Viticulture and Oenology (QA only), MSc (Plumpton College)
Study biochemistry, grapevine physiology, microbiology, wine chemistry, climate, sparkling wine and sustainability with this unique MSc in Viticulture and Oenology.
This challenging programme is designed to enable you to develop a deep and systematic understanding of wine science and related disciplines, with a view to applying this knowledge to make complex viticultural and oenological decisions.
You’ll have opportunities to visit other wine-producing areas in Europe throughout your course. Supported by our friendly wine department staff, you’ll be able to benefit from their considerable international expertise and research experience in addition to our outstanding wine centre facilities; enabling you to access an outstanding master’s level education.
Location
Duration
- 1.5 years full-time
- 3 years part-time
Start month
September
Home /international fees 2025/26
TBC /TBC
What you should know about this course
What you will study
Validated / Quality Assured (QA) Programmes: these are programmes approved (‘validated’) and quality assured by the University of Greenwich for delivery by one of our Partner Colleges. They lead to a University of Greenwich award.
About the course team
You will be taught by an expert team whose experience and knowledge closely reflects the course modules. The team consists of leading academics, and experienced industry professionals, along with diverse industrial networks to external international experts who deliver guest lectures on individual modules, and career guidance.
Entry requirements
- Typical entry requirements are attainment of Level 3 literacy in chemistry and/or biological science plus an honours degree in an appropriate subject. Equivalent overseas qualifications will also be accepted. Applicants will be interviewed at the college, or via an internet-based video link. Right at the start of their programme, applicants will normally be required to complete a short intensive bridging course covering the principles of vinegrowing and winemaking.
- A further course requirement is a pass grade or higher at the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines.
- Students with English as a second language will be required to have gained IELTS band score 6.0 overall or above, with no less than 5.5 in each component of the 'academic' IELTS test.
For more information, use our contact form or call us on 020 8331 9000.
You can also read our admissions policy.
For more information, use our contact form or call us on 020 8331 9000.
You can also read our admissions policy.
Available to overseas students?
Yes
Can I use Prior Learning?
Find out more on our Recognition of Prior Learning pages.
How you will learn
Teaching
Learning takes place through a combination of timetabled learning and independent study. Seminars enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups. You will also be able to meet your personal tutor. Timetabled learning may fall between 9am and 9pm depending on your courses and tutorials.
Class sizes
Class sizes are small with a high focus on individual engagement and support. Cohort sizes are restricted a maximum of 20 students. There are a couple of cross college modules which may see shared classes with other degree courses resulting in larger lecture groups of up to 50 students. Small class sizes are a strength of the provision and allow for increased interaction between lecturers and students.
Independent learning
At university, you must develop the ability to work more independently than you have done before. In the early stages of the degree, you will receive a higher level of support from module leaders and personal tutors. In years 2 and 3, you will need to demonstrate an increasing ability to build upon material delivered in lectures and practice through independent reading. Greenwich graduates should be able to think and work independently, analytically and creatively to solve problems.
Overall workload
You should expect the workload to be similar to a full-time job. Each module you study towards this degree is worth 15 or 30 credits. These represent around 150 or 300 study hours respectively. If you receive 100 contact hours for a 30-credit module, you should expect to commit 200 hours to independent study to complete it successfully.
Assessment
Students will be assessed through a variety of methods, such as:
Feedback summary
We aim to provide feedback on assignments taken at the college and to release examination results within 15 working days.
Dates and timetables
The academic year runs from September to June.
Full teaching timetables are not usually available until term has started. For any queries, contact the HE office (HEoffice@plumpton.ac.uk)
Fees and funding
University is a great investment in your future. English-domiciled graduate annual salaries were £10,500 more than non-graduates in 2023 - and the UK Government projects that 88% of new jobs by 2035 will be at graduate level.
(Source: DfE Graduate labour market statistics: 2023/DfE Labour market and skills projections: 2020 to 2035).
| Cohort | Full time | Part time | Distance learning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home | TBC | TBC | N/A |
| International | TBC | TBC | N/A |
Scholarships and bursaries
We offer a wide range of financial help including scholarships and bursaries.
The Greenwich Bursary
This bursary is worth £700 for new undergraduate students with a low household income, entering Year 0 or 1 who meet the eligibility criteria.
EU Bursary
Following the UK's departure from the European Union, we are supporting new EU students by offering a substantial fee-reduction for studying.
Financial support
We want your time at university to be enjoyable, rewarding, and free of unnecessary stress, so planning your finances before you come to university can help to reduce financial concerns. We can offer advice on living costs and budgeting, as well as on awards, allowances and loans.
Careers and placements
What sort of careers do graduates pursue?
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.
Do you provide employability services?
We offer impartial careers guidance to all of our students, email careers@plumpton.ac.uk to explore your next step or to book an appointment – we’re here to help.
Support and advice
Academic skills and study support
The College’s Inclusive Learning and Development Department offers dedicated support for HE students, this can take the form of one-to-one support, exam access arrangements. Students who have a learning disability are able to access support with making an application to the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) from the College’s Inclusive Learning and Development Department.
Support from the department
The Library boasts a collection of over 8,000 books, covering a range of key subject areas within land-based curriculum. The Library also provides students with access to a variety of magazines, periodicals and academic journals through online databases.
Mode of study
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