WSET Welcome Pack 22-23

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WSET® Online Classroom Welcome Pack 2022/2023

Your journey
starts here...
WSET® Online Classroom
WE LC OM E PACK 20 22/ 20 23

A world of knowledge
1
WSET® Online Classroom Welcome Pack 2022/2023

Contents

Technical Requirements 3

Your Course Provider 4

What’s Required of Students 5

Your Peers 6

Educator Support 7

Online Classroom Support 8

What to Expect from a WSET Online Classroom Course 9

Activity Types 10

Exams 13

WSET Online Course Catalogue 14

Level 1 Award in Wines 15

Level 2 Award in Wines 17

Level 3 Award in Wines 19

Level 1 Award in Spirits 21


Level 2 Award in Spirits 23

Level 3 Award in Spirits 25

Level 1 Award in Sake 27

Level 4 Diploma in Wines 29

Thank You 33

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WSET® Online Classroom Welcome Pack 2022/2023

Technical Requirements

Before starting an online course with WSET it’s 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.

For details of the cookies please see:


https://www.wsetglobal.com/privacy-and-cookie-policy/

safari chrome firefox apple android

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WSET® Online Classroom Welcome Pack 2022/2023

Your Course Provider

Your course provider is responsible for:

• registering you for your online course


• providing you with your study pack (in either physial or eBook format)
where required
• setting the date and location of your exam
• organising exam resources (including the papers and the wines where required)
• providing pastoral support.

Your course provider should be your first point of contact if:

• you want to alter the dates of your online course


• you want to make changes to your exam date or venue
• you are having problems keeping up with your studies or need extra
academic support
• you want to change your email address.

The WSET’s Online Classroom support will be unable to help you with the any of
the queries above. Please get in touch with your course provider directly.

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WSET® Online Classroom Welcome Pack 2022/2023

What’s Required of Students

As a student you’re
expected to:

Participate Communicate Contribute

If you are taking a course with a weekly schedule, it is important to keep up with
the work set for that week. Your educator is not obliged to assess your work if
you fall behind. The courses have been carefully designed to match the weekly
commitments of the face-to-face delivery. If you are struggling to keep up, please
let your course provider and educator know. It’s also important you complete
all of the activities in the Online Classroom in sequential order. The courses are
designed to build upon knowledge you have gained from prior weeks; you will not
get the most out of your studies if you skip ahead.

To get the most out of your Online Classroom experience, you need to be an active
member of the classroom community. When group work is set, taking part and
submitting work by the deadline not only helps your learning, but
also helps your peers.

WSET online courses and support are currently only in


available in English. To participate in an online course,
you must demonstrate a reasonable level of proficiency
with communication in English.

You must be of legal drinking age in the country where


you are studying at the time of booking to participate
in any alcohol tasting. You must also have a
reasonable level of computer literacy and
internet navigation skills. For example, Online
Classroom courses may require you to
download and upload documents, share
links, record videos and post in forums.
Please make sure you feel confident
completing these kinds of activities
or speak to your course provider for
support.

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WSET® Online Classroom Welcome Pack 2022/2023

Your Peers

You are encouraged to work alongside your course peers to help and learn from
each other.

You can contact your peers directly


by using the 'Inbox' or 'Chat' functions
within the Online Classroom.
Inbox Chat

Some course activities require group participation and collaboration; this may
include posting in discussion forums or creating group assignments. It is highly
recommended that you take part in these activities to learn from each other’s
experience of the drinks industry and get to know your peers.

When interacting with your peers, remember to act respectfully. All interactions
should be helpful and constructive. WSET Online Classroom has a zero tolerance
policy on anti-social behaviour amongst course members.

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WSET® Online Classroom Welcome Pack 2022/2023

Educator Support

Every WSET Online course is assigned a dedicated educator. Your educator will
follow your progress throughout your course registration; they will be available
to contact directly from the course start to end date.

Your Educator will introduce themselves to you and provide you with important
updates relating to your studies. You will be able to find these updates under
'Announcements' when logged in to the Online Classroom, it’s essential that you
read them.

The course educator will comment on and give feedback on your work where
required. If you should expect feedback on a submission, it will be flagged within
the activity; please note not all submissions will require feedback.

Some submissions are self-marked as the intention is to learn to improve your own
work by comparing it to model answers. These answers contain the key, relevant
points that you are expected to raise when answering the question, but the model
answer is NOT exhaustive. This type of submission does not require educator input.

You can contact your educator by using the 'Inbox' in the


Online Classroom. You are welcome to ask your educator
any questions relating to the course content or for
academic support.

Do not direct technical issues regarding platform


functionality or queries about exams to your
educator as they will not be able to answer
them. Technical issues should be directed
to onlineclassroom@wsetglobal.com and
questions about exams should be sent
directly to your course provider.

7
WSET® Online Classroom Welcome Pack 2022/2023

Online Classroom Support

WSET Online Classroom Support is here to help you with any problems you may
encounter with the Online Classroom. If you are experiencing technical difficulties,
please email onlineclassroom@wsetglobal.com.

When contacting Online Classroom Support it’s helpful if you can include the
following in your initial email:

1. your full name


2. your course code and details of your course
3. a complete description of the problems you’re facing
4. a screenshot of the problem where appropriate.

Please note, Online Classroom Support cannot help you with technical issues
regarding the device you’re using to access the Online Classroom, or software
installed on your device; for enquiries of this nature, you must contact the
manufacturer or software provider directly.

Online Classroom Support may occasionally contact you for feedback on WSET
products and services. Any feedback is always greatly appreciated.

8
WSET® Online Classroom Welcome Pack 2022/2023

What to Expect from a WSET


Online Classroom Course

All courses have a modular structure, and for Levels 3 and 4, it is recommended
that you complete modules in a week-by-week format. Please complete all courses
sequentially.

For all courses, a dedicated educator will be available to guide your learning,
answer your questions and comment on your work where appropriate.

Courses consist of a range of activities, quizzes and discussions that build upon
the content in the relevant course study pack or eBook. You are expected to
read the WSET course materials before studying online. The tasks in the Online
Classroom are designed to reinforce and build upon the content in the study material.

For some courses you will need a physical study pack or eBook, which will be
provided by your course provider. For Level 1, your textbooks are embeded within
your Online Classroom course. For Diploma your textbook content is
provided as an eBook only.

All courses begin on a Monday and end on a Sunday.

After your course ends, you will not be able to


complete any more course content or contact
your course educator. You will have
access to review your work and
participate in the quizzes for
one year after registration in
the course. After this date, your
access to the Online Classroom
will expire.

We encourage you to get in contact


with your course provider if you
need further support after your
Online Classroom course ends.

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WSET® Online Classroom Welcome Pack 2022/2023

Activity Types

There are various kinds of activities in the Online Classroom. This guide outlines
the key types of activities you may encounter in your online course, as well
as detailing how to complete them, their purpose and what level of educator
interaction you can expect.

Reading
Reading pages and files are interspersed throughout courses. These files provide
key reading material that conveys important information relating to your course
and respective subject matter. It is important you read through this textual
information before completing any related activities.

Quizzes
Quizzes are designed to help test and reinforce your knowledge of the
course content. Quizzes comprise of different types of questions, for example,
multiple choice questions, drag and drop, fill in the blanks, matching and essay
style questions.

On completion of the quiz, you will receive a grade and the


correct answers for most questions. Some essay-style quiz
questions require you to mark your response against a model
answer. Other essay-style quiz questions will be marked by
your educator; it will be clearly indicated if this is the case.
Please note that any grades awarded in quizzes do not
contribute towards your final exam.

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WSET® Online Classroom Welcome Pack 2022/2023

Discussions
Discussions facilitate peer to peer communication and don’t require educator
input. You are encouraged to learn from the other students in the course by
posting responses to discussion topics and commenting on other student’s posts.

Individual Assignments
Individual assignments often replicate exam-style questions. You should complete
and submit the assignment in the week it’s set. Your educator will then mark and
give feedback on your response. These assignments are important as they train
you how to respond to the types of questions you will encounter in your exams
(for Level 3 Awards and Level 4 Diploma only).

Group Assignments
Group assignments require you to work alongside your peers to create a piece of
work to submit together. These types of assignments allow you to learn from each
other whilst researching a particular subject area. Please complete and submit the
assignment in the week that it’s set. Your educator will then provide feedback.

You will either be automatically assigned a group or you will be free to choose
which group you want to join on any given week. You are welcome to use any
collaborative tools at your disposal when completing group assignments, but we
recommend documenting your work within the group space, which can be found
on the 'People' tab of relevant courses. For more information on groups click here.

Online Tastings
Learning to taste is essential to all WSET courses, although only examinable for
Level 3 Awards and the Level 4 Diploma. All courses in the Online Classroom
contain multiple tasting activities to help you develop your tasting skills. All tasting
activities are optional, but highly recommended as taking part will improve you
learning experience.

For the tastings in the Online Classroom you must purchase your own tasting
samples. Every course contains a recommended sample list. These sample lists
give examples of the types/styles of the samples you need, but do not include
recommended brands as students in different locations around the world will have
access to different brands. If you need help sourcing specific sample styles, please
ask a local specialist retailer.

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WSET® Online Classroom Welcome Pack 2022/2023

If you wish to conduct further tastings, please refer to the course Specification for
a full list of all appropriate samples for your course subject and level.

When completing tasting activities in the Online Classroom, you should always
provide a written example of your tasting note. It is important to complete a written
note as this is the format you will have to submit in any tasting examination.
You may then also record and submit your tasting via video if you choose. Your
educator will then provide feedback on your written tasting note. To make it easy
for your educator to mark your work, please always include details of the sample
you tasted.

Vinovae
A French company called Vinovae has developed technology to rebottle wines
and spirits in 2cL and 5cL miniatures. Under their E-tasting brand, they have
developed packs of miniatures to meet the needs of students studying the WSET
Level 1, 2 and 3 Awards in Wines and Level 1 and 2 Awards in Spirits. The samples
in each pack cover the recommended samples for each qualification (with the
exception of sparkling wines) and provide an affordable and convenient way of
tasting a wide range of representative styles.

For more details and to purchase these sample packs, please visit the e-tasting
website, https://www.e-tasting.com/.

Notes
• Sample packs currently exist for WSET Level 1, 2 and 3 Awards in Wines and
Level 1 and 2 in Spirits. Other sample packs will be developed.
• Although WSET has provided guidance to Vinovae and has tasted these sets
to help ensure the selected tasting sets meet your study needs, responsibility
for the product quality and condition lies with e-tasting.com. WSET does not
benefit financially from their sale.

12
WSET® Online Classroom Welcome Pack 2022/2023

Exams

All WSET qualifications are assessed through examination, the format of this
assessment varies by qualification

WSET Online Classroom Support will be unable to help you with any requests
regarding your examination/s.

All examinations will be organised by your course provider.

Please contact your course provider directly for any information you may require
regarding your examination.

13
WSET® Online Classroom Welcome Pack 2022/2023

WSET Online Course Catalogue

The following courses are currently available in full on WSET's Online classroom.
However, you may also be given access to the Online Classroom to access course-
specific resources or test material.

Wines
WSET Level 1 Award in Wines
WSET Level 2 Award in Wines
WSET Level 3 Award in Wines
WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines

Spirits
WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits
WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits
WSET Level 3 Award in Spirits

Sake
WSET Level 1 Award in Sake

14
WSET Online Course Catalogue

The course is based around a four-week,


five-module online learning programme

Level 1 with educator support available for this


time. The course modules should be

Award in followed in sequential order during this


four-week window. The course material

Wines should take about six hours in total to


complete, plus revision time. Regular
access and participation in the course
online activities is essential for this
mode of study.
Number of weeks 4
The course prepares you for our
Number of modules 5
qualification and you are guided by
Total course hours 6 a WSET educator. You can contact the
educator any time for the duration of
Study pack needed No*
the scheduled course, should you have
any questions related to the course
*Study pack included in the
online course
content of for academic support. Each
module includes a series of independent
activities to help you understand the
differences between grape varieties
and types and styles of wine.

You should taste a range of wines during


your studies. All the required wines for
the course can be found in the online
Equipment List. Any additional wines
can be found in the Specification. You
can post your tasting notes in the Online
Classroom for review by the educator.

15
Course Structure

WSET Online Course Catalogue Level 1 Award in Wines


Module Details

Module 1 • Name the main parts of a grape and what they contain.
What is Wine and How is it Made? • Name the key stages in the annual cycle of grape
growing and know what happens during ripening.
• Name and define different grape-growing climates
and state how they can affect the characteristics of
grapes. List the requirements for and the products
of alcoholic fermentation.
• Name and correctly order the key stages in the
production of still white, red and rosé wines.
Module 2 • Identify the three main styles of wine: still wines,
Types and Styles of Wine sparkling wines, fortified wines.
• Study the notable structural characteristics of all wines.
• Learn how to taste wine and describe its notable
characteristics using language from WSET's Systematic
Approach to Tasting.
• Learn to distinguish differences and similarities between
different styles of wine.
Module 3 • Name the principal grape varieties and identify the
Grape Varieties and Wines characteristics and styles of their wines.
• Identify and relate named wines from principal grape
varieties to the grape varieties, types, characteristics
and styles of wine.
• Identify and relate other popular named wines to the
types, characteristics and styles of wine.
Module 4 • Identify and define the ideal conditions for the short
Storage and Service of Wines and long-term storage of wine.
• State the recommended service temperature for
the principal types and styles of wine.
• State the correct procedures for opening and
serving wine.
• Identify the principal food and wine interactions and
recognise the effect they typically have on a wine.
Module 5 • Mock multiple-choice feedback examination which
Revision can be attempted as many times as the student likes.

Examination
• 45-minute closed book exam consisting of 30 multiple-choice questions.
• The date and details of your examination will be provided by your course
provider. Your course provider will let you know if your examination is online,
or if it needs to be attended in person. If they have not provided these details,
please get in touch with them directly.

16
WSET Online Course Catalogue

The course is based around a five-week,


six-module online learning programme

Level 2 with educator support available for


this time. The course modules should

Award in be followed in sequential order during


this five-week window. There is a

Wines recommendation of six 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
Number of weeks 5
activities is essential for this mode
Number of modules 6 of study.

Total course hours 30 The course prepares you for the WSET
Level 2 Award in Wines examination.
Study pack needed Yes*
You are guided through the course by
a WSET educator. You can contact the
*Study pack is supplied by your
course provider
educator any time for the duration of
the scheduled course, should you have
any questions related to the course
content or for academic support. Each
module includes a series of independent
activities to help you understand wine
label terminology and recognise the
styles produced by the main grape
varieties in key wine regions.

You should taste a range of wines during


your studies. A list of recommended
tasting samples can be found in the
Specification. You can post your tasting
notes in the Online Classroom for review
by the educator.

17
Course Structure

WSET Online Course Catalogue Level 2 Award in Wines


Module Details

Module 1 • Learn to taste and describe wines using the WSET


Wine and the Consumer Systematic Approach to Tasting®.
• Discover the key considerations when pairing food
and wine successfully.
• Learn the processes and principles of wine storage
and service.
Module 2 • Learn how the environmental and winemaking factors
Factors Affecting Wine Style & Quality influence the style and quality of the wine.
• Learn the meaning of labelling terms related to vine age
and grape-growing options.
Module 3 • Learn how the environmental and winemaking factors
Still White Wine Varieties influence the principal and regionally important white
grape varieties, how they influence the style and quality
of the wines produced.
• Learn the meaning of labelling terms indicating style
and quality.
Module 4 • Learn how the environmental and winemaking factors
Still Red Wine Varieties influence the principal and regionally important black
grape varieties, how they influence the style and quality
of the wines produced.
• Learn the meaning of labelling terms indicating style
and quality.
Module 5 • Learn about the key grape varieties used to produce
Sparkling and Fortified Wines the principal styles of sparkling and fortified wines.
• Learn the key wine making processes used to make
sparkling and fortified wines.
• Learn the meaning of labelling terms indicating style
and quality.
Module 6 • There is a mock multiple-choice test to complete.
Revision

Examination
• One-hour closed book exam consisting of 50 multiple-choice questions.
• The date and details of your examination will be provided by your course
provider. Your course provider will let you know if your examination is online,
or if it needs to be attended in person. If they have not provided these details,
please get in touch with them directly.

18
WSET Online Course Catalogue

The course consists of nine modules.


You are given nine weeks to complete

Level 3 the course, so you are advised to


complete one module per week of the

Award in course. Your educator is not obliged


to asses your work if you fall behind. A

Wines recommendation of 10 hours of study


per week is given to cover the online
activities and read the relevant chapters
of the textbook.

Number of weeks 9 The course is designed to build upon


knowledge you have gained from prior
Number of modules 9
modules, so regular weekly access and
Total course hours 90 participation in the online activities is
essential to get the most from this mode
Study pack needed Yes*
of study.

*Study pack is supplied by your The course prepares you for our
course provider qualification and you are guided by
a WSET educator. You can contact the
educator any time for the duration of
the scheduled course, should you have
any questions related to the course
content or for academic support. Each
module includes a series of independent
activities that guide you through the key
wine regions of the world looking at the
factors in the vineyard and winery that
influence wine styles.

You are advised to taste a range of


wines during your studies. A list of
recommended tasting samples can
be found in the Specification. You can
post your tasting notes in the Online
Classroom for review by the educator.

19
Course Structure

WSET Online Course Catalogue Level 3 Award in Wines


Week Details

Module 1 • Learn to taste and describe wines using the WSET


Exploring Style, Quality and Price Systematic Approach to Tasting.
(Part 1) • Learn about the fundamental rules of wine labelling.
• Learn about the principals of food and wine pairing,
storage and service of wine.
• Learn about the principal natural factors in the vineyard
and how they influence the style, quality and price of
wine.
Module 2 • Learn about the principal human factors
Exploring Style, Quality and Price in the vineyard and winery and how they influence the
(Part 2) style, quality and price of wine.
Modules 3–6 • Learn about the natural and human factors in the
Exploring the Still Wines of Europe vineyard and winery and how they influence the wine,
style and quality in the key wine regions and districts
of Europe.
• End of Module 6, mock test 1 submission. The mock test
is an example of the type of short answer style question
you might get in the examination. The test must be
submitted before the deadline date of midnight BST on
Sunday, Week 6.
Modules 7–8 • Learn about natural and human factors in the vineyard
Exploring the Still Wines of the Rest of and winery and how they influence the wine, style and
the World quality in the key wine regions of the rest of the world.
• Learn about the key regional grape variety specialities
of the rest of the world.
• End of Module 8, mock test 2 submission. The mock test
is an example of the type of short answer style question
you might get in the examination. The test must be
submitted before the deadline date of midnight BST on
Sunday, Week 8.
Module 9 • Learn about the methods of production and the
Sparkling and Fortified Wines main styles of sparkling wines from the key wine
producing countries.
• Learn about the methods of production and the
main styles of fortified wines from the key wine
producing countries.
Revision Resources • Revision exercises and a mock multiple-choice
examination in preparation for the examinations.

Examination
• 2.5-hour closed book exam consisting of two units:
• Unit 1 is a two-hour closed book exam and consists of two parts. Part 1
comprises 50 multiple-choice questions. Part 2 comprises four questions
that require short written answers.
• Unit 2 is a 30-minute tasting examination; the student assesses two wines
blind.
• Examination date and venue details are provided by the course provider when
the student books the course. If you do not know this information, please get in
touch with your course provider.

20
WSET Online Course Catalogue

The course is based around a four-


week, seven-module online learning

Level 1 programme with educator support


available for this time. The course

Award in modules should be followed in


sequential order during this four-week

Spirits window. The course material should


take approximately six hours in total to
complete, plus revision time. Regular
access and participation in the course
online activities is essential for this
Number of weeks 4
mode of study.
Number of modules 7
The course prepares you for our
Total course hours 6 qualification and you are guided by
a WSET educator. You can contact the
Study pack needed No*
educator any time for the duration of
the scheduled course, should you have
*Study pack included in the
online course
any questions related to the course
content or for academic support. Each
module includes a series of independent
activities to help you understand the
differences between spirit types
and styles.

You are encouraged to taste a range


of spirits during your studies. All the
required spirits for the course can be
found in the “Recommended Tasting
Samples for this Course” section online.
Any additional spirits can be found in the
Specification. You can post your tasting
notes in the Online Classroom for review
by the educator.

21
Course Structure

WSET Online Course Catalogue Level 1 Award in Spirits


Module Details

Module 1 • List and state the purpose of the four key steps used
What are Spirits and How are they in spirits production.
Made? • Identify the two types of still, state how they are used
and what styles of spirit they can produce.
• Identify the production processes that affect the aroma,
sweetness and colour of a spirit.
Module 2 • Name the types of Cognac, the defining aromas of
Cognac and Vodka Cognac and vodka and the raw material used to make
Cognac and vodka.
• Identify the key production processes that influence the
characteristics of Cognac and vodka.
• State the meaning of the key Cognac labelling terms.
Module 3 • Name the principal categories and types of whisky/
Whisky/Whiskey whiskey, their defining aromas and the raw material used
to make whisky/whiskey.
• Identify the key production processes that influence the
characteristics of the principal categories and types of
whisky/whiskey.
• State the meaning of key labelling terms.
Module 4 • Name the principal types of rum and the principal
Rum and Tequila categories and types of Tequila, their defining aromas
and the raw materials used to make rum and Tequila.
• Identify key production processes that influence the
characteristics of the principal types of rum and principal
categories and types of Tequila.
• State the meaning of key labelling terms.
Module 5 • Name the principal categories and types of flavoured
Flavoured Spirits and Aromatised spirits and aromatised wines and state their defining
Wines aromas.
• Identify key production processes that influence the
characteristics of the principal types and categories of
flavoured spirits and aromatised wines.
• State the meaning of key labelling terms used for the
principal categories and types of flavoured spirits and
aromatised wines.
Module 6 • State the two sets of scales used to create a balanced
Mixing with Spirits cocktail.
• Name four core cocktail families and some examples
from each family.
Module 7 • Mock multiple-choice feedback examination which can
Revision be attempted as many times as the student likes.

Examination
• 45-minute closed book exam consisting of 30 multiple-choice questions.
• The date and details of your examination will be provided by your course provider. Your course
provider will let you know if your examination is online, or if it needs to be attended in person. If
they have not provided these details, please get in touch with them directly.

22
WSET Online Course Catalogue

The course is based around a five-week,


six-module online learning programme

Level 2 with educator support available for


this time. The course modules should

Award in be followed in sequential order during


this five-week window. There is a

Spirits recommendation of six 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
Number of weeks 5
activities is essential for this mode
Number of modules 6 of study.

Total course hours 30 The course prepares you for our


qualification and you are guided by
Study pack needed Yes*
a WSET educator. You can contact the
educator any time for the duration of
*Study pack is supplied by your
course provider
the scheduled course, should you have
any questions related to the course
content or for academic support. Each
module includes a series of independent
activities to help you understand the key
styles of spirits and how they are made.

You are encouraged to taste a range


of spirits during your studies. A list of
recommended tasting samples can
be found in the Specification. You can
post your tasting notes in the Online
Classroom for review by the educator.

23
Course Structure

WSET Online Course Catalogue Level 2 Award in Spirits


Module Details

Module 1 • Learn to taste and describe spirits using the WSET


Introducing Spirits Systematic Approach to Tasting®
• Discover how spirits are made and the influence of
production methods on the style of spirit produced.
Module 2 • Learn about the raw materials and production processes
Fruit Spirits and Whiskey/Whiskey used to produce the principal types of fruit spirits and
whiskies.
• Learn about the key characteristics and labelling terms
used for these styles of spirits.
Module 3 • Learn about the raw materials and production processes
Sugar Cane Spirits and Tequila and used to produce the principal types of rum, tequila and
Mezcal mezcal.
• Learn about the key characteristics and labelling terms
used for these styles of spirits.
Module 4 • Learn about the raw materials and production processes
Vodka, Flavoured Spirits and used to produce the principal types of vodka, flavoured
Aromatised Wines spirits, and aromatised wines.
• Learn about the key labelling terms used for these
styles of spirits.
Module 5 • Learn about the key ingredients and the factors to be
Mixing with Spirits considered when making a balanced cocktail.
• Learn about the key cocktail families and know notable
examples from each.
Module 6 • Mock multiple-choice feedback examination which can
Revision be attempted as many times as the student likes.

Examination
• One-hour closed book exam consisting of 50 multiple-choice questions.
• The date and details of your examination will be provided by your course
provider. Your course provider will let you know if your examination is online,
or if it needs to be attended in person. If they have not provided these details,
please get in touch with them directly.

24
WSET Online Course Catalogue

The course is based around a nine-week


structured online programme with a

Level 3 recommendation of 10 hours study


per week to cover the online activities

Award in and read the relevant chapters in


the textbook.

Spirits The course has a weekly structure and


it is important to keep up with the work
set for that week. Your educator is not
obliged to assess your work if you fall
Number of weeks 9 behind. This course is designed to build
upon knowledge you have gained from
Number of modules 9
prior weeks, so you will not get the most
Total course hours 90 out of your online education if you
skip ahead.
Study pack needed Yes*
The course prepares you for our
*Study pack is supplied by your qualification and you are guided by
course provider a WSET educator. You can contact
the educator any time for the duration
of the scheduled course, should you
have any questions related to course
content or for academic support. Each
week includes a series of independent
activities that guide you through the
spirits categories and help them to
understand the factors that contribute
to a spirits style and quality.

You are advised to taste a range of


spirits during your studies. A list of
recommended tasting samples can
be found in the Specification. You can
post your tasting notes in the Online
Classroom for review by the educator.

25
Course Structure

WSET Online Course Catalogue Level 3 Award in Spirits


Week Details

Week 1 • Learn how to describe and assess a spirit using the


Factors Affecting Style, WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting.
Quality and Price of Wine • Learn about alcoholic fermentation and the principles
of distillation.
Week 2 • Learn about pot still distillation, column still distillation
Tasting technique, Wine Laws and the fundamentals of maturation in oak and the uses
and Service of inert vessels.
Weeks 3 and 4 • Learn about the factors that affect the style and quality
Factors Affecting Style of whiskies from around the world. Whisky producing
and Quality of Whisky countries covered are Scotland, Ireland, USA, Canada
and Japan.
Week 5 • Learn about the factors that affect the style and quality
Factors Affecting Style of fruit spirits from around the world. Fruit spirits covered
and Quality of Fruit Spirits are Cognac, Armagnac, Brandy de Jerez, South African
Brandy, Chilean Pisco, Peruvian Pisco, Grappa and other
European Fruit Spirits.
Week 6 • Learn about Asian Spirits and some of the techniques
Asian Spirits use in their production. Spirits covered are Shōchū, Baijiu
and Soju.
Week 7 • Learn about the factors that affect the style and quality
Sugar Cane Spirits of sugar cane spirits from around the world. Sugar cane
spirits covered are Caribbean rum and Brazilian Cachaça.
Week 8 • Learn about the factors that affect the style and quality
Agave Spirits of agave spirits from Mexico. Agave spirits covered are
Tequila, Mezcal, Raicilla and Bacanora. This module also
covers another similar Mexican spirit Sotol.
Week 9 • Learn about the factors that affect the style and quality
Vodka, Gin and Other Flavoured Spirits of vodka and flavoured spirits. Spirits covered are
Vodka, Gin, Genever, flavoured vodka, akvavit, aniseed
spirits spiced rum, flavoured whisky, bitters and liqueurs.
Aromatised wines covered are vermouth, quinquina/
chinato and americano.

Examination
• 2.5-hour closed book exam consisting of two units:
• Unit 1 is a two-hour closed book exam and consists of two parts:
Part 1 comprises 50 multiple-choice questions.
Part 2 comprises 10 questions requiring short written answers.
• Unit 2 is a 30-minute tasting examination and the student must assess two
spirits blind.
• Examination date and venue details are provided by the course provider when
the student books the course. If you do not know this information, please get in
touch with your course provider.

26
WSET Online Course Catalogue

The course is based around a four-week,


six-module online learning programme

Level 1 with educator support available for this


time. The course modules should be

Award in followed in sequential order during this


four-week window. The course material

Sake should take approximately six hours in


total to complete, plus revision time.
Regular access and participation in the
course online activities is essential for
this mode of study.
Number of weeks 4
The course prepares you for our
Number of modules 6
qualification and you are guided by
Total course hours 6 a WSET educator. You can contact
the educator any time for the duration
Study pack needed No*
of the scheduled course, should you
have any questions related to course
*Study pack included in the
online course
content or for academic support. Each
module includes a series of independent
activities to help you understand sake
production and different styles of sake.

You are advised to taste a range of


sakes during your studies. All the
required sakes for the course can
be found the Specification. You can
post your tasting notes in the Online
Classroom for review by the educator.

27
Course Structure

WSET Online Course Catalogue Level 1 Award in Sake


Module Details

Module 1 • List and state the purpose of the main ingredients that
What is Sake and How is it Made? are used in sake production.
• List and state the purpose of the main production steps
that turn the ingredients into sake.
Module 2 • Name the principal categories and grades of sake.
Categories and Grades of Sake • State the key characteristics of the principal categories
and grades of sake.
• Taste sake and describe its notable characteristics using
language from WSET’s Systematic Approach to Tasting.
Module 3 • List and state the purpose of the main production steps
Making Different Styles of Sake used to make sake.
Module 4 • Name some of the speciality styles of sake and state
Japanese Labelling Terms their key characteristics.
and Speciality Styles of Sake • Recognise Japanese labelling terms for some of the
principal categories of sake.
Module 5 • State the correct procedures for the storage and service
Storage and Service of Sake of sake.
• State the common faults found in sake.
• State the key considerations when making a food
and sake pairing recommendation.
Module 6 • Mock multiple-choice feedback examination which
Revision can be attempted as many times as the student likes.

Examination
• 45-minute closed book exam consisting of 30 multiple-choice questions.
• The date and details of your examination will be provided by your course
provider. Your course provider will let you know if your examination is online,
or if it needs to be attended in person. If they have not provided these details,
please get in touch with them directly.

28
WSET Online Course Catalogue

The Diploma consists of six units


and D1 and D2 must be studied at the

Level 4 beginning of your Diploma programme


and the D1 exam sat first.

Diploma The individual units follow a weekly

in Wines
structure and it is important that you
keep up with work set for that week.
The educator is not obliged to assess
work if you fall behind. The individual
units are designed to build upon
Number of units 6 knowledge gained from the previous
weeks, so you should not skip ahead.
Number of weeks 46
The online units prepare you for our
Number of modules 46
qualifications and they are guided by
Total course hours ≈ 150 a WSET educator. You can contact the
educator any time for the duration of the
Study pack needed No*
scheduled course, should you have any
questions. Each unit includes a series of
*Study pack included in the
online course
independent and/or group activities that
require you to look in depth at the wine
industry, applying subject knowledge
and professional skills to analyse
key issues. Each unit also includes a
feedback test or tests depending on the
unit e.g. D1 and D2 have one feedback
test. D3 includes 10 theory feedback
tests and 4 tasting feedback tests; D4
and D5 have one theory feedback test
and one tasting feedback test.

Revision of Level 3 Materials is highly


recommended before commencing
the diploma.

You are advised to taste a range of


wines during your studies. A list of
recommended tasting samples can
be found in the Specification.

29
D1

WSET Online Course Catalogue Level 4 Diploma in Wines


The student will learn to understand:
Wine Production • What the vine requires to produce and ripen
grapes for wine production and how the
Number of weeks 6 growing environment influences the vine’s
ability to produce and ripen grapes.
Number of modules 6
• Grape growing options.
Total course hours ≈ 16 • The winemaking options and how
they influence the style, quality and
Study pack needed No*
price of wines.

*Study pack included in the


online course
Examination*
• 1.5-hour closed book exam consisting
of open-response questions.

D2 The student will learn to understand:


Wine Business • The factors that contribute to the price
of wine.
Number of weeks 6 • The types of businesses engaged in the
production of wine and options for getting
Number of modules 6
wine to the point of sale.
Total course hours ≈ 10 • Key considerations in wine marketing.

Study pack needed No*


Examination*
*Study pack included in the • One-hour closed book exam consisting of
online course open-response questions.

* Examination date and venue details are provided by the course provider when
the student books the course. If you do not know this information, please get in
touch with your course provider.

30
D3
WSET Online Course Catalogue Level 4 Diploma in Wines

The student will learn to understand:


Wines of the • How the growing environment, grape
growing options, winemaking options,
World wine law and regulation, and wine business
influence the style, quality and price of
Number of weeks 24
the principal wines of the world.
Number of modules 24
The students will demonstrate:
Total course hours ≈ 100
• The ability to taste and evaluate wines
Study pack needed No*
from the principal wine regions accurately.

*Study pack included in the


online course
Examination*
Day 1
• Exam 1: two-hours closed book exam
consisting of open-response questions.
• Exam 2: 1 hour 20 minutes closed book
exam consisting of open-response questions.

Day 2
• Exam 1: 1.5 hours tasting exam and you
must assess six wines blind
• Exam 2: 1.5 hours tasting exam and you must
assess six wines blind

* Examination date and venue details are provided by the course provider when
the student books the course. If you do not know this information, please get in
touch with your course provider.

31
D4

WSET Online Course Catalogue Level 4 Diploma in Wines


The student will learn to understand:
Sparkling Wine • How the growing environment, grape
growing options, winemaking options,
Number of weeks 5 industry associations and labelling terms,
and wine business influence the style,
Number of modules 5
quality and price of the principal sparkling
Total course hours ≈ 12 wines of the world.

Study pack needed No*


The students will demonstrate:
*Study pack included in the • The ability to taste and evaluate sparkling
online course wines accurately.

Examination*
• 1.5-hour closed book exam consisting of
open-response questions and tasting three
wines tasted blind.

D5 The student will learn to understand:


Fortified Wine • How the growing environment, grape
growing options, winemaking options,
Number of weeks 5 industry associations and labelling terms,
and wine business influence the style,
Number of modules 5
quality and price of the principal fortified
Total course hours ≈ 12 wines of the world.

Study pack needed No*


The students will demonstrate:
*Study pack included in the • The ability to taste and evaluate fortified
online course wines accurately.

Examination*
• 1.5-hour closed book exam consisting of
open-response questions and tasting three
wines tasted blind.

* Examination date and venue details are provided by the course provider when
the student books the course. If you do not know this information, please get in
touch with your course provider.

32
WSET® Online Classroom Welcome Pack 2022/2023

Thank You

Thank you for choosing to study a


WSET Online Classroom course.

We always appreciate any feedback


you may have on the course. Please
take the opportunity to fill in the
feedback questionnaire within your
course, detailing any thoughts you have
on your online learning experience,
feature ideas or improvements you
would like to see in the future.

We hope you enjoy your time


studying with us and best of luck
with your qualification.

Visit us at wsetglobal.com
Follow us @wsetglobal

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