Plumpton College
UCAS Code: P600 | Foundation Degree in Science - FdSc
About this course
Study a course that will help you develop an in-depth knowledge and critical understanding of the production of wines and their global markets. This course has been co-designed with industry leaders in wine production and viticulture. It is validated by the University of Greenwich.
Passionate about the wine industry? Plumpton College is the leading provider of English-taught undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Wine Production, Wine Business, Viticulture and Oenology. Our alumni works across the world at leading production, sales and supply chain companies from England and Wales to Canada, California and Australia.
You can study this foundation degree over two years full time or opt to do it part time over four 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 career guidance.
**Why study at Plumpton?**
- 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 is the perfect location for an immersive learning experience.
- Viticulture is the UK's fastest growing agricultural sector with a predicted 50% growth by 2025.
- 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**
After completing the foundation degree in Wine Production, our graduates tend to go straight into the world of work within the viticulture sector. But you can top-up your degree after completion by doing the final year modules of our BSc (Hons) Viticulture & Oenology degree. This means you will gain a second qualification to add to your FdSc Wine Production.
Modules
**Year 1 (Level 4)** - Students are required to study the following compulsory modules in their first year:
- Fundamentals of Wine Science (30 credits)
- Vineyard Engineering and Operations (15 credits)
- Understanding Wine Styles (15 credits)
- Wine Component Analysis (15 credits)
- Vineyard Establishment (30 credits)
- Study and Research Skills (15 credits)
**Year 2 (Level 5)** - Students are required to study the following compulsory modules in their second year:
- Industry Work Placement (15 credits)
- Vineyard Management (30 credits)
- Wine Production and Analysis (30 credits)
- Wine Sales and Social Responsibility (15 credits)
- Winery Engineering and Operations (15 credits)
Students are required to choose 15 credits from the list of options:
- Sparkling Wine Production (15 credits)
- Independent Enquiry (15 credits)
- Research Methods and Statistics (15 credits) - recommended if you are considering topping up the foundation degree with the final year of the BSc (Hons) Viticulture & Oenology course.
A key feature of this Foundation degree is the time devoted to the gaining of practical skills through work-based learning. Students will gain work-based experience through the practical skills modules which are delivered within the Plumpton Estate vineyards and winery respectively.
In addition, students complete a 30-credit Industry Work Placement module which requires a minimum of 150 hours work within the wine production industry, undertaken either during the academic year or during the summer recess between Year 1 and 2.
Assessment methods
Students are assessed through a combination of assessment methods depending on the modules chosen.
Each course has formal assessments which count towards your grade. Some courses may also include 'practice' assignments, which help you monitor progress and do not count towards your final grade.
Tuition fees
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The Uni
Plumpton College
Wine Production, Viticulture and Oenology
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