WSET Level 2 Award in Beer Online

A close up of hops on the vine. The test reads WSET Level 2 Award in Beer, online.

All WSET textbooks and study guides are in an eBook format.

Online

IWEG offers online WSET courses through WSET’s Online Classroom, which allows you to study alongside your peers under the guidance of a dedicated educator. This course is based around a 5-week structured online program with a recommendation of six hours study per week to cover the online activities and read the relevant chapters in the textbook. The course follows a weekly structure, but you can 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. Regular access and participation in the course online activities is essential for this mode of study. You may contact the educator any time for the duration of the scheduled course. Each week includes a series of independent and/or group activities to help students understand beer terminology and recognize the styles. You are advised to taste a range of beer during your studies though it is not mandatory for this course. A list of recommended tasting samples can be found in the specification. Please note that it is your responsibility to source these beer samples and the cost of these is not included in the tuition fee. You can post your tasting notes in the WSET Online Classroom for review by the educator.

Course details

This intermediate-level course focuses on how key ingredients and production processes influence the style and quality of beer. It will also teach you how to taste, describe and evaluate the quality of beer.

If you’re a beer or hospitality professional, you’ll be able to offer valuable guidance on selection and service to your colleagues and customers. If you’re a beer enthusiast, you’ll know exactly what to look for when choosing beers for any occasion.

Prerequisite: None.

WSET Level 2 Award in Beer is the perfect beer course for anyone wishing to learn about a wide range of beer styles, as well as those seeking to build on the introductory knowledge gained with the WSET Level 2 Award in Beer. You’ll gain a recognised qualification and the skills to select, taste and describe beers with confidence.

This 16-hour course provides fundamental product knowledge and systematic tasting skills. Expect to spend 11 hours on preparation and review outside of the classroom.

You'll learn:

  • The main ingredients used in beer production, how they are processed and their influence on the style of beer produced:
    • Malt and adjuncts, water, hops and other flavourings, yeast and bacteria
  • How beer production influences the style and quality of beer:
    • Alcoholic fermentation process, brewing process, brewing equipment, beer production options, spontaneous and mixed culture fermentation options
  • The key principles and processes involved in the storage and service of beer:
    • Ideal conditions for storage, packaging and shelf life, service temperatures, glassware, beer on tap, bottled beer, common faults, beer and food
  • How over 60 beer styles are produced and labelled and their typical characteristics:
    • Malt-driven lagers, malt-driven ales, hop-driven lagers, hop-driven ales, yeast-driven ales, mixed fermentation styles, other speciality beers

Upon successful completion of a 50-question multiple-choice exam, you will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin and will be able to use the associated WSET certified logo.

All WSET textbooks and study guides are in an eBook format.

Upcoming courses

Monday, May 13th - Sunday, June 16th. Online examination through a remote invigilation service: exam date to be agreed with program administrator after enrollment. Course code: O2BE24067APP. Course fee payment due Friday, May 3rd at noon.

Monday, May 27th - Sunday, June 30th. Online examination through a remote invigilation service: exam date to be agreed with program administrator after enrollment. Course code: O2BE24068APP. Course fee payment due Friday, May 17th at noon.