Beer courses at WSET School London

WSET is proud to offer two beer qualifications, the Level 1 and Level 2 Awards in Beer, which provide a comprehensive and globally-recognised approach to beer education.

Whether you’re a pro looking to level up or a curious enthusiast eager to dive deeper, our courses will teach you how to evaluate, describe, and recommend beers like a true expert.

After completing a WSET beer course, you’ll walk away with a globally-recognised qualification!

Browse beer courses

What does a beer course involve?

In our interactive, expert-led beer courses, you’ll:

• Explore the world’s most iconic beer styles and what makes each one unique
• Learn to taste and describe beer, honing your skills to evaluate flavour and quality
• Understand the unique ingredients and production methods behind every brew
• Master the principles of beer storage, service, and food pairing
• Taste 10-30 different beers - discover your new favourite style!

The enthusiastic Guinness team taking the Level 2 Award in Beer in January 2025

Level 1 Award in Beer

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Level 2 Award in Beer

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Our Systematic Approach to Tasting (SAT)

WSET’s trademarked Systematic Approach to Tasting (SAT) is at the core of how we teach beer tasting. This structured framework gives students a universal language to describe beer and a clear method for assessing its quality.

With the SAT, you’ll explore every aspect of beer, from its appearance and aroma to its taste, breaking down each element before seeing how they come together as a whole. This step-by-step, professional approach boosts your confidence and expertise, no matter where you’re starting from. Get ready to taste like a pro!

An example of our WSET Level 2 SAT for beer tasting

Beginner courses

The Level 1 Award in Beer is ideal for anyone looking to build a strong foundation in beer knowledge, whether you’re just starting out or expanding your understanding. Through interactive activities and guided tastings, students will explore:

• How to taste and describe beer with confidence using our Systematic Approach to Tasting (SAT)
• Beer ingredients and the brewing process
• The principles of storage, service and food pairing
• The characteristics of 20 key beer styles - from lagers to lambics
• Taste 10 different beers

Find a Level 1 course

Intermediate courses

Ready to take your beer knowledge to the next level? This intermediate-level beer qualification is perfect for anyone eager to expand their knowledge of beer, whether you’re a beginner or already have some beer knowledge. It’s a longer and more in-depth course than Level 1 and covers the essentials in greater detail, including:

• The brewing process and how ingredients are transformed into beer
• How ingredients and brewing methods shape a beer’s style and quality
• Principles of storage, service, and food pairing
• The characteristics of over 60 beer styles, including speciality beers, and how they are produced and labelled
• How to taste, describe and assess beer quality, using our Systematic Approach to Tasting (SAT)
• Taste 30 different beers

Find a Level 2 course

Why choose WSET for beer education?

• Interactive, educator-led learning: WSET’s courses are taught by expert educators who undergo rigorous training, ensuring a consistent, high-quality learning experience no matter where you study. Through engaging sessions and tutored beer tastings, our approach is unmatched in its depth and expertise—whether you’re learning in-person or online.

• Globally respected credentials: With over 50 years of experience in drinks education, WSET qualifications are internationally recognised and valued. They open doors to new opportunities by equipping students with knowledge and skills that meet the highest global standards.

• Unmatched standards: We uphold the highest integrity in our exams and learning materials. Regularly updated and refined, our courses deliver the most relevant, effective, and engaging education available, ensuring students absorb and apply their knowledge with confidence.

• Broad focus, broad appeal: Perfect for professionals in retail, distribution, education, marketing, and more, as well as enthusiasts eager to deepen their beer knowledge. Our courses cover key topics to build product knowledge, confidence, and tasting skills.

• Flexible study options: We know that everyone has different demands on their time, so we offer a wide range of study options designed to fit around your schedule. We’re open six days a week and you can choose from weekday, evening and weekend classroom courses, as well as online learning.

Why invest in company beer training?

For organisations, WSET offers a unique opportunity to build expertise and confidence in your team: 

• Increase sales: Staff with WSET training are better equipped to recommend and upsell beer, boosting revenue. A survey of beverage professionals revealed that 85% felt empowered to sell a wider portfolio of products after completing a qualification.

• Enhance customer experiences: Confident, knowledgeable teams provide better service, improving customer satisfaction and loyalty.

• Global standards: Our qualifications provide consistent training, ensuring your team speaks the same language—wherever they are in the world.

Training for drinks professionals

“An excellent understanding of beer is the foundation of our commercial and technical team, so we committed to investing in training through WSET, the global leader in drinks education.”

Craig Nelson, Director of Sales at Asahi UK (read Asahi case study)