BSc (Hons) Brewing and Distilling (partnership college route)
Saturday 30 September and 28 October.
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The course
- Duration
- 4 years
- Location
- Edinburgh
- Delivery type
- Full-time
At the forefront of the Brewing and Distilling industry for the UK.
Contact
Got questions about this programme?
Contact our enquiries team.
Overview
The course is designed to educate potential managers of the malting, brewing and distilling industries and to provide a full understanding of the science and technology of the processes involved from cereal farming to bottling and packaging.
The programme has been developed in co-operation with senior representatives of the brewing, malting and distilling industries who are members of the Education Board of the International Centre for Brewing and Distilling. Graduates have detailed knowledge and understanding of science and technology, along with the practical skills to become leaders within the food and drink sector.
Careers
Heriot-Watt has an outstanding reputation for expertise in Brewing and Distilling, with graduates at the forefront of an ever changing industry.
The International Centre for Brewing and Distilling was formed in 1990 and provides a strong partnership between academia and industry, ensuring our graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge required for a successful career.
Our graduates are employed in a wide range of roles, from plant managers and operators to marketing and sales. Many work at the forefront of innovation, launching new breweries and distilleries and in senior roles in established companies.
Brewing and Distilling Scholarships and Industry Engagement
We work closely with the Brewing and Distilling industry and every year key partners offer scholarships and industry experience opportunities to our students. These are the organisations who offered opportunities to our most recent intake of students:
- Brewgooder
- Scotch Whisky Association
- Diageo
Programme structure
Years 1 and 2: Forth Valley College
The course is delivered for the first two years at Forth Valley College, where you will study the fundamental principles of Industrial Biotechnology.
Years 3 to 5: Heriot-Watt University
Forth Valley College students will transfer into the third year of the Heriot-Watt BSc Brewing and Distilling programme and follow its programme structure for the remainder of the degree.
Forth Valley entry requirements
The entry requirements for the Forth Valley HND are Scottish Highers CC or equivalent. These should include Biology, Chemistry or Mathematics. Find out more about the partnership programme with Forth Valley College.
If you wish to apply for direct entry to first year at Heriot-Watt, please see our our main BSc Brewing and Distilling programme page.
Application form
To apply for this combined programme, you can apply through the online application form for Brewing and Distilling at Forth Valley College.
Accreditation
Institute of Brewing and Distilling (IBD) offer honours graduates the opportunity for exemption from the Diploma in Brewing or Diploma in Distilling should they later in their career wish to undertake the Master Brewer or Master Distiller qualification through the IBD.
The college partnership programmes are a fantastic opportunity which open many doors. You'll receive extensive support throughout your studies from Academic and Professional staff, enabling you to make the most of your time at Heriot-Watt. I worked with the careers service on my CV, and with their help I secured an internship last summer. If you are thinking of applying to Heriot-Watt through the college partnership opportunities, I highly recommend it.
Go Global
This course is currently only delivered at our Edinburgh Campus and there are no current opportunities to study at exchange partner institutions.
However, other Go Global opportunities may be available. Please contact goglobal@hw.ac.uk for more information
Course content
Students on this partnership route enter at Year 3 having first completed their HND Industrial Biotechnology programmes at Forth Valley College.
Year 1
Year 1 - HND Industrial Biotechnology (Forth Valley College)
- Microbiology
- Biotechnology
- Biochemistry
- General Chemistry
- Physical Chemistry
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Maths for science 1
- Statistics for science 1
- Lab Skills
- Graded Unit 1
Year 2
Year 2 - HND Industrial Biotechnology (Forth Valley College)
- Base Catalysed Organometallic Chemistry
- Maths for Science 2
- Quality health and Safety
- Animal Plant & Cell Culture
- DNA & Genetics
- Protein Structure & Function
- Chemical Engineering Principles
- Heat Transfer
- Instrumental Techniques
- Aromatic Chemistry
- Cell Biology
- Microbiological Techniques
- Chemical Engineering Applied Physical Chemistry
- Graded Unit 2
Year 3
Brings specialist courses in Food and Beverage Process Technology and Biotechnology.
Year 4
Focuses on particular aspects of the industry, including:
- Cereal Technology
- Yeast Biology and Fermentation
- Beer Maturation
- Distillation
- Quality
- Packaging Technology
- Commercial Aspects of Brewing and Distilling
An independent research project allows students to apply their knowledge and skills gained throughout the programme.
The School has a pilot plant brewery and distillery, which is used for teaching the practical aspects of the subject through project work.
Entry requirements
Year 1
For this special partnership programme, Years 1 and 2 are taken at Forth Valley College. See Forth Valley College for more information.
One of the following:
- Two Highers at grade C or above (which should include Biology, Chemistry or Maths)
- Successful completion of a relevant access course or an appropriate group of National Qualification units
- Applicants who do not meet this criteria, but have relevant experience or alternative qualifications, will be considered
Additional Requirements: - Please note that selection will be made via a successful interview and group task
Year 2
For this special partnership programme, Years 1 and 2 are taken at Forth Valley College. See Forth Valley College for more information.
One of the following:
- Two Highers at grade C or above (which should include Biology, Chemistry or Maths)
- Successful completion of a relevant access course or an appropriate group of National Qualification units
- Applicants who do not meet this criteria, but have relevant experience or alternative qualifications, will be considered
Additional Requirements: - Please note that selection will be made via a successful interview and group task
Year 3
You must have completed the HND Industrial Biotechnology from Forth Valley College before transferring to Heriot-Watt for Year 3 of this partnership programme.
Fees
| Status* | Scotland |
|---|---|
| Fee | Paid by SAAS |
* 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.
Scholarships and bursaries
View our full range of undergraduate scholarships.