Course Summary

This programme will equip you with the knowledge, understanding and technical skills required to become a professional vine grower and winemaker. In addition to classes on theory and science of grape growing and winemaking, you will actively participate in the production of the College’s award-winning wine in our well-equipped commercial vineyards and winery. The course also contains a work placement in industry and an independent research project. This programme is unique in the UK.

Course Details - Modules

Year 1 (Level 4): Vineyard Establishment Fundamentals of Wine Science Vineyard Practical Skills Study and Research Skills Understanding Wine Styles Wine Sensory Evaluation Year 2 (Level 5): Vineyard Management Wine Production and Analysis Winery Practical Skills Work Placement Independent Enquiry (elective) Research Methods and Statistics (elective) 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 at both Level 4 (Vineyard practical skills) and Level 5 (Winery practical skills), which are delivered within the Plumpton Estate vineyards and winery respectively. In addition, students complete a 30-credit Work placement module, delivered at Level 5, which requires a minimum of 150 hours work within the wine production industry, undertaken either during the academic year or during the summer vacation between stages 1 and 2. The Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 3 Certificate and Diploma are offered as optional additional qualifications.

Course Details – Assessment Method

This programme is assessed through a combination of exams, practicals and coursework. Please refer to the institution's website for a modular assessment information.

Course Details – Professional Bodies

Wine and Spirit Education Trust

How to Apply

26 January This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application Codes

Course code: P600

Institution code: P59

Campus Name: Main Site

Campus code:

Points of Entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

Year 1

Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry (Year 2 and Beyond)

Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry are not listed for this Course.

International applicants

Standard Qualification Requirements

2 A-levels (CD)

45 credits at Level 3, of which 15 must be awarded at Merit or higher.


Entry requirements are as follows: 1. Minimum 18 years old on entry 2. Minimum C grade in English & Maths at GCSE level 3. A pass grade or higher at the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines 4. Qualifications expected, usually in the form of: • A Level: CD – min.56 UCAS Tariff points (to include at least one A Level pass.) • Or relevant BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma at PPM • Or International Baccalaureate at 24 points • Or Access to HE: 45 credits at level 3, of which 15 must be awarded at Merit or higher. Students aged 21 or over, with relevant industrial experience, but without the minimum academic qualifications, will be eligible for entry. This will be assessed at interview using portfolio evidence and employer references.

Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Minimum Further Information are not listed for this Course.

English language requirements

Test Grade AdditionalDetails

Students with English as a second language will be required to have gained IELTS level 6.5 overall with level 6.0 in writing.

Unistats information

Student satisfaction : 0%

Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs): 0%

Go onto work and study: 0%

Fees and funding

EU 9000.0 Year 1
England 9000.0 Year 1
Northern Ireland 9000.0 Year 1
Scotland 9000.0 Year 1
Wales 9000.0 Year 1

Additional Fee Information

International fees apply for international students, please contact the provider.

Provider information

Ditchling Road
Address2 are not listed for this Course.
Address3 are not listed for this Course.
Lewes
BN7 3AE

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