Sparkling and Fortified Wine

CPD Short Specialised Course

Apply for 2024

This module enables students to explore the world of sparkling and fortified wines from start to finish. The module covers everything from the production factors of varieties of sherries, ports, champagnes etc through to profiling key business and the trade legislature affecting them. Upon completion of the module, students will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of the factors and processes that each of these sparkling and fortified wines undergo.

This module will include:

Production factors: regions, raw materials, production, maturation, blending and finishing, product variations, cost and pricing.
Trade and legal structures: legislation, duty, trade bodies, major business producers.
Sparkling wines of the world.
Including Champagne, Crémant, Cava, Prosecco, Asti and New World sparkling wines.
Fortified wines of the world including Sherry, Port, Madeira, Vins Doux Naturels and New World fortified wines.

The outcomes of this module:

Evaluate the key factors affecting the production, style, quality and commercial value of sparkling and fortified wines of the world.
Demonstrate a critical understanding of the global trade, legal structures and markets for sparkling and fortified wines of the world.
Describe, analyse and evaluate the organoleptic characteristics of the principal examples of sparkling and fortified wines of the world.

Course details

Dates & Location	Wednesday 11th September 2024 - Friday 17th January 2025 13:15 - 16:00
Duration	This course is delivered at Plumpton College one half day per week.
UCAS Details	Typically full time university students will study 120 credits per year. Please note, you can do up to 45 credits of CPD short courses per academic year. If you would like to do more you will need to register on one of our degree programmes, either full time or part time. If you want to do one of these CPD short courses for upskilling, you can apply today. If you would like to gain credit with the intention of later studying the full degree, please speak a member of our admissions team (enquiries@plumpton.ac.uk / 01273 890 454) first to ensure you meet the full course entry criteria. If you apply for interest upskilling only and don’t want to earn UCAS point and work towards the Plumpton Diploma, make your payment today. Alternatively, if you do want to work towards UCAS points and the Plumpton Diploma please check entry requirements before you pay and tick the box for working towards UCAS points.
Costs	Each semester costs £1,250 plus £110 material fees.

Entry Requirements

Applicable to each module

GCSE Mathematics at grade 4 or above (grade C or above under the A*-G system)
GCSE English at grade 4 or above (grade C or above under the A*-G system)

The following qualifications are recommended prior to applying:

WSET Level 2 Award in Wines (Pass)
Level 3 qualification such as A Level (two subjects)
BTEC Extended Diploma (MPP)
Access to HE in a related subject
We also consider applicants with relevant industry experience if over 21 years of age.
Students with English as a second language will be required to have gained IELTS at 6.5 overall with 6.0 in Writing.

Applicants wishing to progress onto an undergraduate course would need to meet the minimum entry criteria for that specific course which typically includes a Level 3 qualification with UCAS Tariff points (56 points and above).