Master's programme in Viticulture and Enology

Programme description

The Viticulture and Enology program is a two-year interdisciplinary program of study that provides the acquisition of knowledge to master and understand modern and sustainable technologies of grape production and processing while understanding all the agro-ecological, physiological, plant pathological, chemical, and microbiological processes involved. as well as the applied technologies of modern plant and vine biotechnology. With electives provided for both the 1st and 2nd year, students can delve deeper into selected areas of viticulture and enology, such as fertilization and soil fertility, climate change, and its impact on viticulture and enology. In the 2nd year, students can specialize in selected areas of viticulture and winemaking, such as fertilization and soil fertility, climate change, and its impact on viticulture and enology.

During the course of study, the student will be in constant contact with fresh, current, scientific, and professional content in the field of viticulture and winemaking and other content of the program.

With the acquired knowledge, graduates will be able to handle more demanding and responsible work processes in viticulture and winemaking - in the production/processing of grapes/wine, and they will also be able to perform demanding work in analytical and research laboratories, as well as in administrative and control areas. They learn creative problem-solving in all areas included in the program. Within each subject, students will develop their theoretical knowledge into original insights, as well as be able to critically reflect on existing knowledge in different areas.

The program is conducted in English and Slovenian and was first offered in the academic year 2019/2020.

Admission requirements

Students who have completed the following may enroll in the program:

A. BSc program from Slovenia or abroad in the following fields: Biology, biotechnology, microbiology, food, agriculture, agronomy, viticulture, and fruit growing amounting to at least 180 ECTS;

B. BSc study program of the other fields (after those listed in point A.) from Slovenia or abroad in the amount of at least 180 ECTS.

Graduates of these studies can enroll in the program if they previously acquire 10 to 60 ECTS by fulfilling examination obligations from the canon of subjects of the BSc study program Viticulture and Enology at the University Nova Gorica (School for viticulture and enology). These obligations depend on the diversity of the professional field of the completed BSc studies and are determined for each individual by the competent Academic affairs committee of the School for Viticulture and Enology. The candidate must pass these additional examinations before enrolling in MSc study program Viticulture and enology.

C. Old higher professional studies from Slovenia or from abroad in the following fields: Biology, biotechnology, microbiology, food, agriculture, agronomy, viticulture, viticulture, and fruit growing, amounting to at least 180 ECTS;

D. Old higher professional study program of other disciplines (corresponding to those mentioned in point A.) from Slovenia or abroad in the amount of at least 180 ECTS. Graduates of these studies may enroll in the program if they previously acquire 10 to 60 ECTS by fulfilling examination obligations from the complex of subjects of the BSc study program Viticulture and Enology at the School for viticulture and enology. These obligations depend on the diversity of the professional field of the completed 1st level (BSc) studies and are determined individually for each person by the competent Academic affair committee of the School for Viticulture and Enology. The candidate must pass these additional examinations before admission to the MSc program Viticulture and Enology.

Selection criteria

Candidates according to points A. and C .: If the number of candidates exceeds the number of available places, they will be ranked and selected according to their success in the undergraduate or BSc studies (average mark of the passed exams).

Candidates from points B. and D. will be selected based on Average marks in undergraduate studies (60%) and an average of additional examinations (40%).

Educational and professional goals

The basic aim of the MSc study program is to acquire in-depth knowledge and understanding of the most important, new, advanced, and environmentally friendly working principles in viticulture and enology, with emphasis on their critical understanding, as well as the ability to select examples of techniques to solve current professional as well as scientific issues in viticulture and winemaking.

Access to further studies

After finishing the second cycle courses the graduates can continue their study on doctoral programmes that grant the title "Doktor znanosti" (equivalent to Doctor of Science), in agreement with admission conditions of each study programme.

Assessment

Knowledge testing is set in advance. There are at least three test dates for each subject in the current academic year. The dates are set within a week of the start of lectures in the subject. The method of knowledge testing depends on the content and delivery method of an individual course. Products such as seminar papers and projects may be assessed, with the emphasis on the student's oral presentation to the lecturer and students in addition to the written product. This encourages the most active approach possible, creativity, and the development of performance skills and argumentative discussion. Knowledge acquired will be assessed through written and/or oral examinations, but may also be assessed through colloquia as an ongoing form of knowledge review.