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Students
Tuition Fee
Start Date
2025-09-01
Medium of studying
On campus
Duration
24 months
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Diploma
Major
Food Processing
Area of study
Manufacturing and Processing
Education type
On campus
Timing
Full time
Course Language
English
Intakes
Program start dateApplication deadline
2025-09-01-
About Program

Program Overview


Diploma in Brewing and Brewery Operations

Program Overview

The Diploma in Brewing and Brewery Operations is a two-year program that teaches students the science, production, and business of brewing craft beer. The program combines a solid foundation in microbiology and brewing science with hands-on practical learning in a state-of-the-art, two-hectolitre pilot brewery.


Admission Requirements

  • Tuition will vary by course and program.
  • Mandatory student fees apply.
  • Student Awards and Financial Assistance are available.

Career Outcomes

The craft beer industry is growing exponentially in BC, across Canada, and worldwide. Brewers with technical training and an education in brewing science are in high demand. Popular brewing careers include:


  • Head Brewer/Assistant Brewer
  • Brewery Operations
  • Quality Control Manager
  • Sensory Analysis Technician
  • Brew Pub Operations
  • Marketing and Public Relations
  • Agency Sales and Operations
  • Retail Sales and Distribution
  • Human Resources
  • Packaging

Faculty

  • Dominic Bernard: Master of Science in Brewing and Distilling, Heriot Watt University, Scotland
  • Alek Egi: Master of Science in Food Science, Bachelor of Engineering in Food Processing Technology
  • Nancy More: Degree in Chemistry, first female brewmaster in North America
  • Martina Solano Bielen: Master of Science in Microbiology, McGill University
  • Michael Miller: Lead brewer at Bomber Brewing, Vancouver
  • Chloe Smith: General manager at Townsite Brewing, Powell River, BC
  • Olga Mikova: Quality Control Manager at Four Winds Brewing, Delta, BC
  • Gonzalo Marquez: Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Master of Business Administration

Program Details

  • Options: Diploma (2 years full-time or 3-4 years part-time), Certificate, Micro-Credentials
  • Location: On campus, KPU Langley
  • Intake: Fall, once a year
  • Applications Open: October 1 (late application deadline for domestic students is July 1st)

Continuing and Professional Studies

  • Brewing Continuing Professional Studies courses offer prep work before the start of classes or learning more about brewing before applying.

KPU Brew Lab

  • Get your growlers filled, enjoy a brewery tour and tasting, need beer analysis services, or start a pilot brewing project.

Student Success

  • Iain Sutherland: Head brewer, KPU Brewing program gave him a fantastic base of knowledge.
  • Ted Fine: KPU Diploma helps in brewing theory and science, business best practices, marketing and sales, people management.

Why Go to "Beer School"?

  • Go beyond your passion for craft beer and turn it into a career.
  • Formal education in brewing and brewery operations shows potential employers a strong commitment to a career in the brewing industry.

Who Studies Brewing and Brewery Operations?

  • KPU Brewing students come from diverse backgrounds and have more than just a passion for craft beer.
  • They demonstrate a deep interest in science, business, marketing, and food.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:


Brewing and Brewery Operations Diploma (KPU)

This two-year program offers comprehensive training in the science, production, and business of brewing craft beer.


Objectives:

  • Equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to secure fulfilling and successful careers in the craft beer industry.
  • Provide a foundation in microbiology and brewing science through theoretical learning and hands-on practice.
  • Develop practical expertise in brewing equipment and technologies, recipe formulation, sensory evaluation, brewing chemistry and microbiology, production and packaging, sales and promotion, and management and supervisory skills.

Program Description:

  • Combines a solid theoretical foundation with extensive practical experience through a state-of-the-art, two-hectolitre pilot brewery on the Langley campus.
  • Delivers a personalized learning environment with small class sizes and individual support from experienced instructors.
  • Prepares students for the demanding physical nature of the brewing industry, emphasizing safety protocols and appropriate attire.
  • Requires full-time commitment, although opportunities for employment exist within KPU and through external partnerships.
  • ## Outline:

Program Content:

  • Microbiology and brewing science
  • Brewing equipment and technologies
  • Recipe formulation
  • Sensory evaluation
  • Brewing chemistry and microbiology
  • Production and packaging
  • Sales and promotion
  • Management and supervisory skills

Program Structure:

  • Two-year full-time diploma program
  • Offered at KPU's Langley campus
  • Combines theoretical and practical learning
  • Extensive hands-on experience in the pilot brewery

Course Schedule:

  • Detailed information about the course schedule is not provided in the context.

Individual Modules:

  • Specific information about individual modules is not provided in the context.
  • ## Assessment:

Assessment Methods:

  • A variety of assessment methods are likely employed, including:
  • Written assignments
  • Laboratory reports
  • Practical assessments
  • Presentations
  • Exams

Assessment Criteria:

  • Specific information about assessment criteria is not provided in the context.
  • ## Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

  • A combination of teaching methods is likely used, including:
  • Lectures
  • Tutorials
  • Practical sessions
  • Guest lectures
  • Industry visits

Faculty:

  • The program is likely taught by experienced instructors with extensive brewing and beer industry experience.
  • Specific information about the faculty is not provided in the context.

Unique Approaches:

  • The program utilizes a state-of-the-art pilot brewery for hands-on training.
  • The program has a strong industry focus, ensuring students receive relevant and current knowledge and skills.
  • ## Careers:

Career Paths:

  • Head brewer
  • Assistant brewer
  • Brewery operations
  • Quality control manager
  • Sensory analysis technician
  • Brew pub operations
  • Marketing and public relations
  • Agency sales and operations
  • Retail sales and distribution
  • Human resources
  • Packaging

Opportunities and Outcomes:

  • High demand for trained and skilled brewers in the growing craft beer industry.
  • Most students receive job offers before graduation.
  • Graduates can pursue various career paths within the industry.
  • ## Other:

Program Highlights:

  • Award-winning teaching brewery
  • Strong emphasis on brewing science and quality control
  • Industry-recognized program
  • Excellent employment outcomes

Additional Resources:

  • KPU Brewing Job Board
  • KPU's Career Services
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