Program Overview

MSc Brewing and Distilling

The MSc Brewing and Distilling program provides students with the opportunity to develop the necessary knowledge and skills to enter the malting, brewing, or distilling industries, or conduct related research. The program covers a broad range of subjects, including malting, brewing, and distilling science, chemical engineering, and optional units in business studies and production management.

Key Information

• Level: Postgraduate Taught
• Delivery type: Full Time, Part Time
• Degree qualification: MSc
• Mode of delivery: On-Campus
• Duration: 1 year
• Location: Edinburgh
• Start date: September

Course Content

The program includes mandatory and optional courses. Mandatory courses include:

• Cereals, Malting and Mashing
• Wort Boiling and Fermentation
• Distilling and Whisky Maturation
• Filtration and Packaging
• Research and Professional Practice
• MSc Research Project Optional courses include:
• Foundations of Energy
• Renewable Energy Technologies
• Beverage Microbiology and Biochemistry
• Introduction to Process Technology
• Food and Beverage Toxicology
• Environmental Impact Assessment
• Green and Sustainable Logistics
• Chemistry of Food
• Food Processing

Research Areas

The International Centre for Brewing and Distilling (ICBD) has established itself as an excellent research centre, with close ties to the professional and industrial world of science, engineering, and technology. The research focus areas include:

• Raw materials
• Malting
• Process improvement
• Sustainability
• Biochemistry and microbiology

Fees and Funding

• September 2026 intake tuition fees:
  • UK: Ł12,744 (Full Time), Ł6,372 (Part Time)
  • International: Ł28,952 (Full Time), Ł14,476 (Part Time)
• Scholarships and bursaries: Over Ł6 million worth of opportunities are available in fee and stipend scholarships.

Entry Requirements

• A minimum of honours degree at 2:2 or non-UK equivalent in a science or engineering subject.
• Relevant work experience will also be considered in support of the application.
• English language requirements: IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 5.5.

Student Experience

The program offers a comprehensive course structure, with the opportunity to learn from research-active brewing and distilling scientists and academics. Students will have access to on-site brewery, distillery, and rectification laboratory facilities to support their in-depth scientific learning. The ICBD provides a unique teaching and research facility that meets the needs of the brewing, distilling, and malting industries worldwide.