Online Diploma in Single Malt Whisky

If you want to better understand single malt whisky; how it’s made, why it tastes the way it does and how the industry works, this Diploma delivers depth, structure and credibility.

• SQA-Certified qualification
• Taught by internationally respected whisky experts
• Includes guided tastings & a blind Sensory Assessment
• Flexible, self-paced online study with academic rigour

Whether you work in whisky, hospitality, retail, education - or simply want the highest standard of whisky knowledge - this Diploma sets you apart.

• Whisky enthusiasts ready to move beyond informal learning
• Industry professionals seeking recognised credentials
• Brand ambassadors, educators, writers, and buyers
• Hospitality professionals wanting deeper technical and sensory confidence

No previous qualifications required, just commitment and curiosity.

The Diploma is structured across seven in-depth modules, taking you from whisky’s origins to global styles and professional tasting.

Module 1: The History of Whisky & Distillation
Understand whisky’s development, traditions and technological evolution.

Module 2: The Business of Whisky
Explore ownership structures, regulation, branding and the modern whisky market.

Module 3: Raw Materials
Barley, water, yeast. You'll learn how each influences flavour and character.

Module 4: Batch Distillation
Still design, distillation techniques and production choices explained clearly and critically.

Module 5: Maturation
Casks, wood chemistry, climate and time. You'll appreciate how whisky matures in the cask.

Module 6: Sensory
Develop structured, professional tasting skills; aroma, flavour, mouthfeel, balance and faults.

Module 7: World Whiskies
Led by Dave Broom, this module places Scotch single malt in its global context.

You will receive 15 x 30ml delicious whisky samples, a black EWA lapel pin, branded A5 notebook and Glencairn glass.

• Samples 1–6: Accompany Dave Broom’s World Whiskies module
• Samples 7–15: Used blind for the practical sensory element of the final assessment

This ensures your learning isn’t just theoretical... you’ll taste, analyse and evaluate whisky like a professional.

To earn your Diploma, you’ll complete a rigorous final assessment designed to test both knowledge and sensory skill.

Theoretical Assessment

• 250 multiple-choice questions covering all seven modules
• Closed-book, invigilated online
• Completed in one two-hour sitting
• Minimum 60% pass mark in each module
• You can flag questions for review and revisit them before submission. Results and module breakdowns are available immediately.

Practical Sensory Assessment

• Conducted using nine whisky samples from your kit
• Assesses your ability to identify aromas, flavours, and key characteristics
• Clear guidance provided on sample use and glassware

All assessments are quality-assured and audited, with recordings deleted after six months.

✔ Free resit available per module if required
✔ Book your assessment when you’re ready
✔ Secure, simple three-step system check before starting