Level 3 Award in Sake

What separates good from exceptional in the world of sake? How do tiny production decisions transform character and quality? The WSET Level 3 Award in Sake digs deeper into technique, aroma and structure, giving you the insight to decode – and defend – expert assessments. 

For individuals seeking to develop their expertise in sake, this qualification will provide you with a detailed understanding of the production methods that affect the style, quality and price of sake. 

Upon completion you will be able to assess sakes accurately and use this information and your understanding of sakes to make authoritative recommendations. Upon successful completion you will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin and will be able to use the associated WSET certified logo. 

You can join us at our central London location for training in-person, or for online classes – whatever suits you. 

 

 

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

The WSET Level 3 Award in Sake equips you with expert-level understanding of sake production, style and quality. Through tasting, theory and practical study, you’ll learn to evaluate sake critically and confidently make informed recommendations. 

What's covered?

 

Unit 1 

  • The main techniques that are used in the production of sake and how they influence style and quality
  • The principal and specialty categories of sake
  • The sake industry and the commercial importance of sake in the Japanese and export markets
  • The principles behind the storage, selection and service of sake 

  

Unit 2 

  • How to taste sake, and evaluate quality, identity and price, using the WSET Level 3 Systematic Approach to Tasting Sake (SAT) 

 

COURSE DELIVERY

Courses are available in-person or online through a network of WSET course providers.

The Level 3 Award in Sake requires: 

  • 16 hours or guided learning with a WSET course provider 
  • 26 hours of private study 
  • A one-hour exam 

We offer the course in a variety of formats, for example over consecutive days, weeks or evenings. It can also be studied through WSET’s Online Classroom, an interactive e-learning platform where you complete activities at your own pace over five weeks, under the guidance of an expert educator. 

 

Available to study in these languages: 

  • English

“This is a very well organised and detailed sake education course. You will gain valuable insights into the world of sake from many different angles.”

Honami Matsumoto – Director, House of Sake

COURSE INFORMATION

Entry requirements 

There are no entry requirements for this qualification; however, candidates are required to complete a two-week online pre-study programme before attending the course. You must be of legal drinking age in the UK to participate in any alcohol tasting; however, this is not a barrier to successfully completing Unit 1. 

 

Assessment 

Unit 1 is assessed by a closed-book exam of 50 multiple-choice questions and a paper of short written answers. Unit 2 is assessed by a blind tasting of two sakes. 

This qualification is regulated by Ofqual. 

You'll receive your results approximately four weeks after the exam. On successful completion of the examination, you will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin and will be able to use the associated certified logo. 

WSET is committed to making our exams fair and accessible, and ensuring that no candidate is placed at a disadvantage. If you have any special requirements or need to request reasonable adjustments, please do discuss this with us. 

 

Course specification 

For more information and full details on the course requirements, please download the Specification below. 

 

When can you enrol? 

To register your interest in booking a WSET beer course, please complete the below form. 

 

STUDY OPTIONS

Day release course - £250

Location: WSET School London

Duration: 09:00am-5:00pm on one day (includes exam)

Private study: Not required. There are recapping and revision exercises throughout the day

 

What's included?

  • Workbook
  • Sake samples
  • 6 hours of tuition
  • Exam
  • Exclusive offers via our Student Deals Card

Evening course - £250

Location: WSET School London

Duration: 6:30-8:30pm once a week for three weeks (includes exam)

Private study: 11 hours. This format gives you the most time to pre-read and recap topics between classes

 

What's included:

  • Workbook
  • Sake samples
  • 6 tasting glasses
  • 16 hours of tuition, with access to additional resources on WSET's Online Classroom
  • Exam
  • Exclusive offers via our Student Deals Card

 

Designed for those who are unable to study in the daytime. 

Saturday course - £250

Location: WSET School London

Duration: 10:30am-2:00pm over two consecutive Saturdays (includes exam)

Private study: Not required, but this format gives you the flexibility to pre-read or recap topics between classes

 

What's included:

  • Workbook
  • Sake samples
  • 6 hours of tuition
  • Exam
  • Exclusive offers via our Student Deals Card

 

A popular option for those want to explore the local area or those who are unable to study on weekdays.

Enhanced online course - £210

Location: Online via WSET's Online Classroom, with an online exam*

Duration: 4 weeks self-guided study to be completed around your schedule

Private study: At least three hours a week

 

What's included:

  • Workbook
  • Sake samples
  • 6 hours of tuition
  • Exam
  • Exclusive offers via our Student Deals Card

 

Enhance features:

  • Revision videos
  • Flash cards
  • Exam tips

 

Technology requirements:

We recommend that you use a laptop or desktop device and have a reliable internet connection. To sit your exam online you will also need one additional smart device such as a smartphone or tablet

 

Suited for those who need a flexible study option, international students or those far aware from our classroom centres.

 

*More information on how online examinations work will be shared with you once you enrol. If you are a student in Mainland China or the UAE, it's not possible for you to take the exam online due to technological restrictions.

Book a Level 3 Award in Sake course

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