BSc (Hons) Viticulture, Oenology & Business Management

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.

This degree is subject to validation by the University of Greenwich for September 2026 delivery.

This refreshed 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)
• Ethical Sales and Marketing of Wine (30 credits)
• Practical and Academic Skills (30 credits)

Year 2

In 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 Wine Business (30 credits, compulsory)
• Sustainable Viticulture, Oenology and Business (30 credits, compulsory)
• Research Methods & Statistics (15 credits, compulsory)
• Cool Climate Wine (15 credits, compulsory)

Tailor your degree by choosing one additional module from the below:

• Wine Production & Analysis (30 credits)

• Marketing & Content Creation (30 credits)

Year 3

Compulsory 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 (30 credits)
• Wine Entrepreneurship (30 credits)
• Advanced Viticulture (30 credits)
• Advanced Oenology (30 credits)

Please note modules are subject to validation. Please speak to an advisor for more details.

Assessment is through a combination of coursework and assessments, typically weighted towards practical and applied learning. Coursework includes vineyard and winery evaluations, sensory analysis of wine, laboratory reports, and business projects such as marketing plans and financial case studies. You’ll also complete presentations and reflective portfolios linked to your 150-hour industry placement. Feedback is provided to support your development throughout the BSc degree.

• The minimum entry requirement is 104 UCAS tariff points. For example, three A-levels at grade BCC.

We consider a wide range of Level 3 equivalent qualifications in subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Horticulture, Agriculture, Economics, Environment Science, and Physics.

Level 3 qualifications considered includes T-levels, A-levels and Extended Diplomas (L3), Irish Highers, Scottish Highers, as well as Access to HE qualifications. We would also consider candidates who have completed a Level 3 Crop Technician (Viticulture) apprenticeship.

In addition to the above Level 3 qualifications, candidates must have at least five GCSEs at grade 4 (or above) and this must include English Language and Maths.

Candidates will also need to complete the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines prior to starting on the course.

Students must be a minimum of 18 years old upon entry.

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

Mature students with relevant industrial experience, but without the minimum academic qualifications, may be eligible for entry. This will be assessed at interview using a portfolio of evidence and employer references.

As part of the admissions process, you may be invited to attend an interview or professional discussion. This helps us understand your motivation, experience, and suitability for the programme. Interviews may be conducted online or on campus.

Apply via UCAS today – course code W700; institution code P59.

Tuition fees

In addition to tuition fees, students should budget for costs typically associated with higher education, such as stationery, core textbooks, and printing. Due to the practical nature of this programme, you may also need:

• Protective clothing and footwear for vineyard and winery work (approx. £50–£100)
• Lab coat and safety glasses (approx. £25)
• Optional study trips and industry visits (variable cost)
• Travel and accommodation for the 150-hour industry placement (costs depend on location).

All essential teaching resources, access to Plumpton’s vineyards, winery, and labs are included in your tuition fee. Please note costs are indicative and may be subject to change.

Funding and Scholarships

Plumpton offers a range of financial support to students from a hardship fund to scholarships. The Plumpton Wine Scholarship aims to remove financial barriers for passionate and talented individuals who wish to pursue careers in wine business, production, or wine science. The Plumpton Wine Scholarship covers 50% of tuition fee costs in year 1 and 2 of study and there are two scholarships available for each academic year. Please speak to a member of the wine team for more information.

_{Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided on this course page. However, Plumpton College reserves the right to make changes to course content, structure, and delivery as part of its commitment to continuous improvement. Courses are reviewed regularly to ensure they remain current, flexible, and relevant. For the most up-to-date and detailed information, please contact us directly.}