Program Overview

MSc Brewing and Distilling

The MSc Brewing and Distilling is a postgraduate program that offers the flexibility to study online, at your own pace. This program provides students with the scientific, technical, and management expertise to excel in the globally respected and innovation-driven brewing and distilling industry.

Key Information

• Level: Postgraduate
• Delivery type: Self-paced
• Degree qualification: MSc
• Location: Online
• Duration: Flexible
• Start date: January, September

Programme Overview

With origins in brewing and distilling education dating back to 1903, Heriot-Watt University is recognized worldwide as a leader in the science, technology, and business of alcoholic drinks production. This online MSc Brewing and Distilling prepares students for senior technical, operational, and management roles across the brewing, distilling, and malting sectors.

Course Content

The MSc Brewing and Distilling comprises eight taught courses and a research project, combining scientific depth with practical industry application. The program is designed to be studied online at your own pace, typically over three years, with three entry points January and September. Each course requires around 150 hours of study.

Core Courses

• Cereals, Malting and Mashing
• Wort Boiling and Fermentation
• Distilling and Whisky Maturation
• Filtration and Packaging
• Beverage Microbiology and Biochemistry
• Research and Professional Practice
• Management in the Food and Beverage Industries
• MSc Research Project

Optional Courses

• Foundations of Energy
• Renewable Energy Technologies
• Environmental Impact Assessment
• Introduction to Process Technology

Fees and Funding

The MSc Brewing and Distilling is offered on a pay-per-course basis, giving students flexibility to spread the cost of their studies.

• Course fee: Ł1,175
• Dissertation Fee: Ł2,510
• Total: Ł11,910

Funding Opportunities

• Pay Per Course: All programs offer the flexibility to pay course-by-course, allowing students to spread the cost of their tuition over the lifetime of their studies.
• Employer Sponsorship: Securing funding from your employer can help with financing your studies.
• 20% Alumni Discount: If you are a Heriot-Watt alumnus, you qualify for 20% off your program fees.

Entry Requirements

We welcome applications from both science graduates and experienced industry professionals who want to develop advanced brewing and distilling expertise.

• Standard entry requirements: A good honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant science, engineering, or related discipline, or significant relevant professional experience in brewing, distilling, malting, or related industries.
• Additional entry routes: Recognition of prior learning (RPL) is available for students who have completed prior academic study in subjects that align closely to this program.

English Language Requirements

If your first language is not English, or your first degree was not taught in English, we'll need to see evidence of your English language ability. The minimum English language requirement for entry to this program is IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 5.5.

Employability

With our flexible model, you can earn while you learn, build your CV, and apply new skills right away. The average UK salary for industry-standard brewing and distilling roles is Ł50,900, and 84% of Heriot-Watt graduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduation.