Courses

Course description

The Diploma is the highest course level offered by the Wine and Spirit Education Trust and is an internationally recognised professional qualification, with just over 1,800 students per year taking the course.
The Diploma Programme is an intensive course of study over 20 months that covers in great depth the world of wine from a business, theory and practical standpoint. The Diploma is recommended as a good entry point to the ultimate qualification, the Master of Wine. 
The NZSWS Diploma course is delivered through a high quality programme of learning pathways. All theory tuition is conducted substantially online via our specialised Diploma online classroom, with regular assignments, tests and general and individual written feedback. Tuition for the tasting part of the exams is via in person classroom sessions held in Auckland. All students are closely supported by our dedicated tutors and the programme includes mock examinations and proprietary exam technique and tasting guidance.

The 2026 student intake (Diploma 20) is now closed for enrolment. The enrolment for next intake of students for Diploma 21 (2027/2028) will open in the second half of 2026. 

If you’d like be added to the distribution list for the Diploma 21 prospectus please email [email protected]

Please note it is a WSET requirement that students hold WSET Level 3 before enrolling into the Diploma course.