Taking Ownership of Your Learning : Navigating Self-Study Programmes Effectively

Most candidates who join the MW Study Programme will already hold a professional wine qualification, such as the WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines, and bring with them a wealth of experience from across the industry. Winemakers, viticulturists, marketers, buyers, educators, and communicators—all bring deep, specialised knowledge and a wide range of professional skills. Many also balance their studies alongside demanding careers, family life, and personal commitments, meaning the time and resources available for study vary widely.

To accommodate this diversity, the Institute of Masters of Wine has developed a flexible, self-study programme that empowers candidates to manage their own learning. It allows individuals to focus on the areas where they need the most development and to structure their studies in a way that works for them.

From my own experience on the programme and those I’ve gained working with candidates, this freedom can be both a positive and a challenge. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach—some candidates thrive on structure, others need time to find their rhythm. But the most successful candidates tend to have one thing in common: they take full ownership of their learning journey. They make thoughtful decisions about how to spend their limited time, seek out support when needed, and stay focused on their development as professionals—not just exam success.

The MW Study Programme offers the framework—but how you work within it is up to you. Here are some tips to help you navigate those challenges and get the most out of the MW Study Programme:

1. Clearly define your goals

Be clear about your purpose. What are you hoping to get out of participating in the MW Study Programme? Consider the short and the long term. And no, “become an MW” isn’t enough. Dig deeper. What do YOU want to learn, change, or achieve by joining the MW Study Programme and becoming a member of the Institute of Masters of Wine? Knowing what you want is key—not just for the MW Study Programme, but for any self-study course. Without daily contact with tutors or classmates, it’s easy to feel untethered or isolated. Clear goals act like a compass, helping you stay focused, motivated, and connected to your purpose. And be ready to reevaluate. Your goals might change as you make your way through the MW Study Programme.

This mindset of knowing what you want to achieve applies across the board: seminars, course days, assignments, tastings, study groups, your relationship with your mentor. Before you participate know what you want to achieve.

2. Know what you're aiming to learn

Not having a specific curriculum or syllabus can be one of the challenges of a self-study programme. But it is also one of the benefits because YOU can define your own learning outcomes. Have a clear idea of what it is that you are aiming to learn, your strengths, and your weaknesses, and then do what you need to do to fill those gaps. This is how you will get what you need out of the study programme. And what you need will be different to what another student needs. This is why there is no fixed curricula or study schedule. Understanding what you need to do will help you focus your time, energy, and study more effectively.

And remember, success isn’t just about mastering viticulture, winemaking, or tasting—it’s also about developing critical thinking and deductive reasoning skills, and having the ability to communicate clearly under pressure.

3. Plan your time

Self-study programmes do not come with a rigid structure. YOU will need to define how and when you study based on your learning pace and time available. This doesn’t necessarily involve spreadsheets, calendars, or checklists but having a physical document (search printable planner there are loads of templates online, I created this one that I give to my WSET students using Canva) or digital platform (Google Calendar and Trello are two that I used) that you can can refer to might help with motivation and direction. Be prepared to ring-fence your study time—even if it means saying no or delegating tasks. You’re in charge of deciding what needs your focus, when to tackle it, and how to fit it into your life.

4. Cultivate an attitude of self-discipline

Self-study programmes don’t come with teachers chasing deadlines or marking your progress—and that means fewer external prompts to keep you on track. Success depends on YOU, your ability to keep going even when no one’s watching. Keep your goals and reasons for starting this programme front of mind—they’ll help fuel your motivation and make self-discipline feel purposeful.

5. Stay connected and seek feedback

Without regular interaction with teachers or coursemates, it can be hard to judge how YOU are doing. That’s why it’s essential to make the most of every opportunity to get feedback. Share your work with others, listen to theirs, and be open to learning from different perspectives. Look for online communities, forums, or mentors who can offer guidance, answer questions, and provide constructive input. And do reach out—you might be surprised by how generous MWs and other professionals are with their time and support.

6. Be persistent

It is natural to encounter difficulties, and let self-doubt creep in. What matters most is that YOU keep going. Persistence is one of the most powerful tools you have as a self-directed learner. Break the journey into manageable milestones, and celebrate when you reach them. Small wins keep momentum going and remind you how far you’ve come. Show up, dig in and the progress you make will soon begin to add up.

Although I’ve chosen to focus on the MW Study Programme, these principles apply to any self-study course. Self-study programmes put the power of learning and development—in the learners hands. The MW Study Programme is a very personal journey, every MW will have had a different experience. The learner chooses what to focus on, how to approach it, and how deeply to go. By taking charge of your own learning, you’re not just preparing for an exam—you’re actively shaping your development as a professional. So lean in, stay curious, and trust that the effort you invest now will help you achieve the goals you set for yourself and the reason you began this journey in the first place.

If you're looking for support navigating the MW Study Programme, feel free to get in touch. I offer a range of coaching packages and am also open to conversations about mentorship. I’d be happy to help.