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Viticulture & Oenology

Plumpton College

UCAS Code: P610 | Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

Plumpton College

UCAS Code: P610 | Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

Entry requirements

UCAS Tariff

104

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About this course

Course option

3years

Full-time | 2025

Subjects

Food and beverage production

Applied microbiology

Viticulture is the UK’s fastest growing agricultural sector and the industry is in need of highly trained and academically skilled graduates to enter the sector. Plumpton College is the leading provider of English-taught undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Viticulture, Oenology, Wine Production, and Global Wine Business Management.

This BSc degree is aimed at individuals who are passionate about the wine industry and looking to progress to a career as a viticulturalist, winemaker, oenologist, vineyard manager or wine consultant or researcher. You can study the science of grape growing and winemaking in our commercial winery and vineyard located in East Sussex. This course has a strong scientific focus, which blends current grape and wine science theory with advanced application either in the laboratory, vineyard or winery, giving you an immersive learning experience. This 3-year full time BSc degree has been co-designed with industry leaders in the wine sector. It is validated and quality assured by the University of Greenwich's Faculty of Science & Engineering.

Did you know, Plumpton College has been awarded the prestigious Queen's Anniversary Prize (2024) for its work in providing quality education and training for wine studies. We have been delivering quality wine-related education for over 40 years and have recently invested in our commercial winery facilities. Our alumni works across the world at leading production, wineries, vineyards, sales and supply chain companies from England and Wales to Canada, California and Australia.

You can study this degree over three years full time or opt to do it part time over six years. You will be taught by an expert team whose experience and knowledge closely reflects the course modules. The team consists of leading academics, and experienced industry professionals, along with diverse industrial networks to external international experts who deliver guest lectures on individual modules, and provide career guidance. Our wine programmes are endorsed by WineGB, the leading trade body for the wine industry in England and Wales.

**Why study at Plumpton in East Sussex?**
- We are the UK Centre of Excellence in Wine education, training, and research and winner of the prestigious Queen's Award 2024.

- Our 800-acre Sussex estate with its commercial winery is the perfect location for an immersive learning experience.

- We have been training winemakers and viticulturalists for over 40 years.

- Our graduates are in high profile and successful professional roles across the world.

- Our degrees are quality assured by the University of Greenwich (TEF Gold).

**Progression opportunities and furthering your career in the wine industry**
The degree will set you up to enter the world of work immediately after graduation. Our students are immersed in an industry work placement in the second year of study and often secures employment before returning for their final year of study. Our alumni work across the world from California to Australia and beyond.

**What subjects do I need to get into viticulture?**
You do not need to be from a farming background to get into viticulture. Students who have studied science related subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, or Physics will be able to grasp the scientific concepts. Please refer to the minimum entry criteria.

Modules

**Year 1 (Level 4)** - Students will be studying a suite of compulsory modules in the first year as below:
Vineyard Engineering and Operations (15 credits)
Understanding Wine Styles (15 credits)
Wine Component Analysis (15 credits)
Fundamentals of Wine Science (30 credits)
Vineyard Establishment (30 credits)
Study and Research Skills (15 credits)

**Year 2 (Level 5)** - You will study a compulsory set of modules in the second year and choose between two electives to include:
Vineyard Management (30 credits)
Wine Production and Analysis (30 credits)
Wine Sales and Social Responsibility (15 credits)
Winery Engineering and Operations (15 credits)
Research Methods and Statistics (15 credits)
Sparkling Wine Production (elective) (15 credits)
English Wine and Tourism (elective) (15 credits)

**Year 3 (Level 6)** - The final year of study comprises advanced modules -
Advanced Viticulture (30 credits)
Advanced Oenology (30 credits)
Applied Wine Sensory Evaluation (15 credits)
Industry Work Placement (15 credits) - this module is typically completed either in a summer vineyard placement or in a winery setting during a wine production cycle.
Research Project (30 credits)

Assessment methods

Students are assessed through a combination of assessment methods which may include writing reports, performing a series of statistical analysis, written examinations, pracitcal exams (e.g., tastings), and coursework such as essays, case study analysis and presentations. In your final year of study, you will have the opportunity to submit a research dissertation (30 credits).

Tuition fees

Select where you currently live to see what you'll pay:

Channel Islands
£9,275
per year
England
£9,275
per year
EU
£9,275
per year
Northern Ireland
£9,275
per year
Republic of Ireland
£9,275
per year
Scotland
£9,275
per year
Wales
£9,275
per year

The Uni

Course location:

Plumpton College

Department:

Wine Production, Viticulture and Oenology

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