More students opting to study wine

Charles Sturt University (CSU) has experienced a rise in enrolments in its viticulture and wine science programs at the same time the Australian wine industry is feeling the pinch of the global financial crisis and an oversupply of grapes worldwide.

Enrolments for new students in courses in viticulture and wine science have risen from 44 in 2008 to 87 in 2009, including students studying on campus as well as by distance education. This brings the total number of students enrolled in wine-related courses at CSU to 390.

“This increase in students at Charles Sturt University comes at a time when the industry is actually going through a difficult period domestically as well as with its exports,” said Head of the School of Agricultural and Wine Sciences at CSU at Wagga Wagga, Associate Professor John Kent.

“It is difficult to pin down the exact reasons for the enrolment surge. Is it that people often choose education and turn to study when jobs dry up; or is there more to it? The Australian wine industry is approaching the end of one of several cycles of growth that have characterised it from the beginning. Perhaps people are sensing this and preparing for the start of a new era. Perhaps they see opportunities overseas.

“This acknowledges the importance of education and science to improve production, wine quality and business management to ensure sustainability.

“The enrolment rise is also the culmination of work by the School of Agricultural and Wine Sciences at Charles Sturt University to increase its emphasis on viticulture and wine science and our reputation as a leading provider of education and research in the field,” said Kent.

The School of Agricultural and Wine Sciences is situated at the CSU at Wagga Wagga, which is also home to a commercial vineyard and winery. The National Wine and Grape Industry Centre (NWGIC) - an alliance between CSU, the NSW Department of Industry and Innovation and the NSW Wine Industry Association - is also located at the University at Wagga Wagga and offers research and extension opportunities for students.

“Wines made in the CD Blake Experimental Winery at the NWGIC are a special feature of the teaching programs at Charles Sturt University,” said NWGIC Director Professor Jim Hardie. “They are used to demonstrate to students the impact of particular techniques of grape and wine processing. This cannot be done with commercial wines because they are usually crafted using a complex array of techniques used by winemakers to achieve proprietary styles.”

CSU will introduce its first postgraduate degree in viticulture and wine science in 2010. In close consultation with industry, CSU has spent 12 months reviewing its viticulture and wine science program and has revamped its courses for 2010.

The Master of Viticulture and Oenology will be introduced in 2010. The University will also offer the new Bachelor of Viticulture and Wine Science through the School of Agricultural and Wine Sciences at CSU at Wagga Wagga next year.