Foundation degree (validated by the Royal Agricultural University)
If you’re looking to work in the wine trade or start your own wine-related business, this programme is ideal for you. Covering a practical and theoretical understanding of wine and the wine industry, it’s an excellent combination of lectures, practical wine tasting, work experience, an independent project and the opportunity to visit European vineyards.
What does the course cover?
You will gain a strong vocational understanding of the UK wine industry. In your first year, you’ll cover the grape-growing and winemaking, business modules including data management, finance, marketing, plus an overview of the UK wine trade. In your second year you’ll get to study the world’s key still, sparkling and fortified wine-producing regions in greater depth. This will be backed up with business-related modules including wine marketing and strategy, and wine sales and corporate social responsibilty. You’ll also complete compulsory project and work placement modules.
You’ll explore the wine trade; focusing on business planning, development and marketing, plus modules that link to the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 3 and Level 4 qualifications. You’ll also have the opportunity to study for your WSET Diploma as an additional qualification (the cost of exam entry is additional to fees).
| Entry Requirements: | a. Minimum age 18 years old (on entry) b. 5 x GCSE (C/4) including English, Maths and Science c. A pass grade or higher at the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines d. Qualifications expected, usually in the form of:
Students with English as a second language will be required to have gained IELTS level 6.0 overall with no less than level 5.5 in any component of the test. |
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| Duration: | Full-time: 2 years Part-time: 4 years |
| UCAS Details: | The UCAS code for this course is P500. |
Plumpton is an ideal learning environment, classes are varied and stimulating, and the student body is really diverse in age and background.
Facilities
You can be assured that in choosing Plumpton, you'll be studying in the heart of the South East of England's dynamic wine production industry and benefiting from our close proximity to the London wine trade. We manage 10 hectares of vineyards here - producing about 40,000 bottles of award-winning still and sparkling wine each year.
At our Plumpton Wine Centre, you'll discover our outstanding purpose-built facility consisting of a commercial winery, laboratories, research winery plus a wine sensory evaluation room for you to use throughout your studies.
Future Opportunities
With the UK being seen as the most dynamic of world wine markets, UK wine qualifications are certainly held in high regard. You’ll have many opportunities to network directly in the wine industry throughout your course – opening up job opportunities for you after graduation. Many of our successful graduates have gone on to very rewarding careers: business development manager, global wine buyer, independent retailer or sommelier. You can also choose to continue your studies and top up to your BA (Hons) International Wine Business qualification.
Modules
Level 4
- Study and Research Skills
- Operations Management for Wine Business
- Grape Growing and Winemaking
- Understanding Wine Styles
- Wine Marketing
- Introduction to the Wine Trade
- Wine Sensory Evaluation
Level 5
- Independent Enquiry
- Work Placement
- Wines of the World
- Wine Sales and Social Responsibility
- Strategic Management for Wine Business (Elective)
- English Wine and Tourism (Elective)
- Research Methods and Statistics (Elective)
- Spirits, Sparkling and Fortified Wines (Elective)
Ready to take the next step?
Apply for this course online now to begin you journey towards a qualification in FdA Wine Business.
Talk to us
Not quite ready to apply yet? We are happy to discuss courses and help you find the perfect fit.
Other courses that may interest you
- BA (Hons) International Wine Business Bachelor's degree (validated by the Royal Agricultural University)
- BSc Viticulture & Oenology Bachelor's degree (subject to validation by the Royal Agricultural University)
- FdSc Wine Production Foundation degree (validated by the Royal Agricultural University)
- MSc Viticulture & Oenology Master's degree (validated by the Royal Agricultural University)
