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Plumpton launches UK’s first wine business degree
Plumpton College has announced the launch of the UK’s first wine business honours degree for those seeking a high-level career in the wine trade.
The Duchess of Cornwall leaving Plumpton College’s new Wine Research Centre last year. Gareth Fuller/PA Wire
Based in Sussex, Plumpton College offers degrees in both wine business and production in partnership with the University of Brighton. Having launched its first wine course in 1996, the College now boasts a 10-hectare vineyard, dedicated Wine Centre (with a commercial winery and research centre) and a strong international staff team delivering courses to around 130 full-time students.
As part of its new BA (Hons) Wine Business degree, students will learn about the key wine regions of the world with an option to specialise in modules covering areas such as sparkling wine, wine distribution channels, wine sensory evaluation, and consumer behaviour, as well as developing their skills in financial management, marketing and business planning.
A number of course modules correspond to the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 3 and Level 4 qualifications, which will allow students to take the WSET Diploma as an additional qualification.
Course Leader Paul Harley said: “I’m really excited to see the launch of the full 3-year Wine Business degree at Plumpton. We’ve already seen a considerable level of interest, from both within the UK and abroad, for a great course with a strong academic focus on the business of wine.”
Students will also have the opportunity to participate in commercial grapegrowing and winemaking on the College estate and attend study trips to wine-producing areas including Bordeaux, Montpellier and Champagne.
Established in 1926, Plumpton College offers courses in land-based industries on subjects including agriculture, animal Science, arboriculture, countryside management, equine Studies, forestry, and wine.
Last year HRH The Duchess of Cornwall officially opened the college’s dedicated viticulture and oenology research centre – the UK’s first. The £2 million Rathfinny Research Winery at Plumpton College in East Sussex forms part of a mission to help the English wine industry rival its more established French counterparts and to strengthen its international profile.