Key information
Sustainability is driving change across the global drinks industry, from brewing and distilling to allied sectors. This MSc equips you with the knowledge and skills to assess current practices, develop practical sustainability strategies, and support the transition to a low-carbon, Net Zero future.
- Level
- Postgraduate
- Delivery type
- Self-paced
- Degree qualification
- MSc
- Location
- Online
- Duration
- Flexible
- Start date
- January, September
Programme overview
Sustainability is central to tackling climate change and achieving Net Zero, driving industries worldwide to develop decarbonisation strategies and set ambitious targets. This programme focuses on how the malting, brewing, distilling, and allied industries can assess current practices and develop practical, balanced roadmaps to sustainability across technological, environmental, economic, and social factors.
You will gain a strong foundation in sustainability concepts and their application within the alcoholic beverages sector, encompassing raw material selection to production processes, and industry-wide impacts. The programme also develops your ability to measure and evaluate sustainability performance, alongside understanding key policy and regulatory frameworks.
As the global drinks industry faces increasing environmental pressures, rising costs, and shifting consumer expectations, there is a growing demand for skilled professionals. Graduates of this MSc will be equipped to support businesses in meeting sustainability targets and driving the transition toward a low-carbon, Net Zero future.
120+ years
Brewing and distilling have been taught and researched at Heriot-Watt since 1903.
Global
Study with a global leader. Home to the International Centre for Brewing and Distilling, with worldwide industry recognition.
Flexible
Designed for working professionals, we offer flexible online study that fits around your shifts, family life and career.
Throughout the MSc Advanced Sustainability for Brewing and Distilling, you will:
- Demonstrate a core understanding of key sustainability concepts and criteria, and explain their relevance to the industrial production of alcoholic beverages
- Communicate decarbonisation strategies effectively to a range of stakeholders, including the public, industry professionals, and policymakers
- Categorise opportunities and risks associated with implementing sustainable practices across materials, manufacturing, processes, and the wider industry
- Assess the feasibility of improving sustainability in businesses or processes using case studies, regulations, and policy frameworks
- Generate practical ideas and innovative concepts to support the transition of industrial processes toward a reduced carbon footprint
Flexible study, one course at a time
We’ve made it simpler than ever to start your MSc. You’ll need to apply for and be accepted onto the full programme, once enrolled you can begin by taking your first course and paying as you go. No barriers. Get started today.
Apply NowStudent experience
Heriot-Watt University has been researching and teaching brewing and distilling since 1903. In 1990 we founded the International Centre for Brewing and Distilling to meet the needs of the global malting, brewing and distilling industries.
The MSc Advanced Sustainability for Brewing and Distilling is led by Dr Nathan Skillen, an expert in sustainability with a background in both Biosciences and Chemical Engineering. Nathan has significant experience in running programmes in Net Zero Engineering, and has held a fellowship with the UKRI Supergen Bioenergy Hub, ensuring the programme is grounded in current practice and innovation.
Course content
The Advanced Sustainability for Brewing and Distilling comprises eight taught courses and a research dissertation, combining scientific depth with practical industry application. The programme is designed to be studied online at your own pace, typically over three years, with two entry points – January and September. Each course requires around 150 hours of study.
- Principles of Sustainability Criteria
- Raw Materials Sustainability for Brewing and Distilling
- Research and Professional Practice
- MSc Research Project in Bioscience
- Beverage Process Sustainability
- Beverage Industry Sustainability
Graduate in Edinburgh, Dubai or Malaysia
All online degree graduates are also invited to attend their ceremony at one of our international campuses – in Edinburgh, Dubai or Malaysia – making your achievement a truly global celebration.
Learn more
Our teaching faculty
Fees and funding
The MSc Brewing and Distilling is offered on a pay-per-course basis, giving you flexibility to spread the cost of your studies.
| Course fee | Dissertation Fee | Total |
|---|---|---|
| £1,215 | £2,595 | £12,315 |
The tuition fees listed are applicable for 2026/2027.
Funding opportunities
Pay Per Course
All our programmes offer the flexibility to pay course-by-course, allowing you to spread the cost of your tuition over the lifetime of your studies.
20% Alumni Discount
If you are a Heriot-Watt alumnus, you qualify for 20% off your programme fees. For more information on how to claim your alumni discount contact hwonlineapps@hw.ac.uk.
Employer Sponsorship
Securing funding from your employer can help with financing your studies. For more information contact b2b@hw.ac.uk
We're here to support you
If you have questions or need help with enrolment, complete our quick enquiry form and an Enrolment Advisor will be in touch.
Contact usEntry requirements
We have standard entry requirements for all of our courses that you will have to meet.
We welcome applications from both science graduates and experienced industry professionals who want to develop advanced brewing and distilling expertise.
- We normally require:A good honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant science, engineering, or related discipline, orSignificant relevant professional experience in brewing, distilling, malting, or related industries.
Why Heriot-Watt
We're the top university in Scotland for graduate outcomes and 5th in the UK, which means that more of our graduates are employed or in postgraduate education than any other institution in the country. We're also ranked 1st in Scotland for producing CEO and MDs (Novuna Business Cash Flow 2023).
We're Scotland's most international University, with five global campuses and a global community of 60,000 online students and alumni from over 158 countries. Our online programmes are designed and developed by the same faculty who teach on our global campuses - expert academics and leaders in research and innovation who work alongside industry to find solutions to some of the world's most pressing challenge.
Together, we shape your future.
120+ years
Brewing and distilling have been taught and researched at Heriot-Watt since 1903.
Industry
Strong connections with industry - breweries, distilleries and professional bodies worldwide.
Flexible
Learn on demand and online without pausing your career in the drinks industry
Employability
With our flexible model you can earn while you learn, build your CV, and apply new skills right away. Get free access to 500+ industry credentials and dedicated Careers Service support.
Your Online experience
Explore Heriot-Watt Online as a student
Speak to an Advisor
Our Enrolment Advisors are here to help you explore your options, entry routes, and how online study can fit around your life.
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