Diploma Program Introduction
The WSET Diploma in Wines & Spirits is a program of study for consumers and wine professionals who are serious about pursuing an internationally recognized wine credential. Diploma is one of the most demanding and challenging courses of wine study offered in the United States and is recommend preparation for Master of Wine study.* Testing takes place through a combination of course work assignments, tasting note portfolios, blind tastings, and closed-book essay and multiple-choice exams.
Diploma Overview
The
WSET Advanced Certificate is a pre-requisite for entry into the Diploma
Program.
To
get an overview of the Diploma Program please read International Wine Center's
Diploma FAQ and the Diploma Specifications Guide (available on the WSET website). Please keep in mind that IWC's FAQ applies only to the program
administered in New York, while the Specification Guide explains Diploma in
depth and outlines the program syllabus.
IWC's WSET Diploma FAQ
Diploma
Specification
The Diploma is divided into six required Units:
Unit 1- The Global Business of Alcoholic Beverages
Unit 2- Wine Production
Unit 3- Light Wines of the World
Unit 4- Spirits of the World
Unit 5- Sparkling Wines of the World
Unit 6- Liqueur Wines of the World
Each Unit has an exam or series of exams that must be completed to pass the Unit. A passing grade is required in all 6 Units in order to earn Diploma. The exams are as follows:
Unit 1- One Course Work Assignments (research report) of 2,500 to 3,000 words and one closed-book case study examination
Unit 2- 100 question multiple-choice examination
Unit 3 - Theory exam of 5 written questions and a 12-wine Blind Tasting Exam
Unit 4- Theory exam with written questions and a 3-Spirit Blind Tasting Exam
Unit 5 - Theory exam with written questions and a 3-Sparkling Wine Blind Tasting Exam
Unit 6 - Theory exam with written questions and a 3-Liqueur Wine Blind Tasting Exam
Diploma students enter the program by first studying Units 1 & 2. The Unit 2 multiple-choice examination is a gateway examination, and no other exams or assignments may be attempted until the student has taken the exam.
Diploma at IWC
Students
may register for the Diploma either as in-class or home study students. In
class students attend classes at International Wine
Center. Classes are usually held once a week and run from 6:00PM until
8:30PM. Please see the class schedule for details. The home study program is
designed for students who cannot attend classes. All students must be aware of the many hours of individual research and study that are
required. The WSET recommends 600 study hours to complete all Units of the Diploma. All exams are held at International Wine Center unless otherwise
noted. Home study students will incur the expense of traveling to New York to
take their exams. Do not hesitate to contact the Center via email or phone
(212.239.3055) with questions
* WSET qualifications are part of the UK qualifications framework, and the education courses leading to WSET qualifications are an invaluable source of information for students to enhance their knowledge of wines and spirits. WSET qualifications are not a guarantee of employment or career progression, nor do they form part of any regulated qualifications framework outside UK.
Continue to Diploma FAQ