FdSc Wine Production

Start you career in vines and wines, in the heart of the South Downs

If you are looking to establish a career in the wine production industry, or wish to establish a new vineyard or wine production business then this is the course for you.

In your first year, you’ll focus on vinegrowing, with modules such as grapevine biology, vineyard establishment and maintenance, and vineyard practical skills. In your second semester, you will enjoy spending a day a week in the vineyard, gaining practical experience in tasks such tractor driving, trellis repairs, and winter pruning. Your first year will also give you the chance to discover the foundations of winemaking, with modules in chemistry, grape processing, and wine analysis.

In your second year, you’ll focus on winemaking, working in the College winery for the harvest. You can look forward to completing a work placement in industry plus a research project, in addition to optional modules in business and wine science. 

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.

Why chose us?

1. We are the UK Centre of Excellence in Wine education, training, and research.
2. We are the only academic provider of studies in Viticulture and Oenology at Undergraduate and Postgraduate levels in the UK.
3. 90% of graduates are employed after 15 months of completion of the degree, and earn more than the average graduate in Agriculture, Food and related studies in the UK (Discover Uni, Office for Students, 2022)
4. The FdSc in Wine Production is a stepping stone into grape growing and winemaking

Year 1

Students are required to study the following compulsory modules.

• Vineyard Engineering and Operations (15 credits)
• Understanding Wine Styles (15 credits)
• Wine Component Analysis (15 credits)
• Fundamentals of Wine Science (30 credits)
• Vineyard Establishment (30 credits)
• Study and Research Skills (15 credits)

Year 2

Students are required to study the following compulsory modules.

• Industry Work Placement (15 credits)
• Vineyard Management (30 credits)
• Wine Production and Analysis (30 credits)
• Wine Sales and Social Responsibility (15 credits)
• Winery Engineering and Operations (15 credits)

Students are required to choose 15 credits from this list of options.

• Sparkling Wine Production (15 credits)
• Independent Enquiry (15 credits)
• Research Methods and Statistics (15 credits)

We consider a wide range of Level 3 qualifications with UCAS Tariff points, specifically:

• A Level: two subjects (CD).
• BTEC National: Extended Diploma (MPP).
• International Baccalaureate: 24 Points overall.
• Access to HE in Chemistry and/or Biology: 56 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.

We also consider applicants with relevant industrial experience if over 21 years of age.

We expect GCSE 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).

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