Description
WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits (ONLINE)
The course is based around a 5-week structured online programme with a recommendation of 6 hours study per week to cover the online activities and read the relevant chapters in the textbook. Regular access and participation in the course online activities is essential for this mode of study.
| Course Duration: | 5 weeks |
| Exam Duration: | 1 hour |
| Exam Type: | 50 multiple choice questions |
| Award: | Certificate and Metal Lapel Pin |
| Cost: | R9,900* |
*Additional costs may be incurred to courier study materials and certificate if required outside of South Africa. Contact us for details
Overview
The course follows a weekly structure, but it allows the student to work ahead or catch up on the activities and forums. There are no set times to log into the course as there are no live chats or webinars.
There are two options regarding the Study materials:
- As eBooks – no additional cost (download pdf for further information)
- As hardcopy books – sent by courier at no additional cost within South Africa but may incur an additional fee if required to be sent out side of South Africa, (Contact us for further details)
The course prepares the student for the WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits examination and are guided by a WSET educator. The student can contact the educator any time for the duration of the scheduled course, should they have any questions. Each week includes a series of independent and/or group activities to help students further understand spirits.
Students are advised to taste a range of spirits during their studies. A list of recommended tasting samples can be found in the Course Specifications PDF. Students can post their tasting notes in the Online Classroom for review by the educator. Additional tastings may be included at our discretion.
Students will require access to a computer (recommended) and/or HTML5 compatible mobile or tablet with the following minimum requirements: Internet Explorer 10, Firefox 25.0, Safari 6, Chrome 30.0 or other HTML5 compatible; web browser with Javascript and cookies** enabled; Adobe Reader XI or equivalent; Internet access (broadband recommended)
Please note:
Spirits are not included in the cost of this course and although it will greatly enhance your learning experience, it is not compulsory to taste any spirits.
Lessons are online and students can also take their exam online however they do have the option to take it in person. Please contact us for further details.
If either your course books or certificate are required outside of South Africa, please contact us for total course fees.
Who it is aimed at:
People employed in the drinks and hospitality industries needing basic information on the characteristics of the principal spirits and liqueurs of the world, to provide guidance on brand selection and assist with tasting and evaluating of spirits and liqueurs using the Systematic Approach to Tasting.
People who are not employed in the drinks industry but who have a serious interest in spirits and wish to broaden their knowledge in a structured way
The WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits underpins the skills needed in all areas of the spirit trade – customer service, hospitality, retail and wholesale. The course covers the history, production and style of spirits of the world: Cognac, Armagnac and other brandies; Scotch, Bourbon and whiskeys; white spirits, including vodka, rum, Tequila, gin; and liqueurs and other flavored spirits.
Topics Covered
Module 1: Introducing Spirits
- Learn to taste and describe spirits using the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting®
- Discover how spirits are made and the influence of production methods on the style of spirit produced.
Module 2: Fruit and Sugar Cane Spirits
- Learn about the raw materials and production processes used to produce the principal types of fruit and sugar cane spirits.
- Learn about the key characteristics and labelling terms used for these styles of spirits.
Module 3: Whisk(e)y, Tequila and Mezcal
- Learn about the raw materials and production processes used to produce the principal types of whiskies, tequila and mezcal.
- Learn about the key characteristics and labelling terms used for these styles of spirits.
Module 4: Vodka; Flavoured Spirits; Liqueurs and Aromatised Wines
- Learn about the raw materials and production processes used to produce the principal types of vodka, flavoured spirits, liqueurs and aromatised wines.
- Learn about the key labelling terms used for these styles of spirits.
Module 5: Bar Essentials and Cocktails
- Learn about the common equipment and glassware used in the service of spirits and cocktails.
- Learn about the key ingredients and the factors to be considered when making a balanced cocktail.
- Learn about the key cocktail families and know notable examples from each.
Module 6: Revision and Resources
- Mock multiple-choice feedback examination which can be attempted as many times as the student likes.
Included with this course
- All tuition
- All course materials including:
- WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting Spirits Card
- 117 page Level 2 Course Book
- 79 page Level 2 Study Guide
- Course Specifications Guide
- Exam Fees
- International Courier Costs (exams are marked in London)
- Domestic courier costs for your course books
- Certificate with Lapel Pin when you pass.
- Domestic courier costs for your Certificate and Lapel Pin (Note: if you require these sent outside of South Africa there may be an additional charge required when results are known for international courier fees)
Exam
You have one hour to complete the exam which comprises 50 multi-choice questions and a pass mark of 55%.
Below are the results you can attend and the marks required.
Pass with Distinction: | 85% and above |
|---|---|
Pass with Merit | Between 70% and 84% |
Pass | Between 55% and 69% |
Fail: | Between 45% and 54% |
Fail unclassified: | 44% and below |
The course is designed to be fully online that includes computer-based testing via Remote Invigilation (RI) to take your exam. You will be monitored via webcam, screen sharing technology and a secondary recording device during your exam to ensure integrity with the qualification. A video explaining this in more detail can be found below
Further information on the operation of RI can also be found in the Candidate Information document.
Alternatively, the exam can be taken in person as opposed to online. Please contact us for further details.
WSET inform us of your results by email and as soon as we know we will inform you. A certificate and metal lapel pin for successful candidates will follow from London shortly afterwards.If you are unsuccessful, you are able to retake the exam without having to retake the course if you do not wish to. Please contact us for potential dates and cost.