Specialist Tea Diploma

This qualification is a self-directed research project. For tea professionals who want to contribute something thoughtful, personal and new to the world of tea. It invites you to identify a challenge, theme or opportunity in tea and respond to it through a project, demonstrating rigour, creativity and independent thinking with a real-world application.

Specialist Tea Diploma

The UKTA Specialist Tea Diploma is a self-directed, Level 5 research qualification. It is intended for learners who want to explore a question or theme in depth – whether related to sustainability, sourcing, innovation, education, or professional practice.

There are no taught units. Instead, you will propose and deliver a substantial project that contributes to tea knowledge or practice. The format for submission is flexible – your project might be written, visual, creative, applied, or hybrid – but it must demonstrate clear purpose, originality, and reflection. We provide additional guidance to help you shape your project idea and choose the most appropriate format.

The Specialist Tea Diploma includes:

Independent research project
Project proposal process and structured feedback
UKTA Mentor support
A dedicated UKTA Assessor
OCN London External Moderator

What is the commitment in time?

Most learners will spend between 50 and 70 hours completing the project. This includes research, concept development, writing or creation, and submission. The timeline is flexible and agreed with UKTA to fit around your professional schedule.

Completion

Your project will be assessed by a UKTA assessor and externally moderated by OCN London. You will receive detailed guidance and structured support throughout and your submission will be marked using published Level 5 criteria.

Achievement

You will receive the Open College Network, London Specialist Tea Diploma Certificate and full digital credentials, recognising your contribution to tea knowledge and/or professional practice.

This is at the UKTA’s highest academic level. It is suitable for those ready to lead, research or innovate within a specialised tea domain.

Entry Requirements

To begin the Specialist Tea Diploma, you must have completed the World Tea Diploma which includes all seven core units, one optional unit and the Final Project for World Tea Diploma. Alternatively, you may be eligible to apply through Recognised Prior Learning (RPL).

Recognised Prior Learning

UKTA recognises that some learners may have gained equivalent experience or learning through professional roles or previous qualifications.

You may be eligible for RPL entry if you:

• Hold the original UKTA Tea Sommelier qualification (2016–2024) • Hold a degree or equivalent qualification that demonstrates research or academic capability • Have professional experience in tea production, sourcing, education, innovation or sensory evaluation.

Application

If you are applying through the RPL route, please include evidence of your qualifications or experience.

To explore this qualification further or to discuss your application, please contact: info@ukteaacademy.com

Snapshot

How to achieve this Diploma

This diploma is ideal for learners completing the World Tea Diploma who wish to extend their study and explore a specific topic in depth .

It is also open to experienced tea professionals – for instance if you are a trainer, buyer or entrepreneur – and you can demonstrate your experience through Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) .

And finally, for the tea innovators who may have brought about change through transforming garden practices, improving labour models or reducing the environmental footprint, this qualification may be deserved recognition and a valuable platform to share your contribution to the global tea community.

Contact us to discuss your project submission, explore the benefits and ensure you understand the guidance and support you will receive.

Next Steps

Specialist Tea Diploma is at the highest level of achievement in the UKTA framework.

Tea Sommelier Award

This award builds the basis for full-spectrum tea sommelier skills. You’ll develop a tea sensory language, customer confidence, service insight and storytelling power. You’ll get behind Afternoon Tea, around Tea and Food Pairing, and into Sustainability, Mixology and the evidence of Tea and Health. Designed for those working in hospitality, retail, events or education, the Tea Sommelier Award is a practical qualification which combines technical knowledge with creative and service-focused skills – supported by live Q&A sessions with Specialist Experts.

£1585

Professional Tea Sommelier Diploma

The Professional Tea Sommelier Diploma marks the culmination of your structured tea education. As the highest-level UKTA award, it challenges you to bring together your learning from both the Tea Sommelier Award and the World Tea Diploma in an independent final project that demonstrates your leadership, insight and originality.

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Specialist Tea Diploma