MSc Viticulture & Oenology

Course overview

This conversion Master’s degree is designed to equip you with a comprehensive
and systematic understanding of wine science and its related disciplines.
Whether you’re looking to enter the wine industry or deepen your scientific
expertise, this programme provides the knowledge and practical skills needed to
make informed and complex decisions in viticulture and oenology. It is
particularly well-suited for graduates from scientific backgrounds such as
chemistry, food science, environmental science, biochemistry, and
microbiology.

What does the course cover?
You’ll explore a wide range of core topics,
including sparkling wine production, climate change and its impact on
viticulture, sustainable practices, and the chemical and microbiological
analysis of wine faults. The programme includes 120 credits of taught modules
alongside a 60-credit research thesis, giving you the opportunity to investigate
areas such as vineyard management, innovative winemaking techniques, or spoilage
microbiology.

Throughout the course, you’ll benefit from the support of experienced
academic staff and have access to Plumpton College’s specialist facilities,
including a unique research winery and well-equipped laboratories. Study trips
to prominent winemaking regions—such as Champagne and Cava —offer valuable
real-world insights into global wine production practices.

Modules

This course is a conversion taught Master’s programme. Students will complete the following core taught modules as part of the programme:• Analysis of Wine Components and Faults (15 credits)• Climate Change and Sustainable Wine Production (15 credits)• The Science of Sparkling Wine (15 credits)• The Science and Application of Grapevine Biology (30 credits)• The Science and Application of Winemaking (30 credits)• Research Methods and Statistics (PG) (15 credits)

Once you’ve completed the taught phase, you’ll undertake a substantial independent research project, allowing you to explore a specialist topic in viticulture or oenology in depth. These projects may be carried out in collaboration with industry partners and could include opportunities for research within European wine regions.• Masters Applied Research Project (60 credits).

Part-time students will typically complete 60 credits in their first year.

How will I be assessed?

Assessments for the taught phase range from coursework including case study analysis, practical scientific experiments and presentations including examinations. The final element is a 60-credit research project.

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

Studying MSc Viticulture & Oenology at Plumpton feels immersive, challenging and professionally focused. Students join a specialist learning environment where wine science is brought to life through hands-on practical work, laboratory analysis, research and exposure to commercial vineyard and winery operations. The course combines academic depth with real industry relevance, helping students feel part of the future of the wine sector from the moment they begin. Students also benefit from study trips to regions such as Champagne and Cava, as well as access to Plumpton’s research winery and laboratories.

Industry links

Students on the MSc Viticulture & Oenology 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

As part of Plumpton’s Wine Division, postgraduate viticulture and oenology students join a specialist learning community shaped by industry, practical experience and professional ambition. Current students and alumni highlight the benefits of hands-on learning, supportive networks and strong links with the wine sector, helping students feel connected to the industry while onsite at the Plumpton Estate.

“After studying Biomedical Science, I found work through a Wine Graduate Scheme where I developed a general interest in wine and realised I wanted to make a career out of it. Plumpton College was a fantastic opportunity as it allowed me to become a qualified winemaker, gain additional WSET qualifications, and most importantly, I was able to experience a plethora of roles in the industry alongside my studies.”

Joseph, Viticulture & Oenology

“Studying the MSc has enabled me to develop my scientific knowledge of arguably the most complex and technically specific winemaking method. The contacts and relationships made while studying have been invaluable to immersing myself in the English wine industry. Plumpton College is imperative to the English wine industry, as its research supports the development of wines in a marginal climate such as the UK.”

Peter, Viticulture & Oenology

“One of the biggest strengths of the course was its balance. It covered a wide range of topics and combined academic learning with practical experience. A particular highlight was the study trip to Cava, where meeting a variety of winemakers provided valuable real-world context and brought the theory to life.The campus is set in a beautiful location, creating a great environment to study. Since graduating, I’ve started working at a winery in Essex, where I’m continuing to build my practical experience. My long-term goal is to become a winemaker, and the knowledge and skills I gained at Plumpton have given me a strong foundation for that career.”

2026 Graduate, Viticulture & Oenology

Progression routes