Program Overview

Master of Science in Brewing and Distilling

Overview

The Master of Science in Brewing and Distilling is a postgraduate program designed for individuals interested in the technical aspects of brewing and distilling, as well as those looking to acquire hands-on practical experience in these disciplines. The program is comprised of 13 modules, 5 of which are completed in the first semester, 5 of which are completed in the second semester, with three modules which run across the academic year.

Course Details

• TU Code: TU349
• NFQ Level: Level 9
• Award Type: Major
• Award: Master of Science
• ECTS Credits: 90
• Duration: 1 Year
• Course Type: Postgraduate
• Mode of Study: Full Time
• Method of Delivery: Blended
• Commencement Date: September 2025
• Location: Grangegorman
• Fees: €9,500 Total Fee (EU), €14,500 Total Fee (Non-EU)

Program Description

The program allows participants to obtain a formal qualification for future employment in the drinks industry in Ireland or abroad. It includes modules on the technical aspects of brewing and distilling, appreciation of spirits and beers, beverage analysis, microbiology, and regulation. Students will also have the opportunity to acquire hands-on practical experience in these disciplines in the university's new facilities on the Grangegorman campus.

Modules

• Year One
  • Semester 1
    • Advanced Brewing & Food Microbiology [Mandatory]
    • Beverage Research Methodology [Mandatory]
    • Brew & Distilling Work Practice [Mandatory]
    • Brewery Operations [Mandatory]
    • Brewing & Distilling Dissertation [Mandatory]
    • Brewing, Fermentation & Distilling [Mandatory]
    • Evaluation of Beers and Draught Dispense Management [Mandatory]
    • Evaluation of Spirits and Liqueurs [Mandatory]
  • Semester 2
    • Beverage analysis [Mandatory]
    • Science of Distilling [Mandatory]
    • Beverage Industry Regulatory Affairs [Mandatory]
    • Brewing & Distilling Dissertation [Mandatory]
    • Creation, Innovation & Entrepreneurship [Mandatory]
    • Brew & Distilling Work Practice [Mandatory]
    • Beverage Product Development [Mandatory]

Minimum Entry Requirements

• Level 8 (NFQ) or higher degree in Science, Food, Engineering, or Business.
• Candidates with other equivalent qualifications and/or relevant industrial experience combined with suitable prior learning, both academic and professional, may be considered if deemed appropriate by the TU Dublin RPL Policy.
• Or international equivalent as deemed appropriate by TU Dublin.

Career Opportunities

Many employment opportunities exist for graduates of the MSc in Science in Brewing & Distilling, including:

• Brewer
• Cellar Brewer
• Distiller
• Beverage Technician
• Cellar Manager
• Beverage Quality Controller
• Laboratory Technician
• Beverage Entrepreneur
• Innovation Specialist
• New Product Development Scientist
• Maltster
• Packaging Operative
• Keg Operative
• Process Operative

Schedule

Delivery of this MSc (see table) Not all of the designated weeks outlined in Figure 1 will have laboratory practicals, and hybrid lectures will be delivered (in-class, live-streamed, and recorded) where possible. The work practice module (6 weeks or 30 days) can be taken part-time in semester 1 and/or semester 2 and/or over the summer months.