BSc (Hons) Viticulture Oenology & Business Management

Course overview

A future-focused Wine Degree to Launch Your Career in the Global Wine
Industry.

Study viticulture, oenology and business management in this industry-aligned
wine degree. Gain hands-on experience in vineyards, wineries and wine
businesses, preparing for careers in winemaking, vineyard management, wine
finance and global wine trade.

This innovative degree designed for those looking to build a successful
career in the global wine industry. Combining viticulture and oenology with
business management, this course equips you with the scientific, technical and
commercial skills needed to thrive across vineyard, winery and boardroom
setting.

Aligned with the UK Wine National Competency framework and co-designed with
industry experts, the programme follows the seasonal rhythm of the UK wine year.
You’ll gain hands-on experience in Plumpton’s commercial vineyards, winery and
laboratories, alongside developing expertise in wine finance, marketing, ethical
sales and supply chain management.

In years two and three, you can tailor your degree through specialist
pathways such as Advanced Viticulture, Wine Finance, or Cool Climate Wine. A
professional work placement in the UK or overseas further enhances
employability, preparing graduates for careers in wine production, vineyard
management, consultancy, global wine management and wine business
leadership.

This innovative degree combines business management skills with the relevant
grape, wine science and sensory theory and practice to lead to a range of wine
industry careers. The degree is a gateway to exciting careers such as supply
chain management, global wine trading, vineyard management, wine production, and
marketing and sales.

Why choose Plumpton?

Tailor your degree to your career interest
We are your gateway to a
rewarding career in the wine industry
Co-designed with industry and endorsed
by leading wine organisations
Progression route to MRES (Science) Viticulture
& Oenology
95% of graduates are in work or further study 15 months after
graduation (Graduate Outcomes, 2025)
Validated by the University of
Greenwich, Plumpton’s internationally recognised university partner.

Plumpton College is the UK’s leading provider of wine education, home to the
Wine Centre of Excellence and recipient of the Queen’s Anniversary Prize (2024)
for its contribution to the English and Welsh wine industry.

Modules

This industry-aligned degree allows you to gain technical and business expertise to thrive in the international wine industry and gives you the option to follow a wine business management pathway or a viticulture and oenology pathway. Optional modules in year 2 and 3 allow you to tailor your degree to your career focus be it wine consultancy, wine sales and trades, or wine production and vineyard management.

Year 1• Viticulture and Vineyard Management (30 credits)• Wine Science and Sensory Analysis (30 credits)• Introduction to Business Management (30 credits)• Practical and Academic Skills (30 credits)

Year 2In the second year you will be able to tailor your focus to either a business management or viticulture and oenology pathway. Compulsory modules are:• Establishing a Sustainable Wine Business (30 credits, compulsory)• Regional Wine Economics (15 credits, compulsory)• Research Methods & Statistics (15 credits, compulsory)• Sparkling and Cool Climate Wine (30 credits, compulsory)

Tailor your degree by choosing one additional module from the below:• Wine Production & Analysis (30 credits); or• Marketing & Content Creation (30 credits)

Year 3Compulsory modules in the final year are:• Research Project/Dissertation (30 credits, compulsory)• Work Placement (15 credits, compulsory)• Advanced Sensory Analysis (15 credits, compulsory)

Tailor your degree by selecting a further two modules from the list below:• Wine Finance and Strategic Management (30 credits)• Entrepreneurship & Innovation (30 credits)• Advanced Viticulture (30 credits)• Advanced Oenology (30 credits)

Please note modules may be subject to change. Please speak to an advisor for more details.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment on the BSc Viticulture, Oenology and Business Management is designed to develop your academic, technical and professional skills throughout the course. You’ll complete a range of practical and written assessments, including scientific and business reports, presentations, case studies, practical competency assessments, written and tasting exams and project-based coursework. In your final year, you’ll undertake more independent study, culminating in a dissertation that demonstrates your ability to investigate and solve real-world industry challenges.

What is it like to be a student on this course?

Students on this course become part of a close-knit community that shares a passion for wine and the opportunities within the industry. You’ll combine hands-on experience in the vineyard and winery with scientific, business and commercial learning, supported by enthusiastic staff and excellent facilities. Studying alongside students from a range of backgrounds creates a collaborative learning environment where you’ll build confidence, develop practical expertise and prepare for a rewarding career in the global wine sector.

Industry links

Students benefit from Plumpton’s exceptionally strong links with the wine industry through its specialist Wine Division, commercial vineyard and winery facilities, and close connections with leading producers and sector bodies. A particularly important relationship is with WineGB, the national association for the English and Welsh wine industry. Plumpton has a long-standing connection with WineGB, and Sam Linter, appointed as Plumpton’s Wine Director in September 2023, served as Chair of WineGB for four years, underlining the College’s close engagement with the sector. Students also benefit from links across the wider wine sector, including commercial vineyards and wineries, industry researchers, alumni working throughout the trade, and organisations connected to training, sustainability and sector development. These include producers and employers across the English and Welsh wine industry, as well as professional connections shaped through Plumpton’s work with WineGB, industry conferences, applied research, and employer-informed teaching.

Student testimonial

“I chose Plumpton because I wanted to study wine in a place that lives and breathes the industry. The highlight of my time here was the enthusiasm and dedication of the teaching staff, whose support and positivity really shaped the student experience. My passion for wine is what brought me here, and it is what continues to drive me forward as I build my career in the industry and develop more practical production knowledge.”

Jacob, International Wine Business

“I was so happy when I found this course as it felt like a fresh start and could open many doors for me in the world of wine.”

Warren, International Wine Business

“After finishing A-levels, I wanted to do something different for university and this was definitely something different. I’m very interested in making things from scratch, so researching about this course at Plumpton, I was very intrigued. Being the only college in the UK that does a Bachelor’s degree in Wine Production, I was determined to give it a try! Viticulture and oenology are very interesting subjects where you are going to learn a  lot of different things from working with the vines in the vineyard to doing titrations in the lab. I feel that I have met so many different people of all ages and with varied amounts of knowledge about wine, who I can share my university experience with.”

Natalie, Viticulture & Oenology

Progression routes