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    Key information

    Location
    Edinburgh
    Mode of delivery
    On-campus
    Delivery type
    Full-time, Part-time
    Start date
    September
    Duration
    1 year
    Qualification
    MSc

    Contact

    Contact our enquiries team

    Contact us

    Overview

    Heriot-Watt University is regarded as one of the best places to study Brewing and Distilling. Our reputation is reflected by our unrivalled campus facilities, respected academic faculty, and the ongoing impact of our graduates in the drinks sector.

    MSc Brewing and Distilling at Heriot-Watt University prepares candidates for entry into the malting, brewing or distilling industries, or to conduct research. It covers a broad range of subjects, from brewing science and chemical engineering, to business studies and production management.

    The quickly developing craft industry, both in brewing and distilling, requires graduates with knowledge of modern instrumentation and this programme will ensure you build the skills and know-how required to perform successfully in the industry.

    Our series of 'Fit for work' events held on campus include seminars, talks, networking and recruitment exercises and involve a range of industry professionals from graduates with their own companies, to representatives from the major breweries and distilling companies.

    Programme duration

    MSc programmes last for one year (September to August inclusive) and include a substantial research project.

    The Diploma covers the same taught classes as the MSc but lasts for just 9 months (September to May inclusive). Students admitted to the Diploma programme and who perform well in the taught courses may be invited to transfer to the appropriate MSc programme.

    September 2024 entry

    The deadline for applications from UK students is 30 August 2024. For EU and overseas applicants, we guarantee to consider applications submitted by 2 August 2024.

    From Grain to Glass

    In this episode of our podcast series 'A Future Made' we raise a toast - or three - to our academics and students. All who are doing ground-breaking work, with delicious results, at the University's International Centre of Brewing and Distilling.

    Listen now

    Course content

    Year 1

    During your studies, you will complete eight taught courses (five mandatory and three optional) and your MSc Research Project dissertation. 

    Semester 1

    Core courses

    • Cereals, Malting and Mashing
    • Wort Boiling and Fermentation

    Optional courses

    • Foundations of Energy
    • Renewable Energy Technologies
    • Beverage Microbiology and Biochemistry
    • Introduction to Process Technology

    Semester 2

    Core courses

    • Distilling and Whisky Maturation
    • Filtration and Packaging
    • Research and Professional Practice

    Optional courses

    • Environmental Impact Assessment
    • Chemistry of Food
    • Food Processing
    • Management in the Food and Beverage Industries

    Go Global

    Some of our Postgraduate Taught Masters Programmes are eligible for Inter-Campus Transfer. Please contact goglobal@hw.ac.uk for further information.

    Fees and funding

    Tuition fees

    Tuition fees
    Status [footnote 1] Full-time Part-time
    UK 10736 5368
    Overseas [footnote 2] 26976 13488

    Footnotes

    1. Your residency 'status' is usually defined as the country where you have been ordinarily resident for the three years before the start of your course. Find out more about tuition fees.
    2. Overseas includes applications from European Union countries who do not hold Pre-Settled or Settled status in the UK. Read more about the application process for EU nationals.

    Scholarship for Academic Excellence

    Our Postgraduate Scholarship for Academic Excellence in MSc Brewing and Distilling offers a £1,000 tuition fee reduction.

    Scholarship for Academic Excellence

    Scholarships and bursaries

    We aim to encourage well-qualified, ambitious students to study with us and we offer a wide variety of scholarships and bursaries to achieve this. Over £6 million worth of opportunities are available in fee and stipend scholarships, and more than 400 students benefit from this support.

    View our full range of postgraduate scholarships.

    Entry requirements

    Entry

    For MSc entry, candidates must hold a First or Second Class Honours Degree, or equivalent qualification from a British or overseas university, in a science or engineering subject (for example, Biological Sciences, Chemistry or Chemical/Mechanical Engineering).

    For Diploma entry, candidates must hold a degree, preferably at Honours level, in an appropriate subject as defined above. Candidates who do not necessarily fulfil the above criteria may wish to apply to the Diploma programme. All such cases are given individual consideration.

    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 requirement for English language is IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.

    We offer a range of English language courses to help you meet the English language requirement prior to starting your masters programme:

    • 20 weeks English (for IELTS of 5.0 with no skill lower than 4.5)
    • 14 weeks English (for IELTS of 5.0 with minimum of 5.0 in writing and no skill lower than 4.5)
    • 10 weeks English (for IELTS of 5.5 with no skill lower than 5.0)
    • 6 weeks English (for IELTS 5.5 with no skill lower than 5.5)
    "Heriot-Watt is the home of the International Centre for Brewing and Distilling and has an outstanding reputation for expertise in the field."

    Leon Webb ,
    MSc Brewing and Distilling

    Why Heriot-Watt?

    Brewing Student Society

    The Heriot-Watt Brewing Society is the student society for those who enjoy brewing, drinking great beer and meeting new people. The arrange virtual and in person beer tastings, brewery tours, guest speakers as well as member discounts.

    Clubs and activities

    At Heriot-Watt we have an extensive programme of over 90 sports clubs and societies to get involved in. You can try as many as you like or start one of your own!

    Edinburgh campus accommodation

    Living on our beautiful Edinburgh campus is a great way to meet others from all over the world. Our student accommodation is within easy reach of the teaching buildings, sports facilities, catering venues and the Student Union

    Edinburgh Campus facilities

    At Heriot-Watt University, we offer a wide range of services to help you deal with all aspects of your life with us, whether these be academic, personal, technical, financial or just plain fun!

    Health and wellbeing

    Student Wellbeing Services aim to provide a range of support, guidance, activities and advice to help students to be their best, and get the most from their university experience. From counselling to coaching we'll sure you are fully supported.

    Heriot-Watt Student Union

    There's more to university life than simply getting your degree, and Heriot-Watt University Student Union is all about helping you to have the best possible experience while you study here.

    Living in Edinburgh

    Historic and beautiful, a cultural capital that fuels the senses whether you love the arts or nature, nightlife or study life, Edinburgh is stimulating and inspirational and never, ever boring.

    Sport facilities

    Oriam, Scotland Sports Performance Centre offers state-of-the-art sports facilities, for all levels of sport and ability

    Your career

    Employers around the world actively seek out our graduates because they are work-ready. All our degrees are career-focused and relevant to the needs of industry. Around 95% of our students are in employment or further study within six months of graduating.

    We are accredited by the following organisations

    At Heriot-Watt University we develop degrees that are relevant for the world of work. We work with Professional bodies and Institutes to gain appropriate Accreditations and Professional Memberships for your industry. Find out below how this degree aligns to industry.

    Institute of Brewing and Distilling

    Institute of Brewing and Distilling (IBD)

    Institute of Brewing and Distilling (IBD) offer Heriot-Watt BSc honours or Masters graduates the opportunity for exemption from the Diploma in Brewing or Diploma in Distilling should they later wish to undertake the Master Brewer or Master Distiller qualification through the IBD.

    Related programmes