South East Technological University
BSc (Hons) in Brewing and Distilling
Carlow, Ireland
BSc
DURATION
4 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
EUR 14,500
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
What is the Course about?
Malting is the process of readying barley for use in brewing. Brewing is the process by which beer is produced. Distilling is the fermentation and purification process for the production of distilled spirits, including whiskey and brandy. The malting, brewing and distilling industry in Ireland is experiencing rapid growth.
Special Features
This is the first course of its kind in Ireland, designed specifically to meet the demands of a growing industry.
- Professional recognition - successful completion of this course allows exemption from the Brewing and Distilling Diploma level examinations to sit the Master level professional qualifications of the Institute of Brewing and Distilling (IBD) within the brewing and distilling industry.
- Industry-based work placement.
- Access to brewing and distilling facilities is part of the course.
- Collaboration with industry.
- Exit Awards: Higher Certificate in Science in Brewing Science ( 6) at the end of Year 2 and Bachelor of Science in Brewing Science ( 7) at the end of Year 3.
Would you like to work in one of Ireland's fastest-growing, innovative and most exciting industries? Would you like to develop skills in science, engineering, business and entrepreneurship while enjoying a real-world' focused, applied course? Are you passionate about a future career which can take you all over the world? If so, then Ireland's first honours degree in Brewing and Distilling is for you. With expert lecturers, leading-edge facilities, site visits, a six-month work placement and industry expert input from the first year, this unique course is for those who want to design their own way.
Year 1
Semester 1
- Fundamental Biology
- Chemistry 1
- Laboratory Science
- Quantitative Methods 1
- Physics 1
Semester 2
- Animal and Human Biology
- Current Concepts in Brewing and Distilling Science
- Chemistry 2
- Quantitative Methods 2
- Physics 2
Year 2
Semester 3
- Analytical Techniques for Brewing and Distilling
- Fundamentals of Microbiology 1
- Mechanical and Electrical Technology in Brewing and Distilling
- Biochemistry Biomolecules
- Quantitative Methods and Quality Control 1
Semester 4
- Analytical Chromatographic Techniques for Brewing and Distilling
- Fundamentals of Microbiology 2
- Malt, Water, Hops and Yeast - Brewing and Distilling Raw Materials
- Biochemistry Metabolism
- Quantitative Methods and Quality Control 2
Year 3
Semester 5
- The Brewing Process
- Brewery and Distillery Engineering
- Environmental Management
- Research Methods for Brewing and Distilling
Semester 6
- Work Placement Brewing and Distilling
Year 4
Semester 7
- Distillation and Distilled Spirits Production
- Management in the Brewing and Distilling Industry
- Quality Management for Brewers and Distillers
- Law for Brewing and Distilling 1
Semester 8
- Beverage Packaging
- Food Fermentation
- Post-Distillation Downstream Processing
- Law for Brewing and Distilling 2
- Marketing and New Product Innovation
- Research Project in Brewing and Distilling
Graduates will be skilled brewing and distilling experts and will gain employment in a variety of roles in the brewing and distilling industries, including production, laboratory and technical work, quality assurance or product development, in large or small-scale breweries or distilleries. Graduates may even start their own company. Skills can be used globally, so there are endless international opportunities.
Course Structure
Successful malting, brewing and distilling require the application of both scientific and engineering principles. This four-year course, which is the first undergraduate malting, brewing and distilling degree in Ireland, equips students with the necessary scientific knowledge and instrumentation competencies to work in the malting, brewing and distilling industry. Combined with modules in product development, marketing and regulatory affairs, graduates will be ideally qualified to work in these expanding industries. The course incorporates an industry work placement in Year 3 and a research project in Year 4.