How much time do I need to devote to my DIPLOMA training?

Are you hesitant to start the DIPLOMA because you’re wondering how much time it will take and whether it’s compatible with your professional activity?
You’re not alone in asking these questions, and the good news is that the answer is quite reassuring. Here’s everything you need to know to organize your training and optimize your learning.

A Serious Commitment, but Highly Flexible

Let’s be honest: the DIPLOMA is no walk in the park. But with good organization, it’s achievable. The DIPLOMA is a demanding program that requires discipline and personal commitment. Attending in-person courses isn’t enough—self-study plays a key role in success.

Ideally, you should dedicate about an hour per day from the moment you enroll until you complete your final unit. But that doesn’t mean spending 100% of this time buried in the eBooks provided by WSET. Wine learning is immersive, and it thrives on diverse sources:

• Read course materials, but also specialized articles to stay updated on market trends.
• Taste wines regularly, applying the WSET methodology and refining your sensory analysis.
• Visit vineyards, engage with professionals, and understand the realities of the field.
• Watch documentaries, listen to podcasts, and follow industry news.

But don’t worry—we support you every step of the way! At WiSP, we know that independent study is essential, which is why we’ve set up specific support to structure your learning:

• We provide mock exams to help you practice under conditions similar to the final test.
• You’ll join an active community of students and alumni, where tastings, vineyard visits, and regular discussions are organized.
• You’ll have access to educational resources to deepen your knowledge.

Training for the DIPLOMA means adopting a global and progressive approach to wine learning.

Can You Work While Studying for the DIPLOMA?

The answer is yes—and it’s actually an advantage! The WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines is designed for wine professionals. It spans two years, with only about 25 days of in-person training. That’s not much, meaning you can organize your learning without putting your career on hold.

Why is working while studying an asset?

• You apply what you learn immediately.
  Being active in the wine industry during your training allows you to integrate knowledge faster and relate it to real market conditions.
• Your daily professional life becomes a learning tool.
  A conversation with an importer, a negotiation with a producer, or a tasting with a client—each experience enhances your understanding of the sector.
• You build a strong network.
  By staying active in the industry, you maintain connections and create professional opportunities that could be decisive once you graduate.

How to Manage Your Time Between Work and Study?

Organization is key. Here are some tips to maximize your study time without affecting your professional activity:

• Plan your study sessions – Set appointments with yourself in your calendar. And just like a meeting with Jancis Robinson MW, it’s non-negotiable! Stick to your schedule to develop a study habit.
• Break learning into small chunks – You’ll retain more by studying for 45 minutes to an hour than by cramming for eight hours straight.
• Optimize downtime – Listen to podcasts during your commute, read between meetings—every moment counts.
• Join WiSP activities – Tastings, visits, and student discussions are real learning accelerators.

The WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines is a Worthwhile Investment

Studying for the DIPLOMA while working requires discipline, but the effort is worth it. As you probably know, this internationally recognized qualification opens doors to strategic positions in the wine industry, whether in import-export, sales, marketing, or even sommellerie.

With a structured approach and daily commitment, it’s entirely possible to succeed in the DIPLOMA while advancing professionally.

So, are you convinced and ready for the challenge?
Discover the full DIPLOMA program and join the community of future wine experts!