What does the programme involve?
It is a guided, self-study programme which lasts a minimum of three years. Its aim is to help candidates prepare themselves for the exam, by outlining the syllabus, and highlighting strengths and weaknesses in a student's knowledge, understanding or experience; introducing the concept of critical analysis and evaluation; helping to hone some of the skills and techniques required in the examination, particularly the practical tasting element; and facilitating self-learning and providing regular assessment of the student's development.
The first two years involve a compulsory, annual, one-week intensive seminar. These seminars, led by Masters of Wine and accompanied by internationally recognised speakers, take place from mid-January to the end of February in Australasia, Europe and North America.
Once a student has successfully passed both the Practical and Theory parts of the examination they then reserach and write their original dissertation.
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 Institute 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.
Further information
To learn more about the study programme please email us.
