working as stewards at various Queensland wine shows; and  participation in wine tasting events with a local winemakers and restaurateurs. 

Industry scholarships

Industry supports the Wine Science program by way of a scholarship made available to a school leaver each year. This scholarship, supplied by Ballandean Estate Wines, provides a $3000 award to a student enrolled in the Wine Science program that shows an aptitude for wine science, involvement in wine science activities beyond the normal school curriculum and intends to pursue a career in the wine industry.

Careers

The aim of the program is to equip graduates with an excellent basis in the sciences underpinning the theories of grape and wine production, with sound technical knowledge of the grape and wine production processes. Students graduate from this program with knowledge and skills to undertake careers in wineries, vineyards, production management, quality control, research and development in the wine and brewing industries, and also for careers in wine tourism.