WSET Diploma in Wines (Level 4) Classes

The WSET Diploma in Wines consists of 6 units which need to be successfully completed and exams passed for the student to achieve the WSET Diploma in Wines. Units D1 and D2 must be studied at the beginning of a Diploma program and the D1 exam sat first before proceeding to the other units.

**At this time, the only WSET Diploma online self-paced course being offered by the Capital Wine School is Unit D3 Wines of the World starting in April of each year.

---

In the WSET Diploma online courses, the individual units follow a weekly structure, but allow the student to work ahead or catch up on the activities and forums. There are no set times to log into the course as there are no live chats or webinars. The online units prepare the student for the WSET qualifications and they are guided by a WSET educator. The student can contact the educator any time for the duration of the scheduled course should they have any questions. Each unit includes a series of independent and/or group activities that require students to look in depth at the wine industry, applying subject knowledge and professional skills to analyze key issues. Revision of Level 3 Materials is highly recommended before commencing the diploma. Students are advised to schedule a minimum of 372 hours of private study for the duration of their program. Regular access and participation in the online activities is essential for this mode of study. Students are advised to taste a range of wines during their studies. A list of recommended tasting samples can be found in the Specification. **Please note that the WSET does not permit enrollment in concurrent online courses (courses with overlapping start and end dates). This only applies to online courses – you may register for on-campus courses with overlapping course dates, or for online courses that overlap with on-campus courses.

---

Included in the cost of each course: Online tuition and access to the WSET tutors, 24/7 access to the on-line classroom, online feedback exam(s), in-class tasting tutorials for units D3, D4, and D5, and the final exam (this must be taken at the Capital Wine School – Washington, DC). The D1 course cost also includes the 3-year WSET Diploma in Wines registration fee.

All Diploma study materials are located online in the WSET Global Campus Online Classroom, and students will receive access to them once their new candidate registration has been submitted to the WSET.

---

D1: Wine Production (6 weeks of guided study) Not currently offered by CWS

Understand what the vine’s requirements are to produce grapes and explain how the natural and human factors in the vineyard influence the quality of grapes produced. Understand what winemaking options are available to a producer and explain how these options influence the style, quality and price of wines produced. Unit D1 exams for new candidates are held several times each year at the discretion of the Capital Wine School following D1 courses. Exams for re-sit candidates only are scheduled by the WSET and are held in October and March each year.

D2: Wine Business (6 weeks of guided study) Not currently offered by CWS

Understand the factors that contribute to the price of wine by explaining supply and demand, production related costs and legislation. Understand the types of businesses engaged in the production process by evaluating these businesses and the options for getting the wine to point of sale. Unit D2 is assessed by an open-response paper that is to be completed in 60 minutes. The examination will be held on four set dates per academic year in October, January, March and June.

Unit D3: Wines of the World (21 weeks of guided study)

Understand how the growing environment, viticulture and winemaking options, wine law and regulation and wine business influence the style, quality and price of the wines of the world. This includes describing, explaining and evaluating the various options in relation to the key wines of the world and how these influence the style, quality and price. Unit D3 is assessed by a theory and tasting examination to be held over two consecutive days held on two set dates per academic year in October and May. D3 must be sat in its entirety (theory and tasting papers) on the two consecutive days.

D4: Sparkling Wines (5 weeks of guided study) Not currently offered by CWS

Understand how the growing environment, viticulture and winemaking options, industry associations, labelling terms and wine business influence the style, quality and price of the principal sparkling wines. This includes describing, comparing and explaining how these factors influence the style, quality and price of these wine styles. Unit D4 is assessed by an open-response paper and a tasting of three wines that is to be completed in 90-minutes. The examination will be held on three set dates per academic year in October, January and June.

D5: Fortified Wines (5 weeks of guided study) Not currently offered by CWS

Understand how the growing environment, viticulture and winemaking options, industry associations, labelling terms and wine business influence the style, quality and price of the principal fortified wines. This includes describing, comparing and explaining how these factors influence the style, quality and price of these wine styles. Unit D5 is assessed by an open-response paper and a tasting of three wines that is to be completed in 90-minutes. The examination will be held on three set dates per academic year in October, January and June.

D6: Independent Research Assignment (no guided study/online course)

Research a specified wine-related subject by using relevant resources to develop ideas and arguments to reach informed conclusions. The assignment must be presented in accordance with the required standards that will be outlined in the assignment brief released annually on August 1st in the online classroom. Unit D6 is assessed by one research assignment of 3,000 words. Two titles will be released on 1 August each academic year with Research Assignment two set submission dates:

• Title 1 – 31 January within the same academic year.
• Title 2 – 31 July within the same academic year.

---

Before starting an online course with WSET it is important to check you have the required technical requirements for studying online. Click here to learn more about what technology and software you need to take an online course. You will get the most out of your study experience by studying online on a PC or Mac, but the Online Classroom can also be accessed via a web browser on tablet or mobile phone. There is also an app available to download on Android or iOS devices. For more information on the app please read these mobile guides. Some content can be downloaded to view offline on the mobile app. However, we do not recommend using the app for completing assignments or essay style questions.

---

Please click here to access a copy of the WSET Diploma in Wines specification.