Course summary
Start you career in vines and wines, in the heart of the South Downs. The programme is a full-time programme studied over 2 years and studied part-time over 4 years. Successful completion of each full module results in the award of 15 credits, and for a double module, 30 credits. For the award of FdSc, a total of 240 credits must be accumulated, comprising 120 at FHEQ Level 4 and a further 120 at Level 5. For an award of a CertHE in Wine Production, 120 credits must be completed at FHEQ Level 4. Year 1 consists of six core modules that are common between the FdSc Wine Production and the BSc (Hons) Viticulture and Oenology. In Year 2, the FdSc programme is differentiated through the integration of core academic winemaking and grape growing content with work-based learning. Students wishing to progress to the BSc (Hons) Viticulture and Oenology degree on successful completion on the FdSc programme are advised to take the Level 5 Research Methods for Wine module (which is a perquisite for the Level 6 Research Project module). Alternatively, students can undertake a capstone independent investigation. 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. 1 We are the UK Centre of Excellence in Wine education, training, and research. 2 We are the only academic provider of studies 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
Modules
Year 1 (Level 4): Vineyard Establishment Fundamentals of Wine Science Vineyard Practical Skills Study and Research Skills Understanding Wine Styles Wine Sensory Evaluation Year 2 (Level 5): Vineyard Management Wine Production and Analysis Winery Practical Skills Work Placement Independent Enquiry (elective) Research Methods and Statistics (elective) A key feature of this Foundation degree is the time devoted to the gaining of practical skills through work-based learning. Students will gain work-based experience through the practical skills modules at both Level 4 (Vineyard practical skills) and Level 5 (Winery practical skills), which are delivered within the Plumpton Estate vineyards and winery respectively. In addition, students complete a 30-credit Work placement module, delivered at Level 5, which requires a minimum of 150 hours work within the wine production industry, undertaken either during the academic year or during the summer vacation between stages 1 and 2. The Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 3 Certificate and Diploma are offered as optional additional qualifications.
Assessment method
Students are assessed through a combination of assessment methods depending on the modules chosen. 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.
Professional bodies
Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.
- Wine and Spirit Education Trust
Qualified teacher status (QTS)
To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:
- Course does not award QTS
How to apply
This course is not accepting applications from students requiring a Student visa. For more information, please contact the course provider.
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- P600
- Institution code:
- P59
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 56 points
A level - CD
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MPP
Access to HE Diploma - M: 45 credits
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 24 points
Entry requirements are as follows: 1. Minimum 18 years old on entry 2. Minimum C grade in English & Maths at GCSE level 3. A pass grade or higher at the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines 4. Qualifications expected, usually in the form of: • A Level: CD – min.56 UCAS Tariff points (to include at least one A Level pass.) • Or relevant BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma at PPM • Or International Baccalaureate at 24 points • Or Access to HE: 45 credits at level 3, of which 15 must be awarded at Merit or higher. Students aged 21 or over, with relevant industrial experience, but without the minimum academic qualifications, will be eligible for entry. This will be assessed at interview using portfolio evidence and employer references.
Additional entry requirements
Interview
English language requirements
Students with English as a second language will be required to have gained IELTS level 6.5 overall with level 6.0 in writing.
Student Outcomes
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Provider information
Plumpton College
Ditchling Road
Lewes
BN7 3AE