WSET Diploma
Winematters has run the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Diploma since 2001 in addition to courses leading to the WSET Intermediate and Advanced Certificates since 1996.
Although the WSET Diploma is firmly aimed at the trade Winematters aims to provide for students with a wide range of interests and backgrounds. On our Diploma courses to date we have had enthusiastic amateurs, people working in the trade for businesses such as the Oxford Wine Company, Stevens Garnier and Vintage Roots, and a number of people employed in the on-trade for establishments including Gees, the Randolph, the Summertown Wine Café, and numerous Oxford Colleges.
Although primarily designed for those working in the drinks industry the WSET Diploma is becoming of increasing relevance for non-trade candidates who have a real passion for wine. Today, one-third of all Diploma students do not work in the industry. For them, the WSET Diploma provides the in-depth knowledge which allows them to explore fully the endlessly fascinating and enjoyable world of wine. If you completed the Advanced but found that it raised as many questions as it answered then the WSET Diploma is definitely for you.
In addition to exploring spirits, sparkling, liqueur and light wines in great detail the WSET Diploma also requires the candidate to anchor his or her factual knowledge to a commercial platform. The economic realities of this giant, global industry are explored with just as much rigour as arcane legislation and obscure grape varieties. The WSET Diploma is more relevant than ever in today’s world of hard brands and the WSET Diploma graduate sees the industry - and its products – with utter clarity. This deep understanding makes exploration of the world’s less travelled wine roads all the more rewarding.
Qualification: The UK Government’s regulatory authority for education, the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA), has developed the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). This is further supported by the Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulator (Ofqual), which is the new regulator of qualifications in England. The WSET is Level 4 and is described by the WSET thus:
- This is a specialist qualification where detailed knowledge is combined with commercial factors and a thorough system for the professional evaluation of wines and spirits. The Diploma is recommended by the Institute of Masters of Wine for candidates wishing to pursue membership.
Prerequisites: WSET Level 3 Advanced Certificate in Wines and Spirits
Qualification Aims: The WSET Specification states:
- The Diploma qualification is designed to give specialist knowledge of the principal wines and spirits of the world combined with commercial factors and a thorough system for the professional evaluation of wines and spirits. The qualification will prepare those who are required to make managerial decisions, interpret information and have a thorough understanding of market trends and requirements in a variety of trade and industry sectors. The Diploma aims to provide specialist product knowledge and understanding of the global and domestic markets for wines and spirits and develop candidates’ ability to present information in a format suitable for business.
More information on the Aims and Objectives can be found on the WSET’s website by downloading the Diploma Specification and Candidate Assessment Guide. Both are available free of charge.
Learning Hours: The WSET Diploma consists of 60 credits. Each credit equates to 10 learning hours. 600 hours is the equivalent of studying almost an hour a day, every day, through the course. Winematters teaches approximately 130 hours over the two years but it still leaves considerable home study – do not underestimate the workload.
Costs: for the 2010/2012 course these are: £1550 excluding VAT per academic year. This fee includes: 6 x ISO tasting glasses, spittoon, registration, the WSET study pack plus all 5* recommended books, our famous notes, all wines, and one attempt at each examination. It does not include trips to wineries or abroad.
To register your interest in the WSET Diploma or to request more information:
Contact: Michael Palij MW
Phone: 01993-848777
See linked pages for further information on Course Format, Typical Schedule and feedback from students.
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Courses for wine enthusiasts who wish to develop their wine tasting skills in a friendly, informal setting. To Educate and Inspire.
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To contact WineMatters, please e-mail Dr Karen Hyde, AIWS or telephone 07855-026734
For Diploma related enquiries please contact Mr Michael Palij, Master of Wine or telephone 01993-848777