All Masters of Wine study for a minimum of two years before sitting the Practical and Theory Examination. They follow a self-study programme and are supported by an annual residential week, occasional study days, and one-to-one advice from MW mentors. As such, the Programme does not demand large periods of time away from employment. However, it does require discipline and motivation to keep up with the level of study required. After passing the Theory and Practical parts of the Examination, students then research and write a 10,000 word dissertation in the following year, again with the support of an MW mentor.
Where can I study?
You can study and take the Examination on three continents: Europe, Australasia and North America. You can choose to change centres at the end of each year, if, for example, you move your job, home or would like to broaden your geographical perspective.
The European programme consists of a residential seminar and course days over the academic year. The residential seminars are held in different locations across Europe, currently in Austria, France and the UK. The course days are held in London. The Australasian and North American programmes have a residential seminar. The Australian programme does not normally provide course days over the academic year, while in the USA, the IMW organises occasional course days for second-year students on both the East and West coasts.
What should I expect in the first year?
The aim of the Education Programme is not to teach, but to assist students in preparing for the Examination. Students are introduced to the breadth of the syllabus and encouraged to identify at the outset any potential areas of weakness in their knowledge, understanding or experience. Working with MWs, they develop the skills and techniques required in the practical part of the examination and also build their own self-study programme. A course day typically begins with a blind tasting in the morning, led by MWs, and is followed by afternoon lectures from MWs and specialist guest speakers in senior positions across the industry. During the year, you will have several essay assignments. Many students find it useful to form study groups where they can meet and practise blind tasting.
How will I be assessed?
At the end of the First Year students sit a theory paper and a written practical tasting paper. These are marked by a panel of MWs under the supervision of the Education and Examination Board (EEB) to assess if students are ready to advance to the Second Year Programme.
What if English is not my first language?
The teaching is all in English. As with the Examination, you may write the theory part of the First Year Assessment in your own language, provided you pay for translation. The tasting portion must be written in English, although you may use a dictionary.
What should I expect in the Second Year?
This year is designed to help with the intensive build up to the examination. The Seminar follows a similar format to the First Year Seminar but it has more emphasis on examination technique, question interpretation and tasting workshops, with feedback given on students’ progress.
What does the dissertation involve?
The dissertation is a 10,000-word study or thesis on a topic of relevance to the wine industry, researched and written after passing the Theory and Practical parts of the examination. Students choose their own topics and attend Dissertation study days held annually in September in London, Australia and the US. An MW Mentor is assigned to each student to help guide them through the process.
Mentor Support
Each student is assigned an MW who will act as his or her mentor over the course of the Education Programme. All mentors give their time voluntarily and receive no remuneration. The mentor will advise students about structuring and monitoring their revision programme, and they will comment on the assignments - the essays and tasting questions - centrally set to the students. Students writing Dissertations will normally be supported by a different mentor, who will provide guidance principally on the process.
Essay Writing Scheme
Those students who wish to write more essays than the assignments require are welcome to join the Essay Marking Scheme, and submit their work to be marked by MWs. This is entirely voluntary. Second year students often find it helpful when they are focusing on improving their essay technique. The current charge is £145+VAT for five essays.
To learn more
To learn more about the Education Programme, or to apply to study, please contact Peter Csizmadia-Honigh: peter@mastersofwine.org
