WSET Diploma to launch in South Africa

Tuesday, 2 July, 2013
WSET London
The flagship qualification of the UK-based Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), the Level 4 Diploma in Wine and Spirits, is to launch in South Africa in September 2013 as an Online Distance Learning Programme. The Diploma is designed to prepare people for senior positions within the wine and spirit industry.
The course is based around a 2 year structured online programme of 10 hours study per week, however there are no fixed study times, so students may plan their studies to suit themselves.
Facilitated by the WSET’s London Wine & Spirit School, Educators will travel to South Africa to teach the course induction programme including initial tasting training. The course days and examinations for this course will take place in Cape Town.

The course utilises social media to allow students to study alongside their peers under the guidance of a WSET Certified Educator. Each section includes a series of online group activities requiring students to look in depth at the wine industry, applying subject knowledge and professional skills to analyse key issues and make recommendations.

Who should do the course?
People working in the wine trade wishing to progress to roles such as wine-buying, wine marketing, senior sales and any other professional role in the wine & spirit industry. It’s also suitable for dedicated wine enthusiasts who wish to build on the knowledge gained at WSET Level 3.

Why WSET?
WSET qualifications are the industry-standard in 60 countries around the world. If you are planning on working abroad within the wine or hospitality industries – either permanently or as part of your South African-based job – you will find that WSET offer the most widely-accepted and easily understood qualifications you can do.

What qualifications do I need to be accepted on the WSET Diploma course?
Either WSET Level 3 Award in Wines and Spirits or Cape Wine Academy Diploma is acceptable for people wishing to start the WSET Level 4 Diploma. If you have any other qualifications or relevant experience, please email courses@wset.co.uk for further advice.

How much will it cost?
The course will cost £2,130 GBP (approximately R33,500) for the two year course. Additional local tastings will be organised by Cathy Marston AIWS of the International Wine Education Centre and will be charged for separately, however attendance at these is not a requirement of the course programme.

I’m interested. What do I do now?
Please email courses@wset.co.uk for more details or take closer look on-line at www.wsetschool.com.

People interested in studying for other WSET courses in South Africa can contact Cathy Marston at www.TheWineCentre.co.za for details of Levels 12 & 3 in Wine and Spirits as well as the newly adopted Levels 1 and 2 dedicated Spirits courses.