MSc Viticulture & 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. 

What does the course cover?

The course covers key areas such as sparkling wine production, climate change, and sustainability. 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.   

At the beginning of your course, you’ll be required to attend a two-week intensive course in vinegrowing and winemaking.  During your first semester, you’ll study three modules which will enable you to gain and apply your knowledge and understanding of current research in biochemistry, grapevine physiology, microbiology and wine chemistry. The second semester will focus on climate, sparkling wine and sustainability. If you’re looking to complete your postgraduate diploma in viticulture and oenology, you can choose to write an independent study and end your studies at this point. Alternatively, if you’d like to study for your full Master’s degree, you’ll normally take an in-depth research methods module before starting your Master’s project. During your third semester, you’ll complete your Master’s project, which can be taken either in the UK Wine Research Centre, or in another suitable location. 

What study trips are there? 

In your second semester, you’ll have the exciting opportunity to visit a classic European wine region as part of the two compulsory modules in the programme. You’ll also have the chance to join study tours organised by Plumpton College which have previously included Bordeaux, Montpellier, Dijon, North-East Italy, Barcelona and the Mosel Valley.

How about research?

In your final semester, you’ll be able to take part in an in-depth investigative research project into a specialist topic in viticulture and oenology. You’ll have the possibility to conduct these projects in partnership with industry and in other European countries; providing you with a broad range of real-life professional experience. 

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Year 1

Students are required to study the following compulsory modules.

• Analysis of Wine Components and Faults (15 credits)
• Climate Change and Sustainable Wine Production (15 credits)
• The Science of Sparkling Wine (15 credits)
• The science and application of grapevine biology (30 credits)
• The Science and Application of Wine Making (30 credits)
• Research Methods and Statistics (PG) (15 credits)

Year 2

Students are required to study the following compulsory modules.

• Masters Applied Research Project (60 credits)

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.