Program Overview

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Viticulture and Oenology (QA only), MSc (Plumpton College)

Overview

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.

Location

Plumpton College

Duration

• 1.5 years full-time
• 3 years part-time

Start month

September

Fees

• Home/international fees 2025/26: TBC / TBC

What you should know about this course

• Study at a UK Centre of Excellence in Wine education, training, and research
• Study a course that will deliver an exciting, relevant, up-to-date, engaged curriculum involving inter- and multi-disciplinary work, an international dimension, and creativity
• This course is principally delivered by staff active in their own fields of research, and specialist aspects of the curriculum reflect their specific fields of interest
• This course is offered by one of the university's partner colleges: Plumpton College, based at Lewes, East Sussex

Course Outline

Full-time

• Year 1:
  • 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:
  • Masters Applied Research Project (60 credits)

Part-time

• Year 1:
  • The science and application of grapevine biology (30 credits)
  • The Science and Application of Wine Making (30 credits)
• Year 2:
  • Analysis of Wine Components and Faults (15 credits)
  • Climate Change and Sustainable Wine Production (15 credits)
  • The Science of Sparkling Wine (15 credits)
  • Research Methods and Statistics (PG) (15 credits)
• Year 3:
  • Masters Applied Research Project (60 credits)

Entry Requirements

UK citizens and permanent residents

• 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

International entry requirements

• 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

How you will learn

• 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

Assessment

• Students will be assessed through a variety of methods, such as:
  • Classroom presentations, discussions, and case-studies
  • Critical reviews, looking at new areas of research
  • Examinations

Careers and placements

• 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

Support and advice

• 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
• 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

Fees and funding

• University is a great investment in your future
• English-domiciled graduate annual salaries were £10,500 more than non-graduates in 2023 - and the UK Government projects that 88% of new jobs by 2035 will be at graduate level
• We offer a wide range of financial help including scholarships and bursaries
• The Greenwich Bursary is worth £700 for new undergraduate students with a low household income, entering Year 0 or 1 who meet the eligibility criteria
• The EU Bursary is available for new EU students, offering a substantial fee-reduction for studying

Mode of study

• Select from the dropdown below
• UK September 2025/26 (Full-time)
• UK September 2025/26 (Part-time)
• International September 2025/26 (Full-time)