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 2023/24
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.
Plumpton College
The course is offered by one of the university's partner colleges.
Plumpton College offers land & environment courses in agriculture, horticulture, animal behaviour, equine science, veterinary and wine.
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
If you are
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 vine growing 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.
We welcome applications from mature students.
For more information, contact courseinfo@greenwich.ac.uk or 020 8331 9000.
You can also read our admissions policy.
The University of Greenwich accepts a broad range of international qualifications for admission to our courses.
For detailed information on the academic and English language requirements, please find your country in our directory.
Further information about entry
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.
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
Your time at university should be enjoyable, rewarding, and free of unnecessary stress. 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.
| Full time | Part time | Distance learning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home | TBC | TBC | N/A |
| International | TBC | TBC | N/A |
Funding your study
There is a range of financial support options available to support your studies, including the Aspire@Greenwich award for study resources that many full-time students will receive.
EU students may be eligible for a bursary to support their study. View our EU bursary to find out more.
Discover more about grants, student loans, bursaries and scholarships. We also provide advice and support on budgeting, money management and financial hardship.
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.
Not quite what you were looking for?
We've got plenty of other courses for you to choose from. Browse our postgraduate courses or check our related courses below.....
Studying engineering at the University of Greenwich
Gain a solid foundation in all aspects of engineering in specialist labs on our Medway Campus and choose the area you want to specialise in later in your studies.
Visit our engineering degrees page.
Engineering subjects
Chemical engineering degrees
Study in specialist laboratory facilities at our Medway Campus where you’ll gain the skills and knowledge you need to become a professional chemical engineer, using the latest equipment and simulation software.
Civil engineering degrees
Discover pioneering approaches in specialist laboratory facilities on our Medway Campus, where you will use the latest surveying equipment and learn how to apply them in real-world scenarios.
Computer engineering and cybernetics degrees
These pioneering degrees combine technical engineering with an impressive depth of computer theory. You'll gain the specialist knowledge and skills needed to work in this cutting-edge industry.
Construction degrees
Our range of courses, some of which are professionally accredited, will give you the skills and knowledge you need to start, or develop, your career.
Electrical and electronic engineering degrees
Learn how to make the world a better, more connected place. You will study in specialist lab facilities on our Medway Campus and benefit from our close ties with engineering companies such as BAE Systems and Ford.
Engineering management degrees
Combine solid technical skills in engineering with business enterprise management skills. Studying on our Medway Campus, you will benefit from specialist and integrated lab facilities.
Engineering technology degrees
Learn how to apply engineering to a range of real-world problems. Studying on our Medway Campus, you will develop the skills and knowledge you need to drive changes in product design using the latest technological advances.
Mechanical engineering degrees
This is one of the broadest areas of engineering. You will learn about the design, construction and operation of mechanical systems. Studying at our Medway Campus, you’ll benefit from our strong links with local industry.
Mode of study
Select from the dropdown below.
| Course level | |
| UCAS code | |
| Duration | |
| Location |