Below we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions. If you cannot find an answer to your question here, please submit your question through the contact us form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Course entry requirements
All classes are delivered in English, therefore a good level of English is essential for all courses.
WSET Level 2 Award in Wines & WSET Level 3 Award in Sake
No prior qualification is required.
WSET Level 3 Award in Wines
You must hold the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines or successfully complete the WSET Level 3 Award in Wines Online Entry Test.
WSET Level 3 Award in Spirits
You must hold the WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits or the Spirits module of the WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines and Spirits or successfully complete the WSET Level 3 Award in Spirits Online Entry Test.
WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines
You must hold the WSET Level 3 Award in Wines (previously known as the Level 3 Award in Wines and Spirits).
Online courses
Which courses are available online?
We deliver almost all of our WSET qualifications online, via WSET's e-learning platform – the Online Classroom. The current exception is the Level 3 Award in Sake.
What is WSET's Online Classroom?
WSET's Online Classroom is an e-learning platform. The platform enhances textbook study with a broad range of educational materials and activities to suit different learner types, such as videos, quizzes, games and tasting exercises. It also features a student forum so students can connect with classmates.
Online courses are delivered via WSET's Online Classroom, but you will also be given access to a range of online resources if you are studying a classroom course with us.
What support and guidance will I get?
You will have a dedicated online tutor who is available to answer your questions during the course. They'll answer any questions you have about the materials and help you to develop your tasting skills. The WSET Online Classroom support team will also be there to help you get the most out of the platform.
How does tasting work online?
Tasting is an important part of all WSET courses. For online courses, you will need to source your own samples. You will receive guidance on what styles to buy via WSET's Online Classroom, and there are recommendations in the specification for each qualification. Throughout your course, you’ll share your tasting notes with your educator who will give you feedback and pointers to help you hone your palate.
For Level 3 and Diploma courses, where there is a tasting element in the exam, we will schedule tasting tutorials to help you improve your tasting skills and master exam technique.
How do I sit the exam for online courses?
For Levels 1 and 2, the examination will be completed online through a Remote Invigilation service – you will be given information on how this works once you have enrolled. Please note that all online exams are scheduled in UK time.
For Level 3 and 4, exams must be sat in-person and each course has set exam date(s).
Read some information on Remote Invigilation exams.
Watch video tutorials for taking online exams.
How long will I have access to my course?
Full access to online materials and educator support will only be provided during the advertised course dates. However, read-only access will be provided for one year following the advertised start date for Level 2-3 and for three years following the advertised start date for Level 4 courses.
When will I receive my login?
Existing users of WSET’s Online Classroom should use their previous login details. You can reset your password using the ‘forgotten password’ links on the website.
New users will receive an email from WSET’s Online Classroom with login details at least two weeks before the course start date. (If you don’t receive this, please check your spam folder or email onlineclassroom@wsetglobal.com for assistance.)
The email address used will be the address you provided upon booking.
Booking queries
How do I book?
If you're ready to book, the easiest and fastest way to book is through our website – you can find the next course available through the relevant qualification page.
If you still have questions, please do drop us a message through our contact us portal
Will I get an invoice?
If you pay for a course or event via our website, a payment receipt will be attached to your confirmation email.
If you require an invoice, you will need to contact us via studentservicesteam@wsetglobal.com before booking. Please note that we are not able to amend the details on an invoice/receipt after booking.
How do I know my course booking is confirmed?
For Level 1-2 courses and the Level 3 Award in Sake, a course confirmation email will be sent from Student Services within three working days of receiving the booking. This will be sent to the email provided at the time of booking. Please refrain from booking any travel tickets or accommodation until you receive the confirmation email.
For the Level 3 Award in Sake, Level 3 Award in Spirits and Level 4 Diploma in Wines, you will be sent an email that states we have received your booking and are checking the entry requirements are met. You will receive the booking confirmation email once your booking has been approved.
Can I pay for my course by instalments?
Instalment payment plans are available to Level 4 Diploma in Wines students who are UK residents and hold a UK bank account. To take advantage of this option, you must book your course via our Student Services Team (it's not available via our website) and at least one month before the start date. Your initial payment is required at the time of booking, then the remaining payments are deducted by standing order. There is a small administration fee for this option. For more information or to request to pay by instalment, please get in touch with our Student Services Team at studentservicesteam@wsetglobal.com.
Can I apply for a bursary?
WSET operates a bursary scheme which is designed to help potential students in the UK who would otherwise be unable to take a WSET qualification due to financial hardship. Applications for WSET's UK bursary scheme are handled by The Drinks Trust under the Develop initiative.
To apply please contact WSETBursary@drinkstrust.org.uk.
You can view the criteria for funding and application forms here: drinkstrust.org.uk/get-help/develop/our-courses.
Can I get help with a student VISA?
WSET School London does not issue VISAs. We are registered with Gov.UK – UK Visas and Immigration as a short-course provider, but you will need to go through the VISA application process with Gov.UK – UK Visas and Immigration. Please refer to their website for more information.
Please note that we are not able to provide a CAS letter, but we can provide a course confirmation email with details of the qualification you are studying.
Study materials
When will I receive my study materials?
If you chose for your study materials to be delivered, these will be delivered by a courier and someone will need to sign for the materials. You’ll receive a text from the courier provider as to a date when your materials will be delivered. The courier will make three attempts to deliver your materials, before returning them to WSET. UK-based students will receive their materials within 10 working days after the booking has been processed, and overseas students will receive their materials within 15 working days. If you have not received your study materials within this timeframe, please contact studentservicesteam@wsetglobal.com.
If you chose to collect your study materials, these will be available to collect from our reception at any time during our working hours (Monday-Friday between 9am-5pm).
Level 1 classroom students will receive their study materials on the day of the course.
All study materials for Level 1 online courses and the Level 4 Diploma in Wines are online via our eBook platform.
Diploma students will be given access to the eBook materials approximately four weeks after booking a course. We recommend that you enrol on your course plenty of time in advance to make sure you have time to receive and read your materials. Please contact wsetschooldiploma@wsetglobal.com if you haven't received you eBooks within four weeks.
Please note: we are currently unable to send study materials to Mainland China.
Missed sessions
What happens if I can't make one of my scheduled classes?
If you are unable to attend a session, we advise you to review the content in your book and available in WSET’s Online Classroom. It’s possible to attend an alternative session, depending on availability, but as many of our courses are fully booked we may not be able to offer an alternative before your scheduled exam date. Fees are applicable. Please contact studentservicesteam@wsetglobal.com for more information.
Missed session |
Sit-in fee |
| Level 1 | N/A - please contact us to discuss your options if you have missed a session(s) |
| Level 2 | £30 per 2-hour session |
| Level 3 | £40 per 2-hour session |
| Level 4 | £50 per 2-hour session |
Student details
How do I update my contact details?
If you made an account when you made your booking, you can log in to your account and change your details and contact preferences there. Otherwise, please drop us an email on studentservicesteam@wsetglobal.com and we can update them for you.
Reasonable adjustments and accessibility
It is possible for students with additional needs to apply for reasonable adjustments in order to receive extended examination time. To request reasonable adjustment please contact our Student Services team.
For the hearing impaired
All our classrooms have Hearing Loop technology installed. To discuss any additional needs for deaf or hard-of-hearing students please contact our Student Services team.
For the visually impaired
WSET School London is proud to have partnered with various charities to develop and offer the WSET Level 1 Award in Wines and the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines and Spirits for the visually impaired. For information about these courses or how our regular classes can accommodate visually impaired students please contact Student Services - StudentServicesTeam@wsetglobal.com
Building accessibility
WSET School London is situated at 39-45 Bermondsey Street. There is level access to the building from the street and every floor is accessible by a lift and stairs. There are two disabled toilets located on the first and second floors which can be accessed by the lift. Other toilets are located between levels and can only be accessed by the staircase. Classrooms are located on the first, second, third and fifth floors of the building.
If you have mobility needs, in the event of an emergency, you must inform your tutor, who will advise you of evacuation arrangements.
Please note: Pets are not allowed on the school premises without the prior written consent, except for service animals or approved support animals for someone with disabilities. If you have any questions, please contact the Student Services team at studentservicesteam@wsetglobal.com.