WSET Level 4 Diploma | D6 Research Paper Course Format
D6 is an independent project that candidates will work on individually. There are no online or in-person classes for this unit, but you'll have access to suggested research resources, essay structure tips and a submission checklist on our learning platform. The paper can be researched and written anytime after sitting the D1 & D2 exams and it can be done concurrently with other units or on its own.
Course Duration
Students are encouraged to register for D6 as soon as they have chosen their topic. Students should expect to spend a minimum of 50 hours over a period of about 4-6 months.
Materials & Instruction
The WSET does not provide a textbook for D6 as it does for the other units and will not provide any study material for the individual topics; it is expected that the candidate will research the topic thoroughly on their own.
Research Topics & Submission Process
- While there is no exam for this unit, student essays will be evaluated on student’s ability to demonstrate (1) knowledge and understanding of the specified subject using relevant source material and the ability to analyze a subject from all angles (2) skill in evaluating relevant source material to develop ideas and arguments and reach informed conclusions (3) ability to produce a scholarly written paper using professional writing standards.
- The paper can be researched and written any time after sitting the D1 and D2 exams, and it can be done concurrently with other units or on its own.
- A hard copy of your paper must be received by the Napa Valley Wine Academy by the submission deadline. Papers will then be mailed to the WSET's London office for grading, and results are issued via email approximately 3 months after the submission date.