Master of Wine
Master of Wine Examination
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ExploreAbout this exam
The Master of Wine (MW) is a professional credential in the wine trade, awarded through the Master of Wine Examination administered by the Institute of Masters of Wine. Historically the Examination had three parts, and the third was the Dissertation: an independent piece of original research submitted by candidates who had already progressed through the earlier stages. This page covers the Dissertation, which the Institute's own announcement confirms has now been replaced, as of the 2015 Examination round, by the Research Paper. The credential suits serious wine professionals - winemakers, buyers, educators, journalists and consultants - who want to demonstrate both broad tasting and theoretical competence and the ability to design and defend original research. Preparation for the research component means choosing a tightly scoped, answerable question, mastering the relevant viticultural, oenological, market or business literature, and gathering evidence rigorously. Because completed Dissertations form part of the Examination process, they are not released publicly in the form submitted to the Examiners; the Institute instead publishes a précis of successful submissions. Candidates interested in a particular topic can ask the responsible Master of Wine about the research, or contact the Institute's Executive Office in London. This is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Institute of Masters of Wine.
What you'll study
About Master of Wine preparation
Is the Dissertation still part of the Master of Wine Examination?
No. The Institute states that the Dissertation, which was the third part of the Master of Wine Examination, has been replaced as of the 2015 Examination round by the Research Paper. Candidates entering now should prepare for the Research Paper, not the older Dissertation format.
What exactly was the Dissertation?
It was the third part of the Master of Wine Examination: an original research submission completed by candidates after the earlier parts of the Examination. It is distinct from tasting and theory papers, and completion formed part of the Examination process rather than a separate qualification.
How many Dissertations passed in 2014?
The Institute's October 2014 announcement presented a précis for each of the six successful Dissertations submitted in 2014 by candidates for the Master of Wine Examination. That figure of six refers only to that year's successful submissions, not to pass rates in other years.
Can I read a completed Dissertation?
Generally no. The Institute explains that completed Dissertations are part of the Examination process and are therefore not for public release in the format in which they are submitted to the Examiners. Instead, it publishes a précis for each successful Dissertation, which summarises the topic and findings.
How do I find out more about a specific research topic?
The Institute suggests that if you have a particular interest in a topic covered by a Dissertation, the Master of Wine responsible may well be happy to talk about their research and share their findings. Contact the Executive Office in London in the first instance to be put in touch.
How should I order my preparation for the research component?
Start by narrowing to one answerable question, then read the existing literature before designing your method. Only after that should you collect data and write up. Candidates commonly fail by choosing a topic too broad to research rigorously within the time available, so scope discipline matters more than ambition.
What are the most common failure modes?
Typical weaknesses are an unfocused research question, a method that cannot actually answer it, thin engagement with prior literature, and conclusions that overreach the evidence. Examiners are assessing research competence, so a modest, well-executed study is stronger than a grand claim that the data cannot support.
Does this page give official exam dates, fees or pass marks?
No. The source material used here covers the Dissertation and its replacement by the Research Paper; it does not state current fees, examination dates, duration, pass marks, retake rules or validity periods. Check the Institute of Masters of Wine directly for current administrative details.
Is this an official Institute of Masters of Wine resource?
No. This is an independent study page written for candidates searching for the exam. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to the Institute of Masters of Wine, and the registered names Master of Wine, MW and The Institute of Masters of Wine belong to the Institute.