Viticulture and Oenology (QA only), BSc (Plumpton College)
Learn the science and master the art of grape growing and winemaking in this unique BSc (Hons) Viticulture and Oenology degree at our partner college site.
This BSc (Hons) programme offers an opportunity to develop a range of academic and transferable skills associated with an education in Viticulture and Oenology, equipping you for either subject-related or wider employment opportunities in the wine industry.
You will gain a solid foundation of wine studies with the opportunity to specialise as you progress through the course.
The expansion of vine growing and winemaking in the UK is driving demand for highly qualified staff to support growth and maintain high levels of quality and innovation. Graduates of the BSc (Hons) Viticulture and Oenology are well equipped to fill these roles.
UCAS points
104 (full requirements below)
Course/institution codes
P610
Location
Duration
- 3 years full-time
- 6 years part-time
Start month
September
Home* /international fees 2025/26
TBC /TBC
What you should know about this course
* Fees for this programme are being reviewed by the partner college and may be subject to change for 2025-26 up to a maximum of £9,535 per year.
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 Offer: 104 Points
Qualifications: three A-Levels/Extended Diploma/combination of A-Level and Diploma/A-Levels and Extended Certificate/International Baccalaureate/Access to HE.
We consider a wide range of Level 3 qualifications with UCAS Tariff points, specifically:
A-Level: three subjects (BCC).
BTEC National: Extended Diploma (DMM).
International Baccalaureate: 26 Points overall.
Access to HE in Chemistry and/or Biology: 104 Points
We also consider alternative qualifications at Level 3, such as OCR Cambridge Technical, AQA Tech-Level, and a range of international qualifications at Level 3 equivalent.
Successful completion of the FdSc Wine Production degree (Pass or above) allows transfer to the Final Year of this BSc degree.
We also consider applicants with relevant industrial experience if over 21 years of age.
We expect a minimum of five GCSE’s, including Mathematics and English at grade 4 or above (grade C or above under the A*-G system), as well as WSET Level 2 Award in Wines (Pass or higher).
Students with English as a second language will be required to have gained IELTS at 6.5 overall with 6.0 in Writing.
For more information, use our contact form or call us on 020 8331 9000.
You can also read our admissions policy.
Further information about entry
We welcome applications from mature students.
For more information, contact the HE Office (HEoffice@plumpton.ac.uk).
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.
You can view more information about how each module is taught within our 'What you will study' section.
Seminars and workshops 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
You can view how each module is assessed within our 'What you will study' section.
Each course has formal assessments which count towards your grade. Some courses may also include 'practice' assignments, which help you monitor progress and do not count towards your final grade.
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.
| Cohort | Full time | Part time | Distance learning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home* | TBC | TBC | N/A |
| International | TBC | TBC | N/A |
* Fees for this programme are being reviewed by the partner college and may be subject to change for 2025-26 up to a maximum of £9,535 per year.
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.
Field trips
The cost of field trips is activity dependant. Some are free, while others may require a contribution. You are not obliged to pay for field trips in order to complete your course.
Resources
Course texts and other study resources are available from Library. You may wish to purchase your own copies. You receive a small allowance for printing costs, which you can top up if required.
Careers and placements
Will I have a work placement?
Students go to a range of vineyards and wineries of varying sizes for their placements, including large multi-national wine firms, cooperative wineries, and artisanal vineyards and wineries.
What sort of careers do graduates pursue?
Our graduates are well placed for employment in both in wine production and the wine trade sectors, in addition to teaching, academia, consulting, governmental agencies such as DEFRA and the Food Safety Agency, research including the postgraduate study of wine production, wine tourism, and wine business.
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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