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Hospitality & Lifestyle Wine, Spirits, Sake & Coffee

Certificate for Module (Intermediate Study in Spirits)
證書(單元 : 烈酒中級鑑賞)

CEF Reimbursable Course

CEF Reimbursable Course

Course Code
HT005A
Application Code
2275-1764AW

Credit
9
Study mode
Part-time
Start Date
04 Mar 2025 (Tue)
Duration
30 hours
Language
English, supplemented with Cantonese
Course Fee
HK$10,500 per programme inclusive of:
1.) Study Guide for WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits in English
2.) Student study pack for WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits in English
3.) at least 35 Spirits for tasting
4.) Site visit to a cocktail bar
5.) Test Fee for WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits qualification
6.) Test Fee for WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits qualification
7.) WSET certificates & pins
Deadline on 10 Feb 2025 (Mon)
Enquiries
25204607 / 2867 8483
28610278
Apply Now

Apply now if you are interested ! Let's set Wine & Spirits as your new learning target in 2023! This course has been included in the list of reimbursable courses under the Continuing Education Fund (CEF)* 此課程已列入持續進修基金 CEF 認可課程*

Highlights

This programme is designed to provide a more comprehensive level of focused spirits knowledge required to underpin job skills and competencies, and it would be particularly suitable for those who work in bar service and cocktails, retail and wholesaling spirits businesses. On the other hand, this programme is also suitable for those people who have general interests and are enthusiastic in spirits, or who directly and indirectly work with spirits professionally.

This programme is designed to provide a syllabus with a range and depth that offers a clear and concise overview of the world of spirits including bars and cocktails; principal spirits categories and their defining characteristics; main spirits production process and their labelling; and the equipment used in the storage and service of spirits. The syllabus is structured in a way that allows progressive and systematic learning by students, with the first few sessions covering the qualification award of ‘WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits’; and the remaining sessions are used to introduce a higher level spirits qualification ‘WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits’ in order to service the demand for more in-depth knowledge and understanding of spirits.

The spirits industry is inextricably linked to bar and cocktail culture, and one of the unique features of this programme is to give students an insight into the families of cocktail and the service. The content of this session will be ‘brought alive’ through a site-visit to a cocktail bar. Students will have the opportunity to recognise the most important bar equipment, glassware and non-alcoholic cocktail ingredients, as well as learn how they are used. Demonstration and procedures of making different types of cocktails will be explained in this site visit. Students will learn why the classic cocktail recipes work, and be able to explain cocktail balance. More importantly, students may be able to talk to a bartender for experience-sharing, and craft a glass of their own cocktail inside the bar and enjoy!

Graduates of this programme will take away with an understanding of the underlying principles of spirits production and their defining characteristics, this will allow students to be capable of adding value either in hospitality or retail as they will be able to confidently offer insight and advice on the use and service of spirits, and make informed recommendations to customers when selecting spirits and liqueurs to meet their taste and price requirements.

 

intended learning outcomes:

On completion of the programme, students should be able to:

  • List and state the purpose of the main production processes, and main production factors that determine types of spirits; 
  • Name the principal categories and types of spirit, and describe their defining characteristics; 
  • llustrate how the principal types of flavoured spirits, liqueurs and aromatized wines are produced and labelled, and describe their key characteristics; 
  • State and recognise the common equipment used and the principles involved in the storage and service of spirits; and
  • Identify the important ingredients used to make cocktails, and explain how the key types of cocktails are made.

 

Why HKU SPACE?

  1. Students can taste at least 35 samples of spirits during the course of their studies, and they are systematically arranged by classroom session.
  2. A unique site visit to a cocktail bar, allowing students to have direct and first-hand experience inside a cocktail bar, and have the opportunity to craft their own cocktail!
  3. Our spirits courses are taught by qualified spirits professionals who are also experienced in spirits education. They are WSET approved educators.
  4. Our spirits courses will be delivered by a single teacher throughout the entire course to ensure consistency in content and teaching style.
  5. All spirits are carefully and impartially selected from different recognized suppliers to suit the genuine needs of the programme.
  6. All spirits are tasted according to WSET requirements as benchmarks samples from around the world.
  7. Small class-size in this spirits programme brings about better teaching and learning, and enhances teacher-student interaction.

Programme Details

The programme consists of 30 face-to-face teaching hours, 3 hours in each session with spirits tasting, and they are structured into 10 sessions with the following key topics. An additional session (1 hour) for Test 2 will usually be scheduled within two weeks after the last session.

 

Syllabus

1

Spirits production processes and main production factors of spirits

2

Types, characteristics and styles of spirits

3

Principal types of flavoured spirits, liqueurs and aromatized wines

4 Common equipment used and the storage of spirits
5

Principles involved in the service of spirits

6

Site visit to a cocktail bar

visit1

visit2

 

you will learn different types of spirits:

1

Rum

2

Tequila

3

Fruit Spirits

4 Whisky
5

Vodka

6

Flavoured Spirits

 

Textbooks (included in the course fee) & Specification

Study Guide for WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits

                                         L1

Student study pack for WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits

                                         L2
Level 1 Award in Spirits Programme Specification Spec
Level 2 Award in Spirits Programme Specification Spec2

Assessment and Awards

There are two pieces of assessments in this programme, Test 1 and Test 2, in Multiple Choice question formats. Setting and marking of the two Test papers are conducted by WSET. 

Students have to obtain ‘Pass’ on BOTH Test 1 (50%) and Test 2 (50%) for completion of this Certificate for Module programme. Upon successful completion of this programme, graduates will be awarded within the HKU system through HKU SPACE the Certificate for Module (Intermediate Study in Spirits)  (證書(單元 : 烈酒中級鑑賞)). 

Assessment Type and Weighting

Assessment Format and Duration

Pass Mark

Test 1 (50%) 30 Multiple Choice Questions (45 minutes)

70% and above

Test 2 (50%) 50 Multiple Choice Questions (60 minutes) 55% and above

Note: Students may apply to resit the Test if they are unsuccessful, subject to a fee.

In addition, graduates of this programme with a mark of 70% attained in Test 1 will be awarded by the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) a WSET certificate ‘WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits’ and lapel pin.

Graduates of this programme with a mark of 55% attained in Test 2 will be awarded by the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) a WSET certificate ‘WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits’ and lapel pin. Graduates will also be able to use the associated WSET certified logo on their name cards.

 

HKU SPACE Wine Alumni Association (WAA)

alumni logo

Students are eligible to be a member of HKU SPACE Wine Alumni Association (WAA) after completion of the course. On a regular basis, the executive committee will post the latest updates and promotional materials on the availability of the seminars and events, discounts and offers on the Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/hkuspacewaa; Email will also be sent for information.

WAA

 

Life Membership Fee is HK$200 to current students and alumni of all HKU SPACE wine/spirits/sake/beer programmes. Majority of WAA events are hosted by leading figures in the wine industry. All events are exclusive to members, and sometimes with their guests.

 

Future Events
  • Wine tastings
  • Wine dinners
  • Master classes
  • Wine seminars
  • Idea sharing programmes
Application Code 2275-1764AW Apply Online Now
Start Date 04 Mar 2025 (Tue)
Apply Online Now

Duration
  • 30 hours
Venue

classroom

Class Details

class details

Application Code

Date and Time

Tutor

(Medium of Instruction)

Test

Venue

Application Deadline

2275-1764AW

4, 11, 18, 25 March;

 

1, 8, 15, 29 April;

 

6 May 2025

(Tuesdays)

 

7:00pm-10:00pm

 

Bar visit date:

10 May/17 May 2025

Ron Taylor

(English)

WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits

25 March 2025

 

WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits

20 May 2025

IEC 10 February 2025
  • The programme team reserves the right to change the above timetable if necessary.
  • All classes are subject to sufficient enrolment.
  • Re-assessment fee for WSET Level 1 Awards: HKD700,Re-assessment fee for WSET Level 2 Awards: HKD950

 

OUR SPIRITS TUTOR

Mr. Ron Taylor

Mr. Ron Taylor

Ron, born in Scotland and a resident of Hong Kong, has been studying wine & spirits for over 30 years and lecturing for at least 12 of those years.

A Certified Educator of the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), Associate of the Institute of Wine & Spirits (AIWS), a Certified Sommelier from the Court of Master Sommeliers, Certified Wine Specialist and member of the Society of Wine Educators, Member of the Association of Wine Educators, Guild of Sommeliers and the Hong Kong Wine Society.

He has taught consumers, the F&B industry and staff of leading Hong Kong wine companies in both WSET courses and bespoke material.

 

Mr. Chris So

Mr. Chris So

Chris has great passion in wine and has been teaching about wine for the past 10 years. To endeavor professional and highest wine knowledge, he is studying the Master of Wine (MW) Programme after gaining the WSET Level 4 Diploma. Chris passed the MW practical tasting papers on his first attempt in 2012 and is now on the final stage working on his MW Research Paper. Chris is also a WSET Certified Educator, a member of Greater China Wine Critics Association, an associate member of the Institute of Wines and Spirits (AIWS) and a judge member of The Hong Kong Wine Judges Association.

Chris is a judge for the “Decanter Asia Wine Awards", "Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition” and “Everyday Bordeaux”. To strengthen his wine knowledge, Chris has travelled extensively to all major wine regions around the world including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, Argentina, Chile, South Africa, Japan and China. Chris was awarded the "Outstanding Teacher Award of HKUSPACE College of Business & Finance 2018/19" for his teaching excellence.
 

Mr. Jack Lun

Mr. Jack Lun

Jack has over 20 years’ solid experience in Wines & Spirits and Luxury Retail industries. He is always keen to share his passion and knowledge on Wines & Spirits to people through a lot of training and educational tasting events.

He is a Certified Educator of the Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET), Certified Sherry Educator (Formador Homologado del Vino de Jerez) of Sherry Academy, French Wine Scholar; and he is also a holder of New Zealand Wine Professional Level 2 Certification and Chief Whisky Society Level 2 Award in Whisky.

 

Sky

Ms Sky HUO

Sky HUO is a Certified Educator of WSET, and a ‘WSET Level 3 Award in Spirits’ certificate holder. She pursued her dreams to work in the hospitality industry after graduation from School of Communication in HKBU. She was awarded ‘Top 25 Bartenders of Drinks World Asia HK’ in 2014, which inspired her to work abroad for several World 50 Best Bars in Australia and UK. Afterwards, She returned to HK to manage The Sea, sister bar of The Old Man, which is the best bar in Asia of 2019. In 2020, she was appointed as the Spirits Advocate for Nikka Whisky Hong Kong, and she has shared spirits and whisky knowledge to a wider audience.

 

 

Jack Cheung

Mr. Jack Cheung

Jack has been working in the wine industry for more than 15 years, and he has a solid experience in the Food and Beverage service industry as Bartender, Sommelier and Beverage Director. Apart from passing WSET Level 4 Diploma for Wines and Spirits in 2016, Jack has also completed both WSET L3 Award in Sake, as well as WSET L3 Award in Spirits. Jack has strong passion in wine, sake and spirits education as he wishes to promote interest and knowledge to all enthusiasts.

Jack has been a judge for Hong Kong International Wine and Spirit Challenge (HKIWSC) for the past 5 years, and has involved in international wine and spirit buying in the past 10 years with his current position as Beverage Director in a prominent clubhouse in Hong Kong.

Professional Accreditation

HKU SPACE is one of the Approved PrograWSET LOGOmme Providers (APPs) of the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), and this programme prepares students to attempt and complete TWO   WSET spirits qualifications, namely ‘WSET Level 1 Award in SpiritsandWSET Level 2 Award in Spirits’.  This programme fully adopts all the learning outcomes, curriculum, specification, educational materials including textbooks, workbook and PowerPoints designed and provided by WSET, so that students exactly know the examination requirements and assessment criteria.

Tasting  is a vital part of the WSET qualifications. Students must make themselves familiar with the WSET level 1 and level 2 Systematic Approach to Tasting Spirits® (SAT). Our experienced teacher will base on the WSET recommended tasting samples and choose spirits samples that are both very good and very typical of the required styles for students to taste. Students will have an opportunity to taste at least 35 different categories and styles of spirits during the entire programme, such as Cognacs, Whisky, Rum, Tequila and Mezcal, Vodka, and Gin.

 

WHAT is Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET)?

WSET was founded in 1969 to provide high quality education and training in wines and spirits. Since then, WSET has grown into the foremost international body in the field of wines and spirits education, with a suite of sought-after qualifications.  WSET qualifications are recognised internationally and are now represented in over 70 countries through the world. WSET Awards is recognised as an awarding body by the English regulator for qualifications, examinations and assessments, Ofqual. It also operates a quality management system that complies with ISO 9001:2015, and is a member of the UK’s Federation of Awarding Bodies. For details regarding WSET, please visit http://www.wsetglobal.com/.

Fee

Course Fee
  • HK$10,500 per programme inclusive of:
    1.) Study Guide for WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits in English
    2.) Student study pack for WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits in English
    3.) at least 35 Spirits for tasting
    4.) Site visit to a cocktail bar
    5.) Test Fee for WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits qualification
    6.) Test Fee for WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits qualification
    7.) WSET certificates & pins

Entry Requirements

Applicants shall be aged at least 18 years or above, and do not have any health problems that made them unfit for wines or spirits tasting.

Note: Applicants who have already passed WSET Level 1/2 in Spirits should approach Programme Team before application.

CEF

  • The CEF Institution Code of HKU SPACE is 100
CEF Courses
CERTIFICATE FOR MODULE (INTERMEDIATE STUDY IN SPIRITS)
證書(單元: 烈酒中級鑑賞)
COURSE CODE 43C127670 FEES $10,500 ENQUIRY 2520-4607

Continuing Education Fund

This course has been included in the list of reimbursable courses under the Continuing Education Fund (CEF)*
此課程已列入持續進修基金 CEF 認可課程

For more details, please visit HKU SPACE website: https://hkuspace.hku.hk/cef/application-procedures

 

Continuing Education Fund Continuing Education Fund
This course has been included in the list of reimbursable courses under the Continuing Education Fund.

Certificate for Module (Intermediate Study in Spirits)

  • This course is recognised under the Qualifications Framework (QF Level [3])

Apply

Online Application Apply Now

Application FormDownload Application Form
Disclaimer (Please submit with Application Form)

Enrolment Method

Application Code:

 
2275-1764AW Apply Now
Payment Method
1. Cash, EPS, WeChat Pay Or Alipay

Course fees can be paid by cash, EPS, WeChat Pay or Alipay at any HKU SPACE Enrolment Centres.

2. Cheque Or Bank draft

Course fees can also be paid by crossed cheque or bank draft made payable to “HKU SPACE”. Please specify the programme title(s) for application and applicant’s name. You may either:

  • bring the completed form(s), together with the appropriate course or application fees in the form of a cheque, and any required supporting documents to any of the HKU SPACE enrolment centres;
  • or mail the above documents to any of the HKU SPACE Enrolment Centres, specifying “Course Application” on the envelope. HKU SPACE will not be responsible for any loss of personal information and payment sent by mail.
3. VISA/Mastercard

Applicants may also pay the course fee by VISA or Mastercard, including the “HKU SPACE Mastercard”, at any HKU SPACE enrolment centres. Holders of the HKU SPACE Mastercard can enjoy a 10-month interest-free instalment period for courses with a tuition fee worth a minimum of HK$2,000; however, the course applicant must also be the cardholder himself/herself. For enquiries, please contact our staff at any enrolment centres.

4. Online Payment

Online application / enrolment is offered for most open admission courses (enrolled on first come, first served basis) and selected award-bearing programmes. Application fees and course fees of these programmes/courses can be settled by using "PPS by Internet" (not available via mobile phones), VISA or Mastercard. In addition to the aforesaid online payment channels, new and continuing students of award-bearing programmes with available online service, they may also pay their course fees by Online WeChat Pay, Online Alipay or Faster Payment System (FPS). Please refer to Enrolment Methods - Online Enrolment  for details.

Notes

  • If the programme/course is starting within five working days, application by post is not recommended to avoid any delays. Applicants are advised to enrol in person at HKU SPACE Enrolment Centres and avoid making cheque payment under this circumstance.

  • Fees paid are not refundable except under very exceptional circumstances (e.g. course cancellation due to insufficient enrolment), subject to the School’s discretion. In exceptional cases where a refund is approved, fees paid by cash, EPS, WeChat Pay, Alipay, cheque, FPS or PPS by Internet will be reimbursed by a cheque, and fees paid by credit card will be reimbursed to the credit card account used for payment. 

  • In addition to the published fees, there may be additional costs associated with individual programmes. Please refer to the relevant course brochures or direct any enquiries to the relevant programme team for details.
  • Fees and places on courses cannot be transferrable from one applicant to another. Once accepted onto a course, the student may not change to another course without approval from HKU SPACE. A processing fee of HK$120 will be levied on each approved transfer.
  • HKU SPACE will not be responsible for any loss of payment, receipt, or personal information sent by mail.
  • For payment certification, please submit a completed form, a sufficiently stamped and self-addressed envelope, and a crossed cheque for HK$30 per copy made payable to “HKU SPACE” to any of our enrolment centres.