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Online WSET Courses

In addition to our popular classroom courses, the Oxford Wine School offers WSET qualifications that can be prepared for through an online course of study. Online study options are available for courses in Wine at levels one, two and three.

Wine and Laptop

More Information

  • Online study offers students the flexibility to complete your study at a time and place that suits you.
  • Group study and tasting can enhance the learning experience and provide an opportunity to share costs.
  • The custom-designed WSET Online Classroom is managed by WSET’s digital learning team. You can view further information about the Online Classroom here.
  • The Oxford Wine School will be on hand to offer advice and support as you navigate the course.
  • The Oxford Wine Company offers a recommended list and special discount for purchase of wines required for the tasting element of the course.
  • All courses are examined by a written theory paper. Level Three also has a tasting paper.
  • Students will require access to a computer (recommended) and/or smartphone or tablet.
  • Examinations are held in person in Central Oxford and are administered by The Oxford Wine School. These are usually held within two weeks of the course completion. Formal photographic ID is required for all candidates sitting WSET examinations. Successful candidates will receive a certificate and WSET lapel pin.

Courses

A beginner level introduction to wine suitable for those starting a wine career or pursuing an interest in wine. You will learn how to taste wine using a systematic approach and be able to identify the main styles of wine. You’ll also learn to apply these to your own food and wine choices.

Course Format

  • The course will be based around a 4-week, 7 module online learning programme with WSET educator support available for this time. The course modules should be followed in order, but you are free to complete the modules at your own pace during this 4-week window. The course material should take about 6 hours in total to complete, plus revision time.
  • Student activities – weekly tasks, group tasting area, multiple choice feedback tests and videos. There are no set times to log into the course as there are no live chats or webinars. After the scheduled course end date, the material becomes read only and you cannot post in the activities. All study materials are included in the online course.
  • Your Online Educator will be there to guide you through the 4 weeks of learning. They will give feedback and guidance on your tasting notes. You are welcome to contact them directly via the course Chat at any point.
  • At the same time, The Oxford Wine School will be on hand to offer direct advice and support as necessary.
  • This course is examined by a written theory paper examination held in person in central Oxford after completion of the online course.
  • There are no prior educational requirements for this course, however it will be assumed that students have basic computer literacy, internet navigation skills and a good level of English.

Costs

  • Online Course Fee – £160
  • Wine Samples – approximately £95 for 10 selected bottles after discount.
A beginner to intermediate level qualification to wine suitable for those pursuing an interest in wine. You will learn how to taste wine using a systematic approach and be able to identify the main styles of wine. You’ll also learn to apply these to your own food and wine choices.

Course Format

  • The course is based around a five-week, six-module online programme with a recommendation of 6 hours study per week to cover the online activities and read the relevant chapters in the textbook. Regular access and participation in the course online activities is essential for this mode of study.
  • Student activities – weekly tasks, group tasting area, multiple choice feedback tests and videos supported by the textbook. After the scheduled course end date, the material becomes read only and you cannot post in the activities. You will receive a physical study pack alongside this online course which you must read.
  • Your Online Educator will be there to guide you through the five weeks of learning. They will give feedback and guidance on your tasting notes. You are welcome to contact them directly via the course chat at any point.
  • At the same time, The Oxford Wine School will be on hand to offer direct advice and support as necessary.
  • This course is examined by a written theory paper examination held in person in central Oxford after completion of the online course.
  • There are no prior educational requirements for this course, however it will be assumed that students have basic computer literacy, internet navigation skills and a good level of English.

Costs

  • Online Course Fee – £365
  • Wine Samples – approximately £160 for 14 selected bottles after discount.

For individuals seeking to delve deeper into the world of wines, this qualification provides a detailed understanding of grape growing and wine making. Upon completion you will be able to assess wines accurately and use your understanding to confidently explain wine style and quality.

Course Format

  • A nine-week online study programme that works around your existing commitments. You’ll learn through WSET’s Online Classroom, which allows you to study alongside your peers under the guidance of a dedicated educator.
  • A minimum of 10 hours of study per week is recommended to successfully complete the online course and read the relevant chapters in the textbook. This course is examined by a written theory paper and tasting examination held in person in central Oxford after completion of the online course.
  • Regular participation is essential to your success. As you work through the course you will be asked to share your learning experience with the rest of the course group, looking in detail at the influences that affect each wine style and sharing tasting notes. To use the Online Classroom, you will need a laptop or desktop device.
  • Student activities – weekly tasks, group tasting area, multiple choice feedback tests and videos supported by the textbook. The course follows a weekly structure, but it allows the student to work ahead or catch up on the activities and forums. There are no set times to log into the course.
  • Your Educator will be there to guide you through the 9 weeks of learning. They will give feedback and guidance on your tasting notes, as well as any long form essays where indicated. You are welcome to contact them directly via the course Chat at any point.
  • At the same time, The Oxford Wine School will be on hand to offer direct advice and support as necessary.
  • You will be invited to attend a Tasting Tutorial Day at The Oxford Wine School as part of the course. This is to give you a thorough understanding of the Level 3 Structured Approach to Tasting and is an essential part of your preparation for the Tasting Examination. A total of 15 wines will be tasted and the fee for this day is £275.00 payable at the start of the course.
  • Please note that the exam must be completed in person at The Oxford Wine School on a set date.
    • Unit 1 is assessed by a closed-book exam of 50 multiple-choice questions and a short-written answer paper.
    • Unit 2 is assessed by a blind tasting of two wines.
  • Students should hold the WSET Level 2 Award or be able to demonstrate knowledge at this level. It will be assumed that students have basic computer literacy, internet navigation skills and a good level of English.

Costs

  • Online Course Fee – £580
  • Tasting Tutorial Day – £275 (includes 15 wines)
  • Wine Samples – approximately £430 for 21 selected bottles after discount.

The Course Fee includes your study pack, a year of access to WSET’s Online Classroom, a dedicated online tutor, extra educator-led webinars and your examination. Other wine samples and tasting glasses are not included. Delivery charges may apply.

How to book

Please book your place on the appropriate course through our online shop here.

Following your successful booking, contact our WSET Educator John Shuckburgh Dip.WSET giving your preferred month of study.

For any other enquiries, please contact John by email.