Viticulture & Oenology

Viticulture is the UK’s fastest growing agricultural sector and the industry is in need of highly trained and academically skilled graduates to enter the sector. Plumpton College is the leading provider of English-taught undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Viticulture, Oenology, Wine Production, and Global Wine Business Management.

This BSc degree is aimed at individuals who are passionate about the wine industry and looking to progress to a career as a viticulturalist, winemaker, oenologist, vineyard manager or wine consultant or researcher. You can study the science of grape growing and winemaking in our commercial winery and vineyard located in East Sussex. This course has a strong scientific focus, which blends current grape and wine science theory with advanced application either in the laboratory, vineyard or winery, giving you an immersive learning experience. This 3-year full time BSc degree has been co-designed with industry leaders in the wine sector. It is validated and quality assured by the University of Greenwich's Faculty of Science & Engineering.

Did you know, Plumpton College has been awarded the prestigious Queen's Anniversary Prize (2024) for its work in providing quality education and training for wine studies. We have been delivering quality wine-related education for over 40 years and have recently invested in our commercial winery facilities. Our alumni works across the world at leading production, wineries, vineyards, sales and supply chain companies from England and Wales to Canada, California and Australia.

You can study this degree over three years full time or opt to do it part time over six years. 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 provide career guidance. Our wine programmes are endorsed by WineGB, the leading trade body for the wine industry in England and Wales.

Why study at Plumpton in East Sussex?

We are the UK Centre of Excellence in Wine education, training, and research and winner of the prestigious Queen's Award 2024.

Our 800-acre Sussex estate with its commercial winery is the perfect location for an immersive learning experience.

We have been training winemakers and viticulturalists for over 40 years.

Our graduates are in high profile and successful professional roles across the world.

Our degrees are quality assured by the University of Greenwich (TEF Gold).

Progression opportunities and furthering your career in the wine industry The degree will set you up to enter the world of work immediately after graduation. Our students are immersed in an industry work placement in the second year of study and often secures employment before returning for their final year of study. Our alumni work across the world from California to Australia and beyond.

What subjects do I need to get into viticulture? You do not need to be from a farming background to get into viticulture. Students who have studied science related subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, or Physics will be able to grasp the scientific concepts. Please refer to the minimum entry criteria.