change with your passion
Bachelor's degree in Viticulture and Oenology
University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Western Switzerland - Bachelor's degree in Viticulture and Oenology
In brief
Degree
Full time
Duration of studies
3 years
ECTS Credits
180
Language(s) of instruction
French
Qualifications obtained
Bachelor of Science HES-SO in Viticulture and Oenology, in accordance with resolutions 2/91, 2/92 and ECO 492-2013 of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) on the training, title, function and definition of oenologists.
Admission requirements
Registration
The registration deadline is 30 June preceding the start of the academic year. All information about registration
Training areas
In viticulture, oenologists learn to master the many aspects affecting the soil and plant pathologies (vine diseases and treatments, addressing alternatives to herbicides and plant protection products: integrated, organic and biodynamic production, vine planting), climate and its challenges (climate change), ampelography (knowledge of terroirs and indigenous and international grape varieties) and cultivation methods.
In oenology, he/she integrates knowledge covering technology, various winemaking techniques, sensory analysis, wine microbiology, oenological analysis and cellar technology.
In management, he/she learns and develops business strategies incorporating aspects of legislation, economics and agricultural policy, as well as competition and marketing.
During the first two semesters, part of the programme is delivered in partnership with hepia, the Geneva School of Landscape, Engineering and Architecture.
The programme covers many aspects of engineering, including chemistry, mathematics and physics. See the full module descriptions.
Module descriptions
The training programme consists of modules that combine one or more courses according to a structure and coherence that serve to achieve the educational objectives. The prerequisites define the skills that a student must have in order to continue their training.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Ms Isabel Baehler.
.jpg)
-
Mathematics I
-
Chemistry-Physics I
-
Biology I
-
Soil Science I
-
Ecogest I
-
Communication Techniques
-
Seminar I
-
-
Mathematics II
-
Chemistry-Physics II
-
Biology II
-
Soil Science II
-
Introduction to Viticulture and Oenology
-
Ecogest II
-
Seminar II
-
-
Mathematics III
-
Ecogest III
-
Oenological Techniques I
-
Analytical Techniques I
-
Cellar Technology I
-
Soils and Climate I
-
Viticulture I
-
Cultivation Techniques I
-
Seminar III
-
-
Mathematics IV
-
Ecogest IV
-
Oenological Techniques II
-
Analytical Techniques II
-
Cellar Technology II
-
Soils and Climate II
-
Viticulture II
-
Cultivation Techniques II
-
Seminar IV
-
Preparatory Work
-
-
Oenological Techniques III
-
Analytical Techniques III
-
Cellar Technology III
-
Soils and Climate III
-
Viticulture III
-
Cultivation Techniques III
-
Seminar Semester V
-
-
Oenological techniques IV
-
Analytical techniques IV
-
Cellar technology IV
-
Soils and climate IV
-
Viticulture IV
-
Cultivation techniques IV
-
Semester seminars VI
-
Bachelor's thesis
-
During the training
A summer university
Study trips
Two 5-week grape harvest placements
Admission requirements
You hold a Swiss degree.
Direct admission
Application subject to selection
Admission after a professional internship:
Internship guidelines
Requirement of at least 1 year (40 weeks) in a related field.
Must include periods of grape harvesting, bottling and pruning.
Outside the family estate, in Switzerland or abroad.
-
Internship report
→ Find out more -
Mr Patrik Schönenberger, internship service, is available to help you find a placement.
+41 22 363 40 47
patrik.schonenberger@changins.ch
-
Admission after a professional internship:
Internship guidelines
Requirement of at least 1 year (40 weeks) in a related field.
Must include periods of grape harvesting, bottling and pruning.
Outside the family estate, in Switzerland or abroad.
-
Internship report
→ Find out more -
Mr Patrik Schönenberger, internship service, is available to help you find a placement.
+41 22 363 40 47
patrik.schonenberger@changins.ch
-
You hold a French degree.
Direct admission
Application subject to selection
Overall average of at least 12/20
The following specialisations:
-
Year 11: Mathematics and Life and Earth Sciences or Physics and Chemistry
-
Year 12: Mathematics or Additional Mathematics and Life and Earth Sciences or Physics and Chemistry
Admission after a professional internship:
Internship guidelines
Requirement of at least 1 year (40 weeks) in a related field.
Must include the grape harvest, bottling and pruning periods.
Outside the family estate, in Switzerland or abroad.
-
Internship report
→ Find out more -
Mr Patrik Schönenberger, internship service, is available to help you find a placement.
+41 22 363 40 47
patrik.schonenberger@changins.ch
-
Overall average of at least 12/20
The following specialisations:
-
Year 11: Mathematics and Life and Earth Sciences or Physics and Chemistry
-
Year 12: Mathematics or Additional Mathematics and Life and Earth Sciences or Physics and Chemistry
Admission after a professional internship:
Internship guidelines
Requirement of at least 1 year (40 weeks) in a related field.
Must include the grape harvest, bottling and pruning periods.
Outside the family estate, in Switzerland or abroad.
-
Internship report
→ Find out more -
Mr Patrik Schönenberger, internship service, is available to help you find a placement.
+41 22 363 40 47
patrik.schonenberger@changins.ch
-
Admission after a professional internship:
Internship guidelines
Requirement of at least 1 year (40 weeks) in a related field.
Must include periods of grape harvesting, bottling and pruning.
Outside the family estate, in Switzerland or abroad.
-
Internship report
→ Find out more -
Mr Patrik Schönenberger, internship service, is available to help you find a placement.
+41 22 363 40 47
patrik.schonenberger@changins.ch
-
You hold another qualification
You can consult the HES-SO admission requirements or contact the CHANGINS admissions office.
School fees
Valid from the start of the academic year in September 2025
Taxes and fees
Swiss students
International students
Registration fee
Only payment of this fee confirms registration at Changins. In the event of non-payment, the application form will be returned.
CHF 150.-
CHF 150.-
Study fee
This fee is charged for as long as the student is enrolled, uses the school's resources and has not submitted their Bachelor's thesis.
CHF 700.-
Par semestre
CHF 1'050.-
Per semester
Contribution towards the cost of teaching materials and resources
Flat rate for laboratory products and practical work.
CHF 150.-
Per semester
CHF 150.-
Per semester
Compulsory supplementary accident insurance
Journeys between home and school, between schools, lessons, visits and outdoor teaching.
CHF 55.-
Per year
CHF 55.-
Per year
Registration maintenance fee
This fee is charged to students who are on leave or who have already submitted their Bachelor's thesis but still have to defend it and who no longer use the school's resources.
CHF 150.-
Per semester
CHF 150.-
Per semester
School fees
Valid from the start of the academic year in September 2025
Only payment of this fee confirms enrolment at Changins. In the event of non-payment, the application will be returned.
Swiss students: CHF 150
Foreign students: CHF 150
This fee is charged for as long as the student is enrolled, uses the school's resources and has not submitted their Bachelor's thesis.
Swiss students: CHF 700 per semester
Foreign students: CHF 1,050 per semester
Flat rate for laboratory products and practical work.
Swiss students: CHF 150 per semester
Foreign students: CHF 150 per semester
Commuting between home and school, school and school, lessons, visits and outdoor teaching.
Swiss students: CHF 55 per year
Foreign students: CHF 55
This fee is charged to students who are on leave or who have already submitted their Bachelor's thesis but still have to defend it and no longer use the school's resources.
Swiss students: CHF 150 per semester
International students: CHF 150 per semester
Professional achievements and prospects
Upon completion of their training, oenologists can adapt their knowledge to a variety of climatic and economic conditions. They have all the skills necessary to :
Qualified domain manager
Wine expert
Marketing and management consultant
Consultant in viticulture, winemaking, etc.
Teacher or lecturer
Scientific adviser in a public service, outreach organisation or government department
Success and employment
82%
of Bachelor's degree graduates find employment within six months of graduating.
Register for training
Contact person for queries
Isabel Baehler
Executive assistant and admissions officer