Overview:
This is an expert level qualification that covers all aspects of wine. It builds on the knowledge and skills gained from the WSET Level 3 Award in Wines, deepening the understanding of how and why wine production and business factors influence the style, quality, and price of wines. Expertise is built theoretically through a comprehensive study of a large number of wine regions and practically by developing wine tasting skills to expert levels.
Successful graduates acquire exceptional analytical skills and proficiency in evaluative wine tasting, gaining global recognition as authoritative wine specialists.
The Diploma is delivered in six mandatory units covering a broad range of topics, including wine production, wine business, and still, sparkling and fortified wines of the world. The following units make up the Diploma:
- D1 – Wine Production
- D2 – Wine Business
- D3 – Wines of the World
- D4 – Sparkling Wines
- D5 – Fortified Wines
- D6 – Independent Research Assignment
Prerequisites:
Candidates must hold either the WSET Level 3 Award in Wines or the WSET Level 3 Award in Wines and Spirits to enrol on the WSET Level 4 Diploma. Further to this, you must be of legal drinking age in the country where you are attending the course and exam to participate in any alcohol tasting. Requirements may vary by the course provider.
Candidates whose first language is not English are strongly recommended to have an IELTS score of 6.5 or above or be able to demonstrate an equivalent ability level.
Duration:
It normally takes between 18 months and 3 years to complete the Diploma, as this qualification has a minimum study time requirement of 500 hours:
- 116 hours of delivery time with a WSET course provider (classroom or online);
- 370 hours of personal study and revision, including preparing an independent research assignment (D6); and,
- an examination for each unit (excluding D6) totalling 11 hours 50 minutes.