Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Brewing and Distilling

Program Overview

Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Brewing and Distilling

Overview

The Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Brewing and Distilling is a one-year, full-time program that includes modules on the technical aspects of brewing and distilling, as well as hands-on practical experience in these disciplines.

Course Details

• TU Code: TU267
• NFQ Level: Level 9
• Award Type: Major
• Award: Postgraduate Diploma
• ECTS Credits: 60
• Duration: 1 Year
• Course Type: Postgraduate
• Mode of Study: Full Time
• Method of Delivery: Blended
• Commencement Date: September 2025
• Location: Grangegorman
• Fees: €7,500 Total Fee (EU), €9,750 Total Fee (Non-EU)

What is Brewing and Distilling?

The program includes modules in science related to Brewing and Distilling, including Microbiology, Fermentation, Distillation, and Analysis; and also Beverage Regulatory Affairs; and modules in Evaluation of Beers and Draughts, and Spirits and Liquors, which includes consumer and service elements.

Minimum Entry Requirements

• Level 8 (NFQ) or higher Degree in Science, Food, Engineering or Business
• Level 7 (NFQ) with significant relevant industrial experience may be considered
• International equivalent as deemed appropriate by TU Dublin
• English language proficiency e.g., IELTS 6.0

Module Listing

Year One

Semester 1

• Advanced Brewing & Food Microbiology [Mandatory]
• Brew & Distilling Work Practice [Mandatory]
• Brewery Operations [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]
• Creation, Innovation & Entrepreneurship [Mandatory]
• Brew & Distilling Work Practice [Mandatory]
• Beverage Product Development [Mandatory]

Schedule

Semester 1

Semester 2

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this program are equipped with the skills to seek out a rewarding career in the drinks sector in areas such as:

• Production
• Processing
• Quality assurance
• Analysis
• Entrepreneurship

Examples of job titles include:

• 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

Student Testimonials

I think the programme is going to serve me really well in the future because I now have a little be more of the science knowledge on brewing & distilling, but also, I think it’s opened up another career path in marketing or innovation or new product development. Something along those lines which I wouldn’t have had exposure to in my job previous to this.
Padraig Fox, Guinness Global Brand Ambassador Diageo & Graduate

I was motivated to join the programme because while I have a lot of experience this is the first time has been an opportunity in Ireland for people like me who haven’t come through the brewing & distilling industry to get some qualifications without having to start at the very start, where we can come in at a postgraduate level. I think the programme is going to be great benefit to my future business career because I am now more certain of the decisions I am making, especially on the technical side and on the product development side. While I did have formal education in innovation and entrepreneurship, what I didn’t have were food and drink entrepreneurship skills – and that’s what this course has given me, which I’m going to take right through the business over the next five to ten years.
Stuart McNamara, Director, Portmagee Whiskey & Graduate

One aspect of the course that was very good was the networking. There were sixteen students from varied backgrounds and experiences. I came from a dairy background, others from the drinks business, and others from non-food backgrounds, so the networking part of it was fantastic.
Paul MacGabhann, Marketing and Brand Strategist & Graduate